Residents of Wolmer in the north of Pretoria are breathing a sigh of relief after the long-awaited restoration of streetlights around Jopie Fourie Park, bringing much-needed brightness and a renewed sense of safety to the area.

For months, the park and its surrounding streets have been shrouded in darkness, raising concerns about safety and the general well-being of community members who rely on the space daily.

The repairs follow several reports and ongoing follow-ups made with the Tshwane metro by Ward 2 Councillor Quentin Meyer, who has been advocating strongly for the issue to be resolved.

According to residents, the streetlights had been malfunctioning for so long that many had begun to lose hope that the matter would ever be addressed.

Speaking to the Rekord, Councillor Meyer said the repair marks an important milestone for the ward, one he hopes will encourage further service delivery improvements.

“For the first time in a very long time, the streetlights around Jopie Fourie Park have finally been repaired.

“After reporting the matter several times, I am grateful to say the area finally has lighting again. I honestly can’t remember when it was last this bright around the park,” said Meyer.

Jopie Fourie Park, a popular recreational space for families, joggers, and dog walkers, had become less accessible due to the lack of lighting.

Many residents avoided passing near the park after sunset, fearing potential crime and unsafe conditions. The restoration of lights is already making a noticeable difference.

Resident Linda van der Merwe described the change as a breath of fresh air for the community.

“This lighting means a lot to us. For months, the park was pitch-black, and it really felt unsafe to walk there after work.

“My kids love playing outside, but I couldn’t risk being in the area once it got dark. It’s such a relief to see the lights back on. We really appreciate the councillor continually pushing for this,” she said.

The restored lighting is also expected to deter opportunistic criminals who often target poorly lit areas.

Meyer said that more still needs to be done. Ageing infrastructure, vandalism, and insufficient maintenance continue to pose challenges across the ward.

He urged residents to keep reporting faults promptly and assured them that he will continue advocating for faster turnaround times on municipal repairs.

“This is a step in the right direction. We want to see more progress like this, not just in one area but throughout the entire ward. Our work continues.”

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.