POLOKWANE – The City of Polokwane is confronting a deeply troubling reality with its critical infrastructure, particularly water and electricity networks that are increasingly under attack by acts of vandalism and theft.

Mayor John Mpe recently announced that the city budget will be adjusted, if necessary, to fund drastic means of safeguarding these valuable assets.

Vandalism an unsustainable financial burden

According to municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala, these criminal activities not only disrupt essential services but also place an unsustainable financial burden on the municipality and, ultimately, the residents it serves.

In response to this persistent sabotage, Mpe has taken a firm and pragmatic stance.

“The municipality will no longer continue the cycle of repairing vandalised and repeatedly stolen streetlights, which has proven both costly and ineffective.

“Instead, we are pivoting towards a more resilient and forward-looking solution that will also involve private contractors if necessary.”

Solar-powered lights rolled out

He confirmed that the municipality is rolling out solar-powered streetlights, a modern intervention designed to reduce vulnerability to theft and ensure consistent public lighting.

He added that early installations, such as those in Ext 44, have already demonstrated the viability and durability of this approach.

These units are less dependent on conventional electrical infrastructure, making them significantly less attractive to vandals.

Cameras and security patrols to catch criminals

Mpe also disclosed that, in tandem with this, the municipality is introducing advanced security features that will enhance its ability to detect and respond swiftly to any acts of criminality targeting public infrastructure.

This forms part of a broader, integrated strategy to safeguard municipal assets and preserve service delivery.

“Persons found loitering near municipal infrastructure with criminal intent will be detected by cameras in the control centre and apprehended by patrolling security staff before any damage can be caused,” Mpe warned.

A collective duty

Selala appealed to residents and stakeholders to partner with the municipality in protecting public infrastructure.

“The fight against vandalism is not solely a municipal responsibility, it is a collective duty. Together, we can defend what we have built and ensure a safer, better-lit Polokwane for all,” he said.