City Power said on 21 September they have repaired several streetlights in Weltevreden Park but, the public must be aware that streetlights are being vandalised and used to connect electricity illegally.
Resident Ester Greenwood said previously she was in constant fear that something terrible might happen due to the street lights not working.
City Power spokesperson Sydney Mphahlele said although the faulty street lights in Netbal, Muurbal, Grand Prix, Moss and Fern streets were repaired on 17 September, the entity wishes to remind residents that the possibility for it to go off again due to vandalism, is there.
“Members of the public connect illegally onto our network and photo cells, which regulate timers on the streetlights to switch on at dusk and turn off at dawn, are being stolen. Thus it is difficult to keep the lights burning,” said Mphahele.
Managing director of City Power Sicelo Xulu said criminal acts influence their efforts to provide quality service to the residents and are costing citizens greatly.
“The theft and vandalism of public lighting infrastructure is not a victimless crime, but it is an act of economic sabotage against the law-abiding ratepayers of Johannesburg. The theft of, and damage to timers exacerbates the power shortages we are facing, as daytime illuminating street lights exert unnecessary pressure on the grid that is already constrained,” said Xulu
Xulu said infrastructure theft and vandalism has a disruptive effect on the economy and public life, and that it contributes to increased tariffs and prices for ordinary South Africans.
“Besides the cost of replacing the stolen cable and damaged equipment, it interferes with the delivery of other essential services,” said Xulu.
Xulu said residents should report incidents as such to their nearest police station or they can call City Power anonymously.
Ward 126 councillor Mike Tonkin said the dangers of street lights not working increases crime and endangers road users and pedestrians.
City Power: 0800 00 251 or 24 hours hotline 011 490 7553.
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