Darkness brings fear into residents’ hearts
SHALLCROSS and Chatsworth residents are living in constant fear of crime and road accidents due to street lights not working.
The street lights along Shallcross Road are not working, from the intersection of Klaarwater Road and Shallcross Road, through to the intersection of Shallcross Road and Higginson Highway.
Residents are worried the situation could cause serious accidents to pedestrians living in nearby informal settlements, saying it was very dark.
Devan Govender, a member of the Community Police Forum, said there were a number of attempted hijackings that took place during the evenings and suspects hid along dark streets: “We are placing our lives at serious risk at night while we are waiting for the lights to be fixed. We need this be sorted out urgently. We are sacrificing our valuable family time to make sure Shallcross is safe and I think it’s time that the hands of quicker service delivery reach our residents. We are law-abiding tax and ratepayers and it’s time we get what we pay for,” said Govender.
DA ward councillor, Sharon Hoosen agreed that her ward 71, which included the areas of Shallcross, Crossmoor and Moorton, was constantly burdened with dysfunctional street lights.
“City’s electricity department has tried to repair non-functional lights, but it lasted for only a few days. This is due to the high number of illegal connections and cable theft. The city has failed to bring this matter under control, leaving the ratepayers furious with the lack of service delivery. I have previously raised this matter at a full council meeting but, to date, the matter remains unresolved and ratepayers are left without essential service delivery. I am meeting with key stakeholders soon to identify the best way forward,” said Hoosen.
According to the electricity department report, the matter, the department said it was engaging the services of the forensic investigation team and security teams to reduce the scourge of illegal connections in the affected areas.
“SAPS and the Metro Police usually get involved in mass operations, with the assistance from other regions. The Electricity Service Unit is engaging with the ward 71 councillor to find a permanent solution for the Bottlebrush informal settlement,” the report said.