Vandals take the light from city streets
With theft and vandalism being a key component as to why the street lights on City of Johannesburg's streets are off, City Power is working to fight against this threat.
Repairs to non-functional streetlights, suspected to have been vandalised, are finally underway at Ethel Avenue towards Judith Crescent in Northcliff. Considering the issue was first logged in July 2024, these repairs must bring with them respite from fear of what one could found lurking in the darkness.
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According to City Power, general purpose (GP) wires were removed, which then led to multiple cable faults. “To restore power temporarily, we have installed a provisional supply to some of the streetlight poles. We will provide further updates once the repairs are completed,” said City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena. Additionally, they have informed those affected about the ongoing work.
Mangena said they are aware of the ongoing issues surrounding malfunctioning streetlights throughout the city. “These persistent problems are a direct result of criminal activity targeting our electrical infrastructure, with areas such as Hursthill, the inner city, Randburg, and Roodepoort being particularly affected.”
Streetlights in these areas have become prime targets for criminals, who dismantle them to steal valuable components. These stolen parts, including Aerial Bundle Cables (ABC), which are durable and easily accessible, are often used in illegal electricity connections. “Criminal syndicates in informal settlements use these cables to create unauthorized ‘parallel electricity distribution enterprises’, allowing them to supply stolen electricity to homes and businesses, such as taverns, in exchange for monthly fees,” he said. Similarly, luminaire components are also stolen and used to bypass legal meters, facilitating further electricity theft.
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Additionally, streetlights are being deliberately damaged to create dark areas, allowing criminals to carry out illegal activities such as robbery, burglaries, and hijackings without detection. “Our teams will repair the streetlights, only for them to be vandalised again in a matter of days or weeks following the repairs.”
Mangena said in response to these ongoing challenges, City Power is taking proactive steps to enhance safety and visibility in Johannesburg’s streets. “We are investing in off-grid solar high public lighting, which will not only improve illumination across key areas but also help reduce the opportunity for crime. This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to safeguard both our infrastructure and the safety of the city’s residents.”
Ward 88 councillor Nicolene Jonker said malfunctioning streetlights happen all too often in her ward. Primarily due to cable theft, insufficient maintenance, and slow City Power responses. Jonker also explained cases of theft or vandalism are processed as an insurance claim. “Which can lead to extended delays, sometimes stretching to months because of procurement and contractor availability.”
When streetlights malfunction, residents share with her: Their heightened worry of crime, frustrations of repeated reports to City Power without any solutions, and an uptick in cable theft when lights stay off for extended times. They are calling for more prompt action and accountability from the city.
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Related article: Log a complaint for faulty street lights
