The metro has indicated that the delays in repairing streetlights in Meyerspark and Silverton are due to limited resources, including a lack of personnel, an insufficient budget, and lack of equipment at their streetlight unit.

However, with the internal makeshift teams, it is attending to arterial roads in different areas of the region.

Residents in Meyerspark and Silverton have expressed frustration and concern over the prolonged streetlight outages in their suburbs.

Despite reporting the issue and sending follow-up emails to the metro, no meaningful action has been taken to address the problem, which has persisted for over four years.

The residents said streetlights in their areas have not been repaired since the DA administration and continuing into the current ANC-ActionSA coalition administration.
Instead, they are having to raise money and repair the lights themselves, while continuing to pay rates and taxes.

The residents said the lack of streetlights has led to a significant increase in crime, particularly cable theft, making the area increasingly vulnerable.

Residents have reported being mugged, even during their morning commutes, as criminals operate undetected under the cover of darkness.

The situation has also affected the CPF, which now struggles to perform its duties effectively due to the lack of lighting.

They say the darkness provides a conducive environment for criminal activities, leaving residents feeling exposed and vulnerable.

Residents have expressed many concerns, including the inability to exercise outdoors, particularly walking and jogging in the evenings, with some reporting muggings.

They also complain that even private outdoor lights installed by themselves have been stolen, exacerbating the issue.

One resident, Ronel Wheeler, has been living in the area for five years. According to her, the lack of streetlights is an enabler, and crime has definitely risen.

“These street lights have been out for over four years, and the lack of lighting has made our suburb increasingly vulnerable to crime,” she said.

“Even residents who install their own outdoor lighting have had those lights stolen. It’s deeply frustrating and frankly unacceptable that our community is left so exposed,” Wheeler added.

She said that last year, criminals broke into her house, tied her teenage daughter to the bed, and held her at gunpoint.

“During a break-in at our home, my teenage daughter was tied to her bed and threatened with a firearm.

“Thankfully, she was not physically harmed, but the intruder stole several items, including bicycles, a laptop, a cellphone, a generator, and a chainsaw.

“That experience shook us deeply and highlighted just how unsafe our area has become.”

Wheeler said since her horrible ordeal, she has been trying to advocate for community safety, but it’s been an uphill battle.

“Political parties seem more interested in shifting blame than solving the problem. At this point, I’m exploring alternative solutions such as organising a community fundraiser to install solar-powered lights on municipal poles ourselves.”

The residents have communicated in community WhatsApp groups demanding immediate action.

“We are demanding immediate action from the City of Tshwane to restore functional streetlights and ensure safety. The prolonged neglect of this issue has left the community frustrated and neglected.”

Metro spokesperson, Lindela Mashigo, said the logging system indicates that there are 70 service requests logged for Meyerspark.

“This area will be addressed at an opportune time within the available resource capacity,” Mashigo said.

He said the city will engage law enforcement agencies through the TMPD.

“Community-based forums are currently underway to implement security and policing interventions to curb these criminal activities,” said Mashigo.

He emphasised that a security risk assessment will be conducted through the TMPD, as they are responsible for policing activities within the city.

“Engagements with TMPD and SAPS in conjunction with CPFs are ongoing to determine the support required.

“Due to limited resources, it is difficult to give timeframes. However, this area will be attended to in due course,” he added.

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