CPF chairperson Ruan Sheppard has spoken out about addressing the issue of non-functional streetlights in Randfontein.

Sheppard explained that there are various mini substations installed in the streets, which provide electricity to houses and streetlights. He added that, depending on the area in which residents live, three problems may occur concerning the mini substations.

He stated that in Randgate, Homelake and in certain areas of Greenhills, there are steel poles with cables connected at the top. According to Sheppard, these specific cables provide the electricity to the streetlights.

Thieves will then steal the cables from the mini substation or from the first streetlight closest to it. He noted thieves usually dig up the main cable leading from the substation towards the closest streetlight.

“This is what we have to try and find a solution for,” he expressed.

In areas like Culemborgpark, Helikon Park and Eikepark, he said, the streetlight poles are made of concrete and the cables run underground and into the pole. This specific type of pole has a circuit breaker at the bottom, which prevents damage to the substation if there is a fault.

“This circuit breaker is the problem because that is where the thieves force open the metal covers and steal the cables. I proposed to remove the circuit breaker and connect the cables directly. Afterwards, we can attach a fuse that can replace it and prevent damage from any faults,” he said.

The Randfontein Herald reached out to the Rand West City Local Municipality’s spokesperson, Phillip Montshiwa, to find out what effort they are putting into this project. Montshiwa noted the request for comment; however, no feedback has been received at the time of publishing.

Sheppard added that, in other areas, such as Lazaar Avenue, it is the same concept; however, the streetlights are made of steel. The cables also run underground and into the pole with a circuit breaker attached. He hopes to solve the issue by directly attaching the cables to the substation and filling the hole with concrete.

“It is not a matter of doing this overnight. However, we will try to do it as soon as possible and as much as possible. The only thing we ask from the community is donations of concrete,” he appealed.

Sheppard and his team are currently in the process of protecting the remaining cables. He explained they need the donations to continue with their long-term solution.

The Herald also reached out to the police to confirm the statistics around crime due to the lack of streetlights, but they have yet to comment on the matter.

Anyone who can donate can contact Sheppard on 064 533 6730.