Non-functioning streetlights in Ward 102 are frustrating residents and councillor Bea Campbell-Cloete.

The Ward 102 councillor has started a petition to demonstrate strong community support and place formal pressure on the city.

Addressing the submission process, Campbell-Cloete said there was no need to wait for a specific number of signatures before handing it over, adding: “I will formally submit and escalate the petition, request a written response and demand a clear timeline for repairs and accountability for the ongoing outages.”

Read more: Linden streetlight maintenance update

Streetlight petition following safety fears

Campbell-Cloete has raised and escalated the ongoing streetlight failures with City Power and continues to push for a resolution.

“I have also sent an email requesting action to the City Manager, to which I have received no response as yet,” she said. “Poor lighting creates dark areas and can contribute to an increased perception of vulnerability and provide opportunities for criminals.”

She confirmed that there has been growing concern about criminal activity on some streets where the lights are not working.

Also read: Streetlights in the spotlight

“Residents have reported serious safety concerns, including recent hijacking and shooting incidents, multiple attempted hijackings and attacks,” she said. “I am also engaging with SAPS and local security structures to establish the broader crime trend. We need to increase visibility and monitor the affected areas while we continue pressing the city to repair the lights.”

She urged residents to sign the petition to put pressure on the entity. “Crime thrives in darkness,” she said. “We cannot simply accept this as the new normal.”

Questions were sent to City Power on September 8, and their response will be published once made available.

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