Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale today launched a multi-million rand solar energy programme for Joe Slovo, KwaLanga, in Cape Town in a move that is expected to reduce the energy bill of residents in the newly developed area.

The programme was funded by the Danish Government as part of its Danish International Development Assistance Agency (Danida), which provides assistance to the N2 Gateway Project among others.

More than 2 600 families will receive solar-powered geysers as part of government’s programme to create better living conditions for residents of the former Joe Slovo informal settlement.

The units will be fitted with 2 639 solar geysers at a cost of R18 million.

Minister Sexwale said the South African Government had a constitutional duty to provide houses and added that government was determined to improve the quality of houses it builds even if this meant that fewer houses.

 "The houses have been specifically designed with their roofs sloping at the right angle to accommodate the water heating equipment. The panels absorb ultraviolet light and the system, which can store electricity, is designed to provide the households with an on-going supply of hot water even in winter,” he said.

Denmark is renowned in developing renewable energy technology.

Issued by the Deparment of Human Settlements

For more information please contact Xolani Xundu at 083 788 5747