The Randburg Service Delivery Centre (SDC) acknowledged that there has been a high incidence of streetlight vandalism, which has been a major source of concern for residents.
Streetlight cables, covers, and fittings are stripped, and the cables are used for illegal connections.
City Power has embarked on a project to instal solar high masts (Apollo lights), particularly in crime hotspots around the City of Johannesburg.
The project aims to provide lighting during load-shedding and prolonged power cuts to improve safety for residents.
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said that this project will curb the vandalism of streetlights as the masts do not use cables. The project will safeguard the community from vandalised street poles posing a danger to the community.
“At this stage, the project prioritises areas prone to vandalism of streetlights and high crime rates. Already over 25 solar high masts (Apollo lights) have been installed across the City of Joburg, with 50 earmarked before the end of the year.”
The project is also part of their aim to investigate alternate energy sources in order to push the company into a new era of ingenuity and sustainability.
Mangena added that the feedback they have received from the communities has been positive, mainly because the project targeted hijacking, robbery, and mugging hotspots.
“Already communities have approached us for more masts. In the coming week, we will install six solar high masts in Diepsloot.”
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