Parts of Westenburg left in the dark; residents fear for their safety at night

It seems some parts of Westenburg are to remain in the dark.

This comes after residents complained that some parts of Westenburg do not have street lights, allegedly posing a threat to their safety at night, while the lights at the Westenburg sports ground are on from 18:00 until the next morning.

Residents say there are no lights from corner Buys and Ben Harris Streets to corner Coverdale and Buys Streets and in Verveen, Kennedy, Anderson, Southon and Coverdale Streets.

According to the residents, these streets are some of the streets without street lights and there are many other parts of Westenburg that are also in the dark.

“It is so dark without street lights and I am afraid to walk alone to the shop after sunset. I think the municipality must put up street lights in every street, it will make Westenburg a safer place and people will not take chances and attack people if there is light,” a woman from the area, said.

Another resident said her friend was attacked in Kennedy Street some time ago.

“She was walking home when two men followed her to a certain point and then attacked her from behind. It was dark and she could not see their faces. She screamed for help and that is how her attackers got away. She was badly injured, but we are grateful she is alive. I think this could have been avoided if there were street lights in that area, and she could have been able to see her attackers’ faces,” the resident explained.

Residents also wanted to know who is paying for the electricity for the lights that are burning throughout the night at the sports grounds.

“We get high electricity bills and the municipality finds the need to keep the lights on at the sports grounds the whole night. Who is paying for that electricity?” residents asked.

Tidimalo Chuene, a municipal spokesperson, said street lights were installed as per priority list, which is discussed at platforms like Integrated Development Plan community consultations and representative forums.

“The lights are installed as per crime statistics received from the South African Police Service for a particular area. Technicians are being dispatched to check what could be the problem with the lights at the Westenburg sports ground. The community is still encouraged to report any electrical challenges at (015) 290 2490 or (015) 290 2000,” Chuene said.