City keeps streetlights on amid rising theft and vandalism

Between 31 July and 13 August 2024, the City’s energy teams dealt with 5,810 streetlight-related service requests across the metropolitan area, bringing the total number of repairs for the month to over 13,210.

The City says this figure represents only streetlight-related incidents, and does not account for other energy service requests that were handled during the same period.

“The extent of damage and theft I have seen for myself in various communities, including along Jakes Gerwel Drive, is simply unacceptable. Trenches stretching tens of metres were dug out by cable thieves, cables stolen, and street poles vandalised, leaving communities in the dark and motorists as well as pedestrians at great risk.”

Limberg says the City manages over 245,000 streetlights, and recent efforts to address both current and historical streetlight service requests have shown promising results.

“Not only did we fix almost 6,000 streetlight-related requests in 14 days, but it comes on the back of more than 7,400 streetlights fixed in the preceding two weeks.”

As part of an intensified streetlight repair initiative Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Xanthea Limberg, participated in a repair operation alongside local electricity teams on Jakes Gerwel Drive. This comes after teams responded to thousands of faulty streetlight service requests. IMAGE: Supplied

Meanwhile, Limberg noted that security measures will be ramped up to safeguard its infrastructure and personnel. She urged communities to help protect the electricity infrastructure in their areas and report any suspicious activities to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre.

“Vandalism and theft remain a serious concern, particularly in the metro south region, even as we spare no effort to ensure our communities become brighter and safer.”

The repair initiative coincides with a recent arrest related to the tampering of the City’s electricity metering infrastructure. A suspect was apprehended for allegedly facilitating meter bypasses, enabling customers to avoid paying for electricity.

“This criminal activity undermines the City’s efforts to ensure fair and accurate billing,” Limberg said, commending the swift response by the City’s Metal Theft Unit and law enforcement authorities.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, verify the identification of City officials, and report any suspicious behaviour to the appropriate authorities.

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