VKLM streetlights become a burning issue
“The streetlights not working in the area create a dangerous environment where criminals can operate undetected.”
Hundreds of streetlights in the Victor Khanye Local Municipality (VKLM) do not work, yet some of those that do apparently do so 24/7.
According to the VKLM financial at the end of January, it owes Eskom R951m. For January, Eskom billed the municipality R19m, and the VLKM paid R4.5m to the utility.
“Electricity losses are at 42% for the financial year. These losses are mainly due to illegal connections and electricity bought through illegal or ghost vendors,” said Diane Bath, the DA caucus leader in the VKLM.
The question then arises: How can the VKLM afford some street- and high mast lights – burning 24/7? The DA wrote to the municipal manager, Thabo Mashabela, highlighting the dysfunctional and 24/7 burning street and mast lights.
“Residents and businesses are rates and taxpayers, but it has come to light that many lights are out of order, compromising the safety of the residents,” said Bath.
“The VKLM and Eskom are contractually obligated to the community. The municipality renders services like water, sewerage, refuse removal and electricity. It is concerning to note that the VKLM is yet to adopt an adequate plan to maintain and repair streetlights,” Bath added.
Jolene Coombe from Maksimum Security told the Streeknews that the darkness in the VKLM fuels crime.
“The streetlights not working in the area create a dangerous environment where criminals can operate undetected, increasing the risk of muggings, vandalism, hijackings and break-ins. Proper lighting is a simple yet crucial crime deterrent,” Coombe said.
“Without streetlights, criminality will thrive in these areas, and commercial business owners already have their work cut out in dealing with criminals,” Bath said.
The Streeknews emailed the municipal manager and the technical director of the VKLM about the lights but received no response before going to print. The question of why some lights burn 24/7, yet others are out of order, some for as long as four years remains unanswered.
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