The CoE is continuing with streetlight repairs as part of its public lighting maintenance programme, and recently fixed lights in Klopperpark.

The Klopperpark area recently logged several calls, which the city attended to.

Ward 92 Clr Kade Guerreiro welcomed the upgrades and urged residents to continue reporting faulty streetlights.

“To report an issue, residents must send the pole number, the closest address and the street name,” he said.

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Highlighting the importance of proper street lighting, Guerreiro said streetlights help residents see at night, adding that in cases of crime, residents can see what’s happening outside their gates.

“Those with security cameras also get clearer footage.”

He said the CoE installed LED lights on Lente Road to replace the older yellow lights that offered poor visibility at night.

City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the Energy Department’s streetlight section is responsible for repairs and maintenance.

“There are nine service providers appointed throughout the city, used on an as-and-when basis for three years. This assists the internal team with streetlight and control gear repairs,” said Dlamini.

“Streetlight repairs and maintenance happen across the city. Work is ongoing on existing infrastructure, while new infrastructure is added as the city grows or in identified dark areas. New infrastructure is funded through capital budgets.”

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Dlamini said streetlights are essential for road safety, illuminate roads, improve safe road use and provide a sense of security, but are not the primary safety measure.

“Crime can happen any time, regardless of illumination levels. Residents must remain vigilant and take additional security measures to protect their lives and property.”

“The city is attending to logged streetlight service calls. In parallel, nine depots are rolling out LED retrofits, which are more energy efficient and illuminate better. This rollout will be done over two financial years. In areas without streetlights, the city installs high-mast lighting,” he said.

He explained that budget reallocation processes align with the Municipal Finance Management Act and National Treasury guidelines.

“Budget reallocation involves all departments, the Finance Department and the council. Funding for repairs and maintenance comes from city revenue.

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“The operating budget allocated for streetlight repairs and maintenance in Klopperpark is part of the Germiston area’s overall budget. There is no budget per street, suburb or ward.

“Capital budget projects for new infrastructure (nine) are identified through the Integrated Development Plan. The community participates in these budget cycles to prioritise the most critical funding needs,” Dlamini said.