Keeping the lights on

The Courier received a number of letters asking why lights are being left on during the day, citing a waste of power as an unnecessary effect.

KwaDukuza municipality technical services electrical engineer, Nick Hall said there is some method to the madness.

“As you know, we have appointed a new lighting contractor and they have already done some work,” said Hall.

However last month was the end of the financial year, and stock for new lights and electrical infrastructure has run low.

“We are now in the new financial year and we have placed orders for new stock, which should arrive soon.”

Hall explained that the equipment that turns lights off during the day needs to be replaced, which is why some lights have been on during daytime.

“Because of safety issues, we have kept the lights on the whole time. I also get a lot more flak if the lights are off than when they are on,” said Hall.

“However it is better to have lights, dark streets pose safety issues.”

New equipment has been ordered and Hall “hopes to have things up and running properly in a few weeks”.