Streetlight backlog fuels security concerns in Tshwane

Residents in Moreleta Park, Faerie Glen, Garsfontein, and surrounding areas are raising concerns over a surge in crime, which they say is directly linked to non-functioning streetlights.

They claimed that many streets and public spaces have remained in darkness for nearly two years, leaving communities vulnerable and frustrated.

Locals blame the absence of lighting for a noticeable increase in house break-ins, attempted burglaries, and street robberies.

They say criminals are now able to move around undetected under the cover of darkness, while the city fails to respond.

Rekord has seen many unresolved service requests for broken streetlights, dating back to 2023.

Despite the escalating safety concerns, many of the reported outages remain unresolved.

Ward 44 councillor Samantha de la Rey said non-functioning streetlights on three key roads in her ward pose a safety hazard.

She said Cliffendale Drive, Selikats Causeway, and Manitoba Drive are pitch black and leaving entire areas dangerously dark at night, making them hotspots for crime.

“Public lighting must be treated as a critical priority for Ward 44, not an afterthought,” she said.

De la Rey said residents require a more consistent, integrated, and proactive approach to service delivery.

“It is essential that we move beyond reactive maintenance and symbolic gestures toward long-term, sustainable improvements that restore confidence and meet the real needs of our communities.”

In Hoyt Crescent, 18 streetlights have been reported as non-functioning since November 2023, and to date, they haven’t been repaired.

In Silverton, the CPF previously raised concerns about the lack of functional streetlights.

Sidney Gordon of the CPF said the metro is currently experiencing a major challenge with streetlights that are out of service, especially during this winter, making crime prevention very hard.

“The absence of streetlights makes crime more conducive at night, which leads to house break-ins and cable theft. It is harder now as we are in winter, and it gets too dark, so criminals can operate undetected.”

Gordon said the municipality is being urged to fix all streetlights for the sake of the safety of the Silverton residents as a matter of urgency.

Deidre van Helsdingen, founding director of the Pretoria East Community Caring Forum, said streetlights and potholes in Moreleta Park are a huge concern.

“We are trying hard to repair potholes on our own, but the city must meet us halfway by at least fixing streetlights.”

She said the darker roads pose a danger to motorists.

Tshwane has acknowledged delays in repairing streetlights across several suburbs, including Moreleta Park, but said relief is on the way following the procurement of new maintenance equipment.

Previously, the metro had relied on contractors for cherry pickers. However, with the new fleet acquired, the metro promises to resolve the issue.

For years, residents have raised safety concerns due to prolonged streetlight outages, which have left key roads in complete darkness.

The metro cites financial constraints as a major cause of the delay, but said the situation is improving.

“In recent years, Tshwane has faced severe financial constraints, which significantly affected service delivery outputs, including energy and electricity operations,” said spokesperson Lindela Mashigo.

Mashigo said the 2024/25 financial year brought some relief, allowing for improved allocations toward maintenance equipment.

“The city has now procured additional cherry pickers used during streetlight maintenance. These will assist in addressing the backlog of service queries, including those in Moreleta Park,” he said.

According to Mashigo, the rollout of these resources will follow a structured maintenance schedule.

Mashigo said streetlights on arterial roads are being prioritised, and ward councillors will be kept informed of the timelines.

“Repairs in Moreleta Park will begin in earnest as the new cherry pickers are deployed across depots,” Mashigo explained.

He said, however, that equipment availability isn’t the only challenge.

He added that theft and vandalism continue to plague electrical infrastructure in the capital.

“The city has had ongoing issues with theft and vandalism of cables and infrastructure, which delays repairs,” Mashigo said.

Mashigo said to combat this, the TMPD has increased patrols in hotspot areas, while community members are encouraged to report suspicious activities.

“We rely on residents’ co-operation to help us protect public infrastructure,” said Mashigo.

But despite the metro’s assurances, some residents remain sceptical, citing repeated delays and a lack of visible progress on the ground.

The metro insists, however, that it is moving forward with a clear, structured plan.

“All arterial roads are being prioritised, and also, potholes will be repaired. The maintenance plan is being shared with all ward councillors so they can update their communities accordingly,” said Mashigo.

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