- Local leaders and residents in Nyanga and Gugulethu have praised the City of Cape Town for fixing street lights, citing a significant reduction in crime and improved safety.
- The areas had been plagued by blackouts, with over eight streets affected in Ward 38 alone, contributing to increased crime rates, especially at night.
- Councillors Suzanne Zumana and Lindile Sonyoka attributed the success to the City’s efforts, but highlighted cable theft as an ongoing challenge.
Local leaders praised the City of Cape Town for a “stunning” job after fixing the street lights, citing that it’s been long overdue. They said they’ve been living in fear, particularly at night when crime mostly occurs.
Some of the areas that were affected by the blackouts were Nyanga and Gugulethu.
Ward 38 councillor Suzanne Zumana said they are relieved that the street lights are back to normal.
She said the dysfunctional lights contribute to crime in the area. She said more than eight streets were affected in her ward.
“Now that the lights are back I believe the crime rate, especially at night will drop a bit.
“The criminals were doing as they pleased and it was easy for them to escape because it’s dark,” said Zumana.
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Some of the affected streets were Memani, Ntlanganiso, Mbewana, Samuel Langa, Saba, Mzamka and Miller to name a few.
She stated that some of the streets have been dysfunctional for over six months.
Ward 41 councillor Lindile Sonyoka reiterated Zumana’s sentiments. He said the lights would reduce the crime in the area.
Sonyoka said some of the affected streets were NY53, 54, 61, 62, 64, Phola Park informal settlement, and Station Road.
Sonyoka highlighted cable theft as the main challenge.
He said the City fixed some of the street lights a few months ago but they went off again because of the criminals.
“We have a challenge of criminals who are stealing cables here. But we are glad that the City made an effort to fix them again. And I’m appealing to the community to look after them and their facilities,” he said.
Resident Phindiwe George from Memani Street in KTC described the street as busy. She said there are a lot of incidents that are happening even during the day.
“KTC as a whole is busy, especially Memani, which is one of the busiest streets, especially at night.
“The City did a great job by fixing the lights. We will be able to walk freely at night,” said George.
