Four faulty high-mast lights collapsed on January 1, three in Pienaar and one in Tekwane South, after failing to withstand recent heavy rain and storms.

City of Mbombela (CoM) spokesperson Joseph Ngala said work has begun to replace the lights.

A house was affected in one of the areas and was refurbished by the supplier of the high-mast light at no cost to the municipality.

“Following these incidents, the city engaged the affected service providers and the supplier. Due to the severity of the matter, a decision was taken to conduct a comprehensive assessment of all high-mast lights installed and supplied by the relevant service providers,” Ngala said.

ALSO READ: Lowveld dams overflow

He added that an additional eight high-mast lights have been identified as being at risk of collapsing should similar storm conditions occur again. As a risk mitigation measure, all high-mast lights deemed unsafe were removed by the supplier.

Ngala said assessments are ongoing and there is a possibility that further high-mast lights may be taken down for replacement.

ALSO READ: KNP implements quotas due to flood-damaged roads

“In parallel, the city is verifying the supplier’s design to ensure that the replacement high-mast lights are safe and fully compliant with applicable national standards,” he said.

Ngala also dismissed claims circulating in communities that the infrastructure was removed due to non-payment of service providers. He confirmed that the infrastructure will be replaced and that all associated costs will be covered by the supplier.