High mast solar-powered lighting brings hope for safer streets to Kelvin

Kelvin residents are welcoming the installation of a new high-mast solar-powered light, aimed at combating crime and improving public safety in a previously dark and vulnerable section near Marlboro Drive and Zinnia Drive.

The initiative was spearheaded by Hassan Saib, the chairperson of the Kelvin Residents Association and a member of the Sandton Community Policing Forum (CPF), who approached Ward 109 councillor Lori Coogan approximately a year ago to raise concerns about ongoing criminal activity in the area.

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Saib said the poorly lit space had become a hotspot for crimes, including muggings, robberies, and even rape incidents.

“I approached the councillor, Lori Coogan, about a year ago, about lighting in this area. The reasons for this were because of the number of crime incidents that occurred within this space.

“We’ve had incidents of mugging, incidents of robbery, and there have even been incidents of rape within the area. I approached the councillor and asked her whether there was any possibility for it to get the area better lit, as lighting actually serves as a deterrent to crime.”

Saib added that the solar-powered light will potentially allow them to put in CCTV surveillance at a later stage.

“What we’re seeing now is that, as much as the light is up, there are still trees that are potentially blocking the lighting. I don’t know if the councillor would be able to assist us in trying to clean the area, so the lighting is more effective.”

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Coogan confirmed that she is aware of the trees next to the solar light obstructing the effectiveness of the lighting infrastructure. Coogan confirmed that she had been in touch with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) to visit the site and assist with clearing problematic trees.

“I have spoken to JCPZ about it and they’re willing to come out next week and have a look, in relation to the new solar-powered light that has been installed, to see how they can organise that the lighting is more effective in this corner, and cut down any of the invasive or exotic trees that are obscuring the light, so that it will be more effective, and it will help protect the residents better.”

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