Ekurhuleni needs a bold plan to keep streetlights on — keeping communities safe
by Cllr Thavha Maifala-Masebe — DA Ward 38 Councillor in Ekurhuleni
Date: 6 September 2023
Release: Immediate
Type: Media Statement
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ward 38, Brackenhurst and Brackendowns believes it is only decisive leadership that will ensure streetlights are on regularly, especially at night. This will assist with efforts of community safety agencies in keeping the community of Ward 38 safe.
Through questions submitted by myself to the MMC for Water, Energy and Sanitation, MMC Manamela regarding the issue of streetlights, it has been revealed that the reason why some streetlights have been off for months is due to the department’s reactive attitude, instead of a proactive one.
MMC Manamela revealed through a written reply that, theft, vandalism, breakdown of vehicles, availability of material at finance stores, forms part of the delay in repairing streetlights.
MMC Manamela added, “There has been a backlog in calls due to the non-availability of a contractor as well as budget cuts in the previous financial year.”
While the city continues to grapple with the reality of budget cuts, the DA remains adamant that the response by the MMC is clear indication that poor planning and management are the reason residents of Ward 38 remain in the dark.
Having indicated that vandalism is one of the major causes of broken streetlights, the MMC seems to be content of the response, without offering solutions on what the plan is to address rapid vandalism in Ward 38.
The DA believes that before selfish politics of unnecessary power grab as exhibited by the ANC and EFF, the multi-party coalition government began putting measures in place to firstly stabilise the grid, and ensuring streetlight repairs are allocated more budget. One can only imagine how much more progress would be made had it not been for selfish politics that serve no purpose to the residents.
It is for this reason that the DA implores the residents to take their power and ensure that they are correctly registered ahead of the 2024. It is only through a DA outright majority can residents begin to see real change in communities.
The DA will continue to call on the city to provide real plans to keep the lights on in communities.
Cllr Thavha Maifala-Masebe
DA Ward 38 Councillor in Ekurhuleni
0615404973
