While repairs are being made, faulty streetlights remain a widespread concern across KwaDukuza.
Technicians are currently working in Ward 30 (Ballito/Compensation) and dozens of lights have already been fixed in Ward 22 (Salt Rock).

However, councillors and community groups say deeper problems continue to affect the ability of the municipality to keep our streets lit.

Ward 30 councillor Jack Abraham said nearly 50 streetlights in his ward are not working.

“Ballito Drive is the darkest road,” he said, adding that while other streets have one or two faulty lights, this busy route remains a major concern.

Ward 22 councillor Privi Makhan confirmed that 41 streetlights were repaired in her ward last week, including parts of Salt Rock, but warned that challenges persist.

“The key issues are a lack of co-ordination and no structured maintenance plan. If budgets were properly managed, the situation could improve. Additionally, the unresponsiveness of officials has really compounded this issue,” she said.

Ward 6 (Ballito) councillor Ayabonga Zwane said residents remain frustrated as some streetlights are either not repaired at all or stop working again shortly after being fixed.

“This is not merely an inconvenience; it is a serious public safety concern that demands urgent and sustained attention,” said Zwane.

He said the maintenance team rotates between Wards 4, 6, 21, 22 and 30, depending on available materials and budget, contributing to delays.

Ongoing vandalism, including tampering with circuit boxes and day-night switches, has further strained the system.

Zwane also raised concern about limited resources, noting that only one functional cherry picker truck is servicing the entire municipality after repeated mechanical failures.

Morné Steffens, chairperson of the Ballito Neighbourhood Watch, said the issue has been a problem since 2017.

He stressed that poor lighting contributed to crime and affected neighbourhood watch operations, particularly in areas relying on camera surveillance.