Suburban
MT PLEASANT residents have encouraged each other to bail out the City of Harare and contribute towards funding street lighting in the suburb.
Peter Tanyanyiwa Suburban Reporter
The suggestion arose after council officials requested residents to list roads with non-working street lights. Mt Pleasant resident Mr David Panganai suggested that if every household contributes at least US$10 towards street lighting, it could go a long way in reducing crimes in the suburb because thieves thrive under darkness.
“On street lighting let us come together and assist council street by street. It may cost us $10 or less per household.
It’s us and our families who are being robbed by thieves,” he said.
Mr Panganai said that the local authority is being underfunded and for progress to happen it’s either the Government intervenes and funds street lighting or residents have to do it themselves.
He stressed the urgent need for action on the matter given the rising cases of criminal activities.
“I now realise that council is being underfunded.
Their budget constituting 80 percent salaries and low revenue streams will not be able to repair the street lights in the short run.
This is the truth we (as) residents need to accept that.
I propose that Government intervenes and fund public lighting repairs. It’s no use trying to shift the blame game or point fingers.
Central and local government should work together and solve this issue that has been lingering for decades. Another solution is for residents to take the matter into their hands and contribute towards repairs of street lights on their roads.
Contributions can be very insignificant on households but going a long way to protect the neighbourhood.
“Others have done it with pothole patching and the exercise has greatly assisted motorists.
A committee working with council can be chosen and a bill of quantities done in a transparent manner.
Each street can buy their own spares keep them and release them to repair teams when required.
This can be faster than to wait for council which is evidently resourceless at the moment,” said Mr Panganai.
“This is a noble idea. We may need a representative from the residents to help account for this money. Receipts must be issued too,” said a resident.
“In streets like Fairway I would propose solar lights. Some roads in our area have never had street lights installed,” another resident said.
Some of the areas with non-working street lights in Ward 17 include Glenelg Avenue, The Chase, Twickenham West, Dorset Road, Campbell Avenue Pomona, Norfolk Road, Tunsgate and Woodgate Road, Amton Ave, Dominic Road, Wretham Road, Chatsworth Road and Doon Road.
Residents also complained that the street lights between Harwick Road and Kirkaldy Road are always on during the day and off during the night.
