R7-million has been allocated for streetlight repairs in Shaka’s Head and Ballito, with the municipality’s electricity department fixing 20 at a time according to a priority list.

This emerged during the first quarterly community engagement meeting in Ward 30, where residents could engage ward councillor Jack Abrahams and his ward committee.

The movement on street light repairs was well received by residents as the area has been in darkness for many months. Currently about 30% to 40% of streetlights in the ward are not working.

Non-functional streetlights, illegal dumping and inadequate road safety measures were cited as the most pressing issues facing the ward.

About 35 residents joined the meeting at the Scout Hall at Townsend Park on Monday night to receive feedback from Abrahams and debate the best way forward on a list of issues.

Of particular interest was an update on the planned Dukuza Substation in Compensation, where the site is currently being cleared so that construction can begin.

“It is expected that the construction will take between 14 and 18 months. It will supply wards 4 (Shaka’s Head), 22 (Salt Rock) and 30,” said Abrahams.

One of the most frustrating repeat issues for motorists on the P445 (between Ballito and the R102), is that traffic lights often do not work.

This is allegedly a result of vandalism rather than cable theft, with Abrahams saying he has had a commitment from the municipality to secure the boxes that feed into the traffic lights.

Also included in the meeting was a comprehensive list of issues compiled by Ward 30 resident and KwaDukuza Residents Forum secretary, Riaan Verster.

“I think people underestimate the importance of ward 30, which includes the business park area. It contains the main financial hub of our municipality. If Ward 30 fails, then so too does KwaDukuza,” said Verster.

Abrahams and his committee will attempt to remedy the problems raised in the coming months.

One of the main issues raised by Verster and other attendees was the danger for pedestrians on the top section of Ballito Drive and the P445, where dangerous driving and inadequate infrastructure to cross the busy road puts pedestrians at risk.

Visible policing, well-placed traffic calming measures and a bridge over the road were all raised as potential solutions, with Abrahams committing to follow up on the issue.

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