Polokwane residents voice safety concerns over faulty street lights

POLOKWANE – The Polokwane Municipality informed Polokwane Observer this week that it acknowledges the urgent need to address faulty street lights across the city and beyond.

This announcement comes in response to significant safety concerns raised by various community groups, most recently from residents in Westenburg, Fauna Park, and the CBD. Many residents reported that their streets are completely dark at night, creating an environment conducive to criminal activity.

In Westenburg, copper cables connecting street poles to households have been repeatedly stolen, with the latest incident occurring just a week ago.

Residents have alleged that reports of non-functioning street lights date back as far as last year.

Shellboy Sedutla from Fauna Park stated that their issue was brought to the municipality’s attention four years ago.

“Our issue is in Pelican Street. No one is responding to the problem. We continue to pay for services without receiving service from the Polokwane Municipality. The poor service delivery is frustrating the residents. We would appreciate it if the municipality could attend to this matter urgently,” Sedutla remarked.

Municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala said the municipality is working on a comprehensive plan to restore the functionality of these lights promptly to address the concern.

“The plan includes both short-term measures to address immediate safety concerns and long-term strategies to ensure ongoing maintenance and reliability,” Selala stated. Part of the plan involves installing a new type of street light.

“Unlike traditional lights, which rely solely on grid power, these new installations harness solar energy, making them more resilient to power outages and reducing their environmental footprint,” Selala explained.

Read more: Budget allocated for street lights to be replaced with solar lights

Polokwane Observer has already observed these solar-powered lights across various parts of the city, including the main entry and exit in Ben Harris Street in Westenburg. Residents expect similar installations on other streets to help alleviate crime.

Selala emphasised that the municipality is committed to creating safer and well-lit public spaces for all residents, adding that repairing street lights in areas prone to criminal activity is a top priority.