Streetlight repair figures questioned as Tshwane residents cite ongoing darkness

The city has announced that over 91 000 streetlights have been repaired across the metro in its public illumination programme, however, residents and councillors in Region 3 (central and western) and 6 (far eastern) say little has improved in the areas they call home.

Mayor Nasiphi Moya said at the metro’s weekly service delivery briefing that 22 270 streetlights had been repaired in Region 3, and 10 505 in Region 6.

“Despite challenges like vandalism and theft of cables, our teams continue to make progress in illuminating communities.

“In addition to streetlights, the metro has also invested in the repair of high-mast lights, which enable the illumination of larger public spaces,” she said.

According to Moya, 940 high-mast lights have been repaired in the metro, with 540 still to be repaired.

She added that many public lights are repeatedly vandalised, which creates a backlog.

“While these challenges persist, we are committed to ensuring that public areas remain visible at night to make life easier for residents and businesses.”

However, residents say these numbers don’t reflect the reality on the ground.

Elizabeth du Toit, a Moreleta Park (Region 6) resident, said her block in Vincent Street has been dark for years.

“There used to be lights, you could see the whole street. Now it’s pitch dark. My friend has reported it several times. Sometimes they fix one light, but the rest stay off.”

Du Toit said crime has gone up, and they’ve had to spend thousands on security fences just to feel safe.

“It feels like living in a jail,” she said.

Ward 83 councillor Andrew Lesch said the situation in parts of Region 3, including Newlands and Erasmuskloof Extension 4, is dire.

He explained that the metro’s repair figures do not match what residents are experiencing on the ground.

“Some of these lights have been out for two or even three years. We’ve reported them again and again, but nothing changes.

“Burglaries are increasing, people don’t feel safe, and residents can’t even jog in the early mornings anymore. It has both a psychological and physical impact on the community,” he said.

Ward 47 councillor Lida Erasmus added that many lights in Moreleta Park remain broken, saying, “Some were repaired in Alandale Road, but within a week they were off again.”

Erasmus said around 98% of her ward’s lights are still not working, or are lit during the day due to faulty daylight switches.

She said the lights are on during day but off at night in the following:
-Turf Street
-Sak Street
-Spartan Street
-Felsiet Street
-Hematiet Street
-Alandale Street
-Vacy Lyle Street
-Oudtshoorn Street
-Orthoclase Street.
She closed by saying, “Break-ins and car theft are happening daily because of this darkness.”

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.