Streetlight project on Delmas Road halted due to funding shortage
The City of Tshwane has confirmed that the much-criticised streetlight repair project along Delmas Road was temporarily stopped earlier this year due to a lack of funds, but will resume once resources are approved.
Residents have raised the alarm over the ongoing darkness and safety risks along Delmas Road, alleging that the streetlight repair and installation project was halted around February.
The Tshwane metro has now confirmed that a streetlight reinstatement project was indeed undertaken earlier this year, funded from the operational budget of the regional maintenance team.
According to metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, the project aimed to repair and replace streetlights that had been vandalised, but progress stalled when funds ran out.
“The Energy and Electricity Business Unit (EEBU) is currently finalising internal processes to secure the necessary resources to continue the work.”
Mashigo said the metro expects the project to resume once operational resources are approved and allocated.
“The city aims to complete the reinstatement of all vandalised streetlights along Delmas Road within the current financial year,” he said.
Concerns over exposed electrical cables along the road have also been addressed.
Mashigo confirmed that city technicians inspected the area after reports were received and discovered that a truck had accidentally hooked some of the lines.
“The affected area was promptly made safe, and the hanging lines have since been removed,” he said.
Mashigo explained that the city’s internal electricity maintenance and operations team is responsible for the work, with no external contractor involved.
The delay, he said, was due purely to funding constraints, not performance issues.
“The city remains committed to reinstating all affected infrastructure as soon as funding and internal approvals are finalised,” he added.
The metro also confirmed that the Office of the Speaker has not received any formal complaints or petitions from residents or community groups regarding the project, exposed cables, or road-safety concerns.
A hole that was dug by the metro.
According to Mashigo, repairs have been implemented under the 2024/25 regional operational budget, and additional funding is being sourced to complete the reinstatement.
He said the city continues to assess temporary safety measures, including improved signage and law enforcement.
“The EEBU has requested additional funding to accelerate completion and continues to work with communities, businesses, and law-enforcement agencies to safeguard streetlight infrastructure and curb vandalism and theft across the network,” he said.
Ward councillors have previously warned that Delmas Road remains one of the most dangerous routes in Pretoria, with residents fearing that a major accident could happen if the lighting issues persist.
Ward 83 councillor Andrew Lesch said Delmas Road has become hazardous because the area is dark and poorly maintained.
He said the metro started repairing the streetlights earlier this year, but the work stopped abruptly in February with no explanation.
“There are currently exposed wires and open holes along the roadside, increasing the danger for road users.”
He added that the lighting problems extend beyond Delmas Road, affecting other areas in the east.
“There are parts of Newlands that have been without streetlights for more than a year,” Lesch said.
“It is a widespread issue that needs urgent attention.”
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