The City’s Energy Directorate has invested R1,1 million in upgrading streetlight infrastructure along 35th Avenue, between Robert Sobukwe Road and Owen Road in Bishop Lavis. This corridor has been severely and chronically affected by repeated incidents of vandalism and theft.
‘In April this year, we visited the area following the repairs of damaged streetlight infrastructure, only to see it vandalised again shortly thereafter.
‘This busy corridor forms part of the broader airport precinct and has been repeatedly targeted by criminals, with streetlight fittings damaged and cables stripped. In the previous financial year alone, the City spent more than R2,2 million on high mast light maintenance and repairs in the area and our teams continue to battle with the ongoing attacks on our critical infrastructure.
‘To help address the challenge, our latest upgrades include anti-vandalism measures designed to better protect the infrastructure. The upgraded infrastructure includes 13,5 metre heavy duty anti vandalism poles with a larger diameter and thicker construction than standard poles. Importantly, the access points and electrical connection boxes have been raised, making them significantly more difficult to tamper with. The City is also installing additional surveillance cameras in the area and sensors will be installed on all supply cables.
‘Despite managing one of South Africa’s largest streetlight networks, with over 245 000 fittings, the City registers impressive lighting burn rates, which remain consistently above 80%. The City also publicly reports streetlight service requests and repairs monthly, while planned investments of over R261,5 million in new streetlight capital projects over the next three years, which include the city-wide rollout of energy efficient LED’s, continue earnestly.
‘We remain committed to maintaining a reliable public lighting network and we will do all we can to protect our critical community infrastructure. However, we cannot do this alone. We urge residents to work with us to protect their power and help safeguard these public assets for the benefit of all,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Alderman Xanthea Limberg.
Let’s ACT: Protect Your Power against theft, illegal connections and vandalism
We continue to call on residents to be our eyes and ears on the ground and report all suspicious activity to prevent illegal connections and theft that damages and destroys the good investments we are making in every City-supplied community across the metro.
Report suspicious behaviour to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre: 021 480 7700
Report illegal scrap yards to the ‘Copperheads’: 0800 222 771 (toll free, 24/7, anonymous tip-offs)
SAPS remains the lead authority in crime prevention.
Report to the City
Streetlight and electricity faults:
Call Centre: 0860 103 089
SMS: 31220
WhatsApp: 060 018 1505
