THE news that more than 80 per cent of street lights on the N2/Mount Edgecombe interchange have been affected by vandalism and theft has shocked PR ward councillor (Ward 102), Rory Macpherson.

Last week, South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) told Northglen News the damage caused by the vandals was substantial.

The agency said it was in the process of procuring and implementing lighting technology which incorporates advanced security features in order to mitigate future damage.

Read also: SANRAL say they will replace vandalised lights on N2/Mount Edgecombe interchange

However, Mapcherson, said he feels residents, businesses, pedestrians and motorists have been let down by the eThekwini Municipality who should be stepping up law enforcement.

“This is a catalytic project for Durban and the continued vandalism of the infrastructure on the interchange is embarrassing.”

“The street lights on the N2/Mount Edgecombe interchange were heightened to give maximum light and perhaps to stop theft. However, they have a design, almost like a see-saw, which allows the lights to collapse downwards. Because of the disregard by some of the thieves, the street lights have fallen damaging infrastructure on the interchange.

“What I’ve discovered in my investigations into the theft and vandalism is that many of the lights are interlinked. So when one is tampered with, it impacts five or six in a row because the cabling is stripped completely. The continued theft is impacting everyone, from businesses to residents, to motorists to pedestrians as sections of the interchange are in darkness at times. I feel the City needs to step up law enforcement and find out who is behind this. We also need to find out why haven’t the lights been repaired or replaced, we are owed those answers,” he said.

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