Ward Councillor urges city to take urgent action on streetlights in his ward

Ward 91 Councillor Desmond McKenzie has once again criticised the City of Ekurhuleni for leaving Norkem Park and Birchleigh North in darkness, both literally and figuratively, due to broken and vandalised streetlights.

McKenzie called on the City to urgently prioritise the repair of all non-functional streetlights across his ward. Residents have expressed outrage and disappointment at the continued neglect.

“Despite months of pleas and efforts to engage with the department, the response has been met with silence, inaction, and a lack of accountability,” said McKenzie.

He added that limited repairs on Mooifontein Street were short-lived, with most streetlights already non-functional.

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“This proves the City’s efforts have been superficial and lack any real commitment to solving the problem,” he said.

The absence of streetlights affects virtually every street in Norkem Park and Birchleigh North, leaving residents living in fear.

McKenzie highlighted the dangers, including increased crime and violence, higher risk of accidents and injuries, and difficulty for emergency services to navigate the area.

“There is also reduced visibility for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, and increased fear and anxiety, especially at night.”

He added that the issues have a negative impact on local businesses and economic activity.

“Residents have been logging the same streetlights repeatedly, only to see no work done. This cycle of neglect and inaction has gone on for far too long,” McKenzie said.

Residents have vowed to continue exposing the department’s incompetence and demanding accountability, insisting that the people of Norkem Park and Birchleigh North deserve better.

ALSO READ: McKenzie urges CoE to address streetlight repairs

City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini acknowledged the issue, stating that streetlight vandalism in the area is so severe that full reinstatement is akin to electrifying a previously unserved area.

He explained that the Energy Department is responsible for repairs, but extreme vandalism and the speed at which it occurs complicate matters.

“There is currently no fixed timeline for repairs, as initiatives depend on budget, resource availability, and, most importantly, apprehending the criminals who vandalise streetlight infrastructure within days of repair,” Dlamini said.

Dlamini confirmed that main roads in Birchleigh and Norkem Park have been attended to and reinstated where possible.

He urged residents to report faulty streetlights via the CoE call centre or the CoE app, with an estimated turnaround time of seven days.

While the city is considering upgrades to more durable, energy-efficient LED lighting, Dlamini emphasised that the key preventative measure remains catching those responsible for the damage.