eThekwini Electricity Unit seeks R335 million for street lighting projects

Show Voice Options The eThekwini Electricity Unit is in dire need of R335 million over the next three financial years to complete outstanding electricity projects, one of them being street lighting. The eThekwini Trading Services Committee tabled a report at a Full Council meeting stating that the inadequacy of resources within the street lighting branch is evident from the current staffing and resource limitations. Play Video “Despite the critical role of street lighting maintenance in ensuring public safety and urban functionality, the branch is grappling with a shortage of operational vehicles and staff,” the report read. The electricity department is requesting the Chief Financial Officer to identify unspent funding municipal-wide so that the electricity unit can honour contractual obligations once contracts in this regard have been put in place. The report stated that a need also exists to identify separate unspent funds for street lighting maintenance; replacement; and/ or new installation where required. This will accommodate both operating and capital projects and thus additional funding in both categories is needed.