High mast lights switched on in Thembalethu

GEORGE NEWS - The first two of 18 high-mast lights installed in Thembalethu were officially switched on earlier this month.

High-mast lights were put up on the corner of Balfour and Ntaka Street, Zone 1 as well as in Asazani and Silvertown in Thembalethu.

According to Bongani Mandla, Director of Electrotechnical Services, these installations address inadequate area lighting as some of these high-density areas had low to no lighting.

"The absence of adequate lighting often leads to high risk associated with safety at night as well as potentially increased criminal activities. The George Municipality submitted several funding requests to address this very need and ultimately became successful in securing funding approval from the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) for the installation of 30 high mast lights within six months."

The 18 lights in Thembalethu are part of the first phase project of a total of 30 high-mast lights, with the remaining lights being allocated as follows: five to Parkdene, four to Lawaaikamp and three to Borcherds. The MIG total allocation of R17m was supplemented with R2m of municipal own funding.

George mayor Leon Van Wyk said he is excited to be able to provide these lights to the local communities and that it will have a positive effect on their safety.

George mayor Leon van Wyk, Ward 21 Clr Siphelo Manxele, and Portfolio Clr for Electrotechnical Services Nosicelo Mbete switch on the high-mast light in Asazani, Thembalethu.

Mandla said the task of installing so many high masts in less than six months was made possible by the project leaders, Edward Nqumse, Adrian van Molendorff and their team, CMB Consultants and MDL Engineering Projects Contractor.

"I take my hat off to their dedication and commitment to delivering this project on time and within budget. The plan is to roll out the installation of additional high-mast lights in other areas of the greater George area. We are already in the final stages of the next roll-out and these will be duly communicated as well," said Mandla.

His plea to the community is that they will continue to protect this essential infrastructure against theft and vandalism for the greater good of the community.

From left: Edward Nqumse (Electrotechnical Services), MM Dr Michele Gratz, Portfolio Clr Nosicelo Mbete, Mayor Leon van Wyk, Clr Thandiswa Qatana, Bongani Mandla (Director of Electrotechnical Services) and Christian Steyn of MDL Engineering Projects.