Since February, the streetlights in Northcliff Ext 19 have had persistent issues, leaving the community fearful of the dark. City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena explained that the non-functional streetlights were caused by a cable fault and the theft of LED light fittings. “The fault was traced, located, and repaired restoring ten streetlights,” Mangena said. However, he noted that five streetlights remain off due to ongoing theft and vandalism.
Mangena highlighted the next steps. “We will inform our security and risk team, who will open a case of theft at the police station, before proceeding with an insurance claim.” He emphasised the high cost of LED fittings, approximately R2 000 each, and the necessity of following all procedures before lodging a claim.
Read more: City Power shines light on streetlight repairs and future innovations
He also added that the scale of theft and vandalism in Roodepoort is severe, with criminals frequently targeting aerial bundled conductor (ABC) cables, LED fittings, control boxes, poles, and wiring “Stolen ABC cables are often used to power illegal connections in informal settlements, causing infrastructure damage and serious safety risks.”
To combat this, City Power is phasing out conventional streetlights, with overhead ABC stringing, replacing them with solar-powered streetlights. Mangena explained: “These solar lights contain no high-value components that attract vandals, and each operates independently, meaning that if one is damaged, it does not plunge the entire street into darkness, as happens with the interconnected ABC system.”
Additionally, solar streetlights remain functional during loadshedding or localised power interruptions, providing consistent and safer lighting for residents.
Regarding the broader performance of streetlight maintenance in Johannesburg, City Power achieved 71.43% of its service level standards (SLS) during the fourth quarter of the 2024/25 financial year. This included meeting targets for average repair times across various road types and installing 1 139 public lights.
Mangena also highlighted ongoing initiatives. “City Power is installing solar-powered, energy-efficient LED streetlights to improve community safety, reduce crime, and support CCTV surveillance. These lights operate independently of the grid, ensuring consistent illumination during loadshedding and power outages, while lowering energy costs and carbon emissions.”
Also read: JRA highlights urgent need to combat traffic signal theft and vandalism
Looking ahead, City Power plans to roll out smart lighting control systems and energy monitoring technology in the 2025/26 financial year, to enable real-time performance tracking, predictive maintenance, and enhanced operational efficiency.
The programme will continue expanding LED retrofitting citywide to deliver energy savings, lower maintenance costs, and provide safer, more efficient lighting for Johannesburg’s roads and communities.
Residents are encouraged to help safeguard public infrastructure by reporting suspicious activities to City Power’s risk control team at 011 490 7900/011 490 7911, or via WhatsApp on 083 579 4497.
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