Darkness in Wilgeheuwel
WILGEHEUWEL – Resident feels money is wasted after streetlights were put up, but still no light is shed in the area.
Sovereign Road and Strauss Street in Wilgeheuwel is without light, even though streetlight poles were installed on these roads two years ago.
John Pella, caretaker of the Macanudo complex on Strauss Street said that these lights were never turned on since they were put up by City Power. “How much money was wasted on this white elephant,” Pella asked. “As this is a high crime area it is essential that the streetlights be switched on.”
He added that the body corporate of Macanudo complex did install lights within the perimeter to reduce the incidents of robberies and muggings in the lane between Strauss Street and Nic Diederichs Road. “We still, however, need the light of streetlights,” said Pella.
Hloni Motloung from City Power said that streetlights are a necessity as it deters potential crime in poorly lit areas. Motloung explained that the lights have daylight switches on them that is supposed to switch the light on.
“On several occasions, these switches have been a target of deliberate damage.” He added that the plate on the streetlights is also stolen to sell as scrap metal.
Motloung urged residents to report any street light issues to City Power, either by phoning their call centre or visiting City Power’s website.
Details: City Power, 086 056 2874.
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