Johannesburg Faces Ongoing Challenges as Theft and Vandalism Impact the City’s Street Lighting Infrastructure

Johannesburg residents are no strangers to the frustration of navigating through the city’s darkened streets.

With frequent power outages and damaged infrastructure, the metro continues to battle a multitude of challenges that affect its public services.

According to City Power, Johannesburg’s electricity utility, a combination of operational issues, logistical delays, and criminal activities are at the heart of these ongoing struggles.

Here’s a closer look at the primary factors contributing to the city’s dimly lit streets.

1) Theft and Vandalism Remain Major Issues

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena shared with the Rosebank Killarney Gazette that theft and vandalism are among the city’s most pressing issues.

Criminals frequently target street lights, stripping them for valuable components. A common target is the aerial bundle cables (ABCs), which are used in illegal electricity connections.

These stolen cables often end up supplying power to informal homes, backrooms, taverns, and even illegal mining operations (known locally as zama-zamas).

In some cases, criminals even take light fittings to bypass legal electricity meters, making it easier to steal electricity and cause further strain on the system.

2) The Growth of Illegal Electricity Networks

Another major issue is the rise of illegal electricity networks.

Mangena explained that criminal syndicates have established “parallel electricity distribution enterprises” in informal settlements.

These underground networks sell stolen electricity to local residents and businesses, which not only causes widespread outages but also damages the city’s public infrastructure.

3) The Challenges of Fault Detection

Locating and repairing faults in the street lighting system is no simple task.

When a light goes out, City Power’s technical teams often face the difficult job of tracking down the exact fault.

They may need to inspect several kilometers of underground or overhead cables to pinpoint the issue.

Mangena noted that in some cases, technicians may have to walk long distances with specialized equipment to identify the problem, which can be time-consuming and slow.

4) Complex and Delayed Cable Repairs

If the issue is found to be with underground cables, repairs become even more complicated.

Excavation is required, which can be particularly challenging when the fault is located beneath a road or concrete structure.

City Power must obtain a “wayleave,” or permission to dig, from the Johannesburg Roads Agency, which further delays the repair process.

5) Monitoring Efforts Have Their Limitations

While City Power conducts bi-monthly “spotting” exercises at its Service Delivery Centres (SDCs), these efforts are not always enough.

During these exercises, technical teams drive through various neighborhoods to identify streetlights that are out of service.

However, the effectiveness of this approach is limited.

In many areas, theft and tampering with electrical infrastructure occur so frequently that by the time City Power’s team responds, entire sections of the city have already been affected.

6) Street Light Repair Times Can Vary

City Power aims to repair and restore streetlights within six days across the seven regions of Johannesburg.

However, the reality is that some repairs take longer due to the complexity of the faults.

While some fixes may only take a few hours, others can extend over several days, especially if the repair requires digging or coordination with other departments.

What’s Being Done to Address the Problem?

In response to the ongoing challenges, the City of Johannesburg has launched an initiative called Jozi Maboneng.

This project aims to tackle the persistent issues of theft, vandalism, and maintenance challenges affecting public lighting.

City Power has also committed to maintaining increased security in hotspots, with the Security Risk Department actively patrolling high-risk areas to prevent further theft and damage to the city’s electrical infrastructure.

If you’ve noticed street lights out in your area, City Power encourages residents to report the issue through comments or by sending a message on WhatsApp.

Stay updated on Johannesburg’s ongoing efforts to fix these problems by subscribing to local news outlets and following updates on various social media platforms.