In an effort to combat crime across the City of Mbombela (CoM), the executive mayor, Sibongile Makushe-Mazibuko, announced that CCTV cameras will be installed in identified problem areas.

This was revealed during the State of the City Address held on Thursday, June 26, with R7m allocated to the project. Plans for a safer city include a 24/7 CCTV monitoring system, starting with Anderson Street, which has been flagged as a crime hotspot.

Makushe-Mazibuko said that in line with the city’s security master plan, part of the budget will be used to establish a security ‘war room’ to integrate and monitor the city’s surveillance network across all four regions.

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“We will be expanding this to other crime-affected areas across the city,” she said.

“We recognise tourism as a crucial sector in the province, and are supporting the upkeep and protection of strategic areas surrounding the Kruger National Park that pose a threat to tourism.

“We want people across the municipality to feel safe at all times, knowing they are being watched day and night.”

She added that it is hoped the security initiative will also help attract new investment to the city.

In her address, Makushe-Mazibuko highlighted the CoM’s progress in addressing the electricity backlog, with 96% of households now having access to electricity. Only 4% of households still require electrification, despite challenges posed by ageing municipal infrastructure.

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Key interventions include the near-completion of the Delta 132kV Substation upgrade, which is awaiting Eskom’s approval to be energised.
The KaMagugu switching station has been completed and handed over to the municipality.

Other projects under way are the Msholozi 132kV line from the Nelsrivier to Msholozi, which is 90% complete, and the West Acres Substation upgrade which is nearing completion.
Construction of the new 40MVA Barberton Waterworks substation has been finished and will be energised once the supply line construction – scheduled to start this month – is completed.

Makushe-Mazibuko reiterated that the municipality is addressing dysfunctional streetlights, having fitted LED lights to approximately 2 400 units.

She said that contractors are currently replacing fittings and poles, including those damaged in car accidents. “Our goal is to ensure all streetlights are electrified.”