In a first of its kind, Nelson Mandela Bay has invested R3.5 million in the installation of new 20-metre solar high-mast lights, along a section of the busy Stanford Road, to provide stable power and reduce the continuous vandalism of electrical infrastructure.
The pilot project is being implemented between Cleary Park and Windvogel, with the work expected to be completed in May this year.
During a recent site visit, MMC for Electricity and Energy in the metro, Lance Grootboom, said that the identified area was a hotspot for constant vandalism, with the metro fixing the lights in the area more than four times in two financial years, at a cost of R3 million.
“Street light vandalism is most noticeable along the major roads, as it is generally the criminals’ easiest target due to the isolated location from residential homes. We have devised various strategies to try and address the destruction of this infrastructure, including burying cables under concrete and replacement of underground cables with aluminium aerial bundled conductors.
“Despite all the interventions, some main roads, and certain suburbs, still get vandalised continuously,” he said.
Grootboom added that the advantage was that no electrical cables would be on the ground to be vandalised or stolen. The height of the new lights would prevent criminals from accessing the solar panels and equipment.
“The sturdy design of the high-mast means that it cannot be cut or pulled over with a vehicle like a normal street light pole, and the additional benefit is that this area will not be reliant on the electricity grid, which is currently affected by the constant loadshedding. As a pilot project, when we see the success of this installation, we will roll it out to other affected areas,” he said.
“We urge all stakeholders within the metro to partner with us as we fight against the cancer that is vandalism as it steals from all of us. As a municipality we are doing our part and we need all role players to join us and do their part as our efforts put together will yield positive results.”
