With unreliable streetlights in Mountain View, residents have reverted to extra measures to make their area more safe at night.
Streetlights in Sarel Street, between Felix and Lionide Streets have been out of order since Wednesday. Residents think there might be some kind of short circuit since the lights irregularly go on and off.
Concerned resident, Harry Bakker is worried that there is a bigger problem with the electricity supply that might pose a danger to residents.
“On Wednesday the street lights were on but went out at about 20:00 and is still out. There must be a serious problem here or maybe a short? We are worried it might cause an electrocution,” said Bakker.
He said street light failures are of great concern to the residents, because there is an open piece of land between Mountain View and the Mabopane Highway.
“At night there are unpleasant elements in the field and street. Theft of copper cables is on the rise again in Mountain View, and without any street lights, we cannot see or report anything. We do not want to go out of our houses at night, because returning in the dark is a risk and a person can become a victim of crime, especially with the open piece of land across our street,” Bakker said.
Bakker added the streetlight problem started about a month ago and he has reported it to the Tshwane metro in writing. “It is impossible to report things telephonically. I have tried four times and was sent from pillar to post without the opportunity to report it, and both my neighbours have also reported this.”
Bakker said illegal dumping on the open field has also increased because the darkness is creating an opportunity for people do dump undetected.
“Because it is so dark in the street with the streetlights not working, I had to replace the lights on my exterior wall with stronger globes to get some light in the street. I have also installed an infra-red CCTV camera and installed lights at my neighbours’ houses, because they are both pensioners and I want them to be safe as well,” Bakker said.
Bakker complained the upgrading cost a lot of money and even higher electricity bills – all for his account because the streetlights are not working.
The Tshwane metro has been approached about the matter but still haven’t explained why the streetlights are not working properly.
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