Bluff residents left in the dark
Efforts are being made to address the situation on The Bluff, with the electricity department initiating a slow process to replace malfunctioning streetlights.
THE streetlight project in eThekwini Municipality has been marred by significant issues, including alleged fraud and corruption that escalated costs well beyond initial estimates.
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Originally budgeted at R91 million, the project ended up costing more than R500 million due to alleged fraudulent invoicing for work that was reportedly not completed. This led to the suspension of the project between 2019 and 2020.
The Bluff has particularly suffered from malfunctioning streetlights and theft of electricity cables. Despite complaints from ratepayer associations, the municipality had to halt the project, prompting further frustration among residents.
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In response to the ongoing issues, the municipality launched a forensic investigation in 2023. Currently, efforts are being made to address the situation on The Bluff, with the electricity department initiating a slow process to replace malfunctioning streetlights. However, the scale of the problem remains significant, with over 100 streetlights reportedly not functioning.
Ward 66 councillor, Zoë Solomon, acknowledged the department’s efforts, but highlighted the urgency of the situation, given the high number of lights needing replacement. Solomon noted that despite the challenges, there is an audit underway and new protocols are being implemented to expedite repairs.
Efforts to obtain comments from the eThekwini Municipality on these developments were unsuccessful at the time of publishing. Residents are encouraged to report faulty or damaged streetlights through dedicated communication channels provided by the municipality. The situation underscores ongoing challenges in municipal infrastructure management and highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in public projects.
To report faulty or damaged streetlights, WhatsApp 076 791 2449 or email electricity.faults@durban.gov.za
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