Concerns over residents safety in the new housing extension areas will see the municipality erect security lights and press ahead with grass cutting efforts.
The illuminated areas will help to ward off criminals who prey on unsuspecting pedestrians, robbing them of their cellphones and money and, in some cases, even beating them up.
The Courier has reported on many incidents in the areas commonly called extensions 18 and 20 and in open fields in these areas.
Speaking at a Ward Two committee meeting, Councillor Thulani Mahaye, said the lights were urgently needed to make the town safer.
Illegal dumping problem
Mark Donaldson of the Municipal Technical Services Department said similar lights had been put in Peacevale, stemming a crime wave that saw residents’ dogs poisoned and their homes burgled.
He added that provision had been for street lighting in the new extensions and this will be done once the electrification programme is finalised within the next few weeks.
Another concern raised by committee members is that of constant sewage leaks in the same area, poor storm-water drainage, that has ‘seen dangerous animals roaming around’ (thought to be water monitors) and illegal dumping.
Mr Donaldson said the municipality was aware of these issues and was currently taking up the complaints with the engineering consultants and contractors.
“Residents definitely deserve to live in an environment that is safe and hygienic,” he said.
He also agreed that illegal dumping was casting a blight throughout the town and with the municipal by-laws promulgated, offenders can expect to be fined.

Councillor Mahaye, said it is important to ensure that the town ‘is kept clean and healthy’ and mentioned the mosquito outbreak in Limpopo that has heightened malaria fears.
Other upcoming projects highlighted include: the building of a regional indoor sports complex at the rural horse riding track, the erection of a pack-house at the gardening project on Tandy Street to help make the fresh produce more sellable and the fencing off of MacPhail Park in the Mpati area which has given residents headaches thanks to the anti-social activities that go on in the park.
Ward Four residents have also pleaded that the notorious Coronation Park, opposite the hospital be fenced off, which has for years caused fear and loathing.
It is not clear if the municipality has agreed to do this but residents have said if ‘nothing is done soon, they will be taking the law into their own hands’.