LIMPOPO – After only four residents attended the meeting organised by the Hoedspruit Chamber/Sakekamer (HCS) regarding the streetlight project on November 14, the project presentation was distributed via social media community groups.

Lizmari Wolmarans said that even officials from the Maruleng Local Municipality (MLM) forgot about the meeting, necessitating the move to gather comments or objections through online community groups. The deadline for public comments will be announced soon.

Hoedspruit has around 230 streetlights on its main road and in neighbourhoods. Due to a lack of municipal budget and equipment, these streetlights have deteriorated, with most now non-operational, raising safety concerns for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians during the evening.

In 2023, a request was submitted to MLM for written approval to allow HCS to assess and repair or replace the streetlights with solar lights. However, the lengthy approval process delayed the project’s start.

Wolmarans explained that the project will be executed in phases, as detailed in the presentation. The current municipal budget includes provisions for streetlights and a high mast light, with MLM pledging R150 000 to HCS for the project from their budget.

HCS has also requested MLM to update or change advertising bylaws to eliminate planted signs, and instead rather have signage on lamp posts.

MLM has already begun streetlight repairs, including work on the R527 bridge, the R40 crossing, and the main street leading to Drakensig. The project aims to use as much of the existing infrastructure as possible, though there is a risk that some circuits may be entirely damaged.

The contractor will determine what can be salvaged and what needs complete replacement. Any repairs exceeding the current budget will be deferred to phase 2.

Strategic areas identified by Farmwatch include the alleyway behind Spar with a new security gate, the corner of Koedoe and Buffel streets, and the Plastic View walkway to Le Bamba. MLM has already addressed the latter, and if the current lighting is sufficient, resources will be redirected to another area.

For more information and to read the full proposal, visit Hoedspruit Chamber/Sakekamer’s website.