Streetlights in the Brakpan CBD have been refitted with old lights after new ones were installed and stopped working after two weeks.
This is according to Brandon Pretorius, DA councillor for ward 97 in Brakpan.
The Herald reported on the installation of LED lights along Voortrekker Road and Prince George Avenue in the June 28 edition, “New streetlights for Brakpan CBD”.
“Brakpan residents were elated following the announcement of the newly fitted streetlights in the central business district,” said Pretorius.
“In a fight for reliable and regular service delivery, we always place the ANC and its coalition partners under immense pressure to admit that they are not doing enough to deliver services to the residents of Brakpan.
“That continued pressure paid off and the metro finally started work in June and the two main roads were finally refitted with new LED streetlights.
“We were incredibly relieved that the executive mayor Clr Mzwandile Masina had finally listened to our pleas.
“His administration has, however, again let the residents of Brakpan down with poor service delivery.
Read: New street lights for Brakpan CBD
“It is extremely alarming to see how ratepayers’ money is wasted.”
Pretorius explained that the new LED lights were refitted as promised, but stopped working after a fortnight.
“The new lights were then removed and some of the old lights were refitted.
“The Brakpan CBD is a complete mess now as the town is partly lit,”he said.
Pretorius believed the appointed contractor was not competent to do the work.
“This raises eyebrows on the city’s vetting and selection process.
“After some investigation, I was informed that the rest of Voortrekker Road will be completed in the new financial year.
“This is a complete contradiction of the initial information given, which only makes one wonder what has happened to the funds that were allocated to this project.
“Another concern was the contractor’s response when asked why the lights were not working; their responsibility was to only replace the light fittings and not to ensure the lights work.
“What is the point of this project if the lights do not work?”
Pretorius told the Herald that the DA would submit written questions to council to determine the total cost and to establish if there were any irregularities concerning this project.
“It is completely unacceptable that residents have to wait months and, in most cases, years for service delivery in this metro,” he added.
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