On Friday, 25 October 2019, I joined City Power as the City of Johannesburg officially launched the much anticipated R2 million streetlights project in Buccleuch, north of Johannesburg.
I was joined by the MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Cllr Nico de Jager, and ward 32 councillor, Bongani Nkomo.
This project comes after many years of frustration by the Buccleuch community as a result of the lack of this basic service. It is under this circumstance that the community of Buccleuch submitted a formal request to City Power for an intervention to provide public lights in Argyle, Nola and Stirling Avenues, Denise and Elizabeth Roads, Huckleberry Street, and also Jo Anne Lane.
Upon completion, estimated to be before the end of December 2019, 113 streetlights fitted with energy efficient LEDs and aerial bundle conductor (ABC) cables will have been installed.
It is important to note that the ABC cables are made of aluminium and has little to no value to cable thieves.
Furthermore, while public lighting is neither a panacea for prevention nor reduction of crime, people who live in areas that are well lit do indeed feel safer.
I am also pleased to announce that eleven (11) local beneficiaries, sourced through the EPWP, will be a part of this project.
In the last financial year, City Power has installed 2 198 new streetlights across the City. Over R70 million has been spent on new installations and refurbishments of the existing streetlights in the last financial year. During the current financial year, the City has budgeted approximately R45 million for the installation of new streetlights across the City.
As the City continues to deliver quality basic services to residents of Johannesburg, we also encourage residents to report vandalism of our infrastructure, including that of street lights, so that we can ensure speedy repair and restoration.
I would like to encourage residents to report theft and vandalism of streetlight fittings and covers, vehicle collision with streetlight poles, cable theft and vandalised photo cells at the numbers below:
- 011 490 7911;
- 011 490 7900;
- 011 490 7504;
- 011 490 7553; or,
- At their nearest police station.
To report faulty streetlights residents are urged to call 0860 562 874 or go to City Power website to log a call on City Power fault logging system. To report illegal electricity connections, contact 0800 002 587.
