To: The City of Cape Town and Relevant Authorities

We, the undersigned residents and concerned individuals, urgently request your attention to the dire situation in Hangberg informal settlement, where the lack of electricity has been a persistent problem, posing a severe threat to the safety and well-being of the community.

Background: Hangberg informal settlement has been without electricity for an extended period, leaving its residents vulnerable to a multitude of challenges, the most critical being recurrent fires that have tragically taken innocent lives and destroyed homes, along with valuable household items that residents can not afford to replace. 

Notable incidents include:

April 21, 2015: A devastating shack fire claimed the lives of a family of four and destroyed eleven bungalows in Hangberg, illustrating the severe risks that the community faces.

October 19, 2018: A disastrous fire in 2018 resulted in two fatalities and the destruction of 30 shacks. Shockingly, the victims of this tragic incident still find themselves without permanent homes and have been residing in the community's recreational center for far too long. Their plight demonstrates the urgent need for change and the dire consequences of inaction.

December 6, 2022: Another heart-wrenching incident left twenty-four people homeless as a fire destroyed four wendy houses in Hangberg, emphasizing the ongoing threats to residents' safety and housing security.

These incidents are painful reminders of the constant fire risks that Hangberg residents face and underscore the pressing need for the installation of electricity to mitigate these dangers.

Our Concerns:

Safety: The absence of electricity has resulted in the use of hazardous methods for lighting and heating, which have led to life-threatening fires. Installing electricity boxes will greatly reduce these risks.

Economic Hardship: Residents have suffered economic losses due to fire damage and the inability to store perishable goods. Electricity is essential for basic livelihood activities.
Our Petition: We, the undersigned, kindly request the following actions:

Immediate Installation of Electricity Boxes: We ask the City of Cape Town to prioritize the installation of electricity boxes in Hangberg informal settlement to provide safe and reliable access to electricity for the residents.

Safety Measures: Implement safety measures alongside the installation of electricity boxes, such as fire prevention education, to ensure that the community is well-equipped to use electricity safely.

Support for Victims: Provide support to those affected by previous fires, including assistance in rebuilding their homes.

We, the undersigned, believe that installing electricity in Hangberg will enhance the safety, quality of life, and economic prospects for its residents. We urge the City of Cape Town and relevant authorities to address this critical issue promptly and with the utmost urgency.