The Beach Road resident, who did not wish to be named, said the lights stopped working soon after the start of school holidays in September.
“There were no street lights working from the parking area at Shad Place to the braai area and parking. Now it’s just about all the way to Pipeline, leaving every parked car on the street, holidaymakers and residents going for a walk and people coming out of restaurants and bars in the area in total darkness, fearing for their safety. Is this acceptable?
I reported the problem a day after the holidays started, as the lights went out. Two evenings later, the lights were back on. The problem was it only lasted for a night or two and then Beach Road has been in darkness ever since and no-one seems to care.”
The resident said the lights tend to be switched off every holiday. “What is the motive behind this? Who could be causing these lights not to function every time it’s holiday season. Is this intimidation, wanting people not to feel safe or drive visitors away from the only entertainment there is on the beachfront? Is it to rob or hijack people, or is it a cable-theft problem? Can Beach Road residents not be informed about what’s going on along their street?”
When the Sun informed ward 97 councillor, Andre Beetge of the problem, he noted the street pole numbers that were not working on Monday night, 14 October and reported it. He urged residents to report problems to the municipality and obtain a reference number to make it easier for him to follow it up.
“I always find it better to report problems with streetlights via email to custocare@elec.durban.gov.za thus ensuring there is a written record,” said Cllr Beetge. “It is essential the street name, suburb and pole numbers are supplied as often repairs are done during the day when the lights are off.”
