The failure of the Matjhabeng Local Municipality to restore functional street lighting across the communities is a cause for grave concern.
Estelle Dansey, DA councillor, says that a report from 2024 has confirmed that more than 80% of street lights within the municipality are not working. This failure has resulted in residents being plunged into darkness and exposing them to increased danger.
The DA refuses to allow this neglect to continue unchecked.
“We will act immediately to restore safety and dignity to our neighbourhoods by taking urgent steps.
“First, submitting formal questions and motions to the council regarding the state of street lighting, demanding urgent repairs in high-risk zones where darkness poses a serious safety threat.
“Secondly, requesting monthly progress reports from the municipality to ensure transparency and accountability.
This widespread outage persists despite the repeated inclusion of street lights and light maintenance in the municipal budget.
Estelle Dansey, DA councillor
“This widespread outage persists despite the repeated inclusion of street lights and light maintenance in the municipal budget.
“There has been no visible progress or accountability.
“As a result, residents are forced to navigate unlit streets, whilst criminal activity thrives under the cover of night,” says Dansey.
“In some areas, desperate residents have attempted to replace bulbs themselves, only to be told they are not permitted to touch municipal infrastructure.
“This response not only underscores the municipality’s failure to deliver basic services but also the level of desperation within our communities,” she adds.
