Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Robert Ferendale and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Joseph Mbele. See attached picture here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has formally escalated the widespread failure of street lighting in Heilbron and Phiritona by writing to the Municipal Manager of Ngwathe Local Municipality, calling for urgent intervention to repair non-functional lights and address those that remain on during the day.
The DA in Heilbron is deeply concerned about the state of street lighting across Heilbron Town and Phiritona Township, following a recent oversight visit conducted by DA public representatives.
During the inspection, it was discovered that street lights along Langmark Street and Kerk Street in Heilbron Town are completely non-functional. In Phiritona Township, several Apollo lights have also been found off, leaving some parts of the community in total darkness.
This is a direct threat to the safety and security of the residents of Heilbron and Phiritona. Darkness creates an enabling environment for criminals and criminal activity, and it is unacceptable that the community must live in fear when walking in their own streets.
The residents of Heilbron and Phiritona deserve better. They deserve to feel safe in their communities at all times, and they deserve a municipality that takes basic service delivery seriously.
We call on the Ngwathe Local Municipality to act with urgency and prioritise the safety of the people of Heilbron.