Residents in a section of Sauerstown in Ward 2 have taken the initiative to collaborate and raise funds to replace street lights that have remained dysfunctional due to cable theft, leaving their community in darkness.
Cable theft and frequent power cuts have become a major challenge in the city, affecting night-time illumination. The Bulawayo City Council has plans to install solar-powered streetlights across the city this year as part of its smart city initiative.
Speaking in an interview, residents’ chairperson Peter Moyo said the community decided to act following a series of criminal activities that occurred under the cover of darkness.
“We were plunged into darkness when a ZESA substation was vandalised and cables were stolen last year. We then decided to work together and contribute funds to buy solar-powered streetlights in order to provide constant illumination in our neighbourhood,” said Moyo.
He said the community has been experiencing rising cases of crime and drug abuse, which tend to occur when the area is poorly lit, adding that improving lighting could help address the problem.
“We also have people who work late and return home at night. Coming home to brighter streets makes everyone feel safer,” he said.
“We conducted our own research and concluded that each household could contribute towards buying a light to be installed in front of their house, and most residents welcomed the idea,” Moyo added.
Speaking on the same issue, another resident, Nonhlanhla Ndlovu, said they counted up to 83 poles and each light costs approximately US$58, bringing the total estimated cost of the project to about US$5,000.
She said residents approached the city council seeking approval to install solar-powered street lights and their request was granted.
“We are now waiting for Bulawayo City Council officials to come and inspect the poles. They also offered to install the street lights for free,” she said.
“We started the project in January and it has received mixed responses. On some streets, about half the households have contributed while others have not complied. However, we have vowed to do the best we can with the limited resources we have collected, even if it means installing two or three lights per street,” said Ndlovu.
She said although the idea has been welcomed by the majority of residents, some have been reluctant to contribute.
Ndlovu also revealed that a company has pledged to donate some street lights, adding that they are appealing to anyone willing to assist with donations to help them achieve their goal.
Ward 2 Councillor Adrian Moyo applauded the residents for working together to undertake the project, saying the initiative complements the city council’s efforts.
“As a city, we are aware of the challenges and we have long-term plans to replace or install street lights. The challenge, however, relates to the availability of resources. We are grateful that the residents of Sauerstown have chosen to meet the city halfway. This is a wonderful initiative and residents will benefit from safer streets,” said Moyo.
Bulawayo Residents Association chairperson Winos Dube echoed similar sentiments, saying the community is leading by example and encouraging other suburbs to follow suit.
“We applaud the Sauerstown community for playing such a significant role in improving their area. We encourage other communities to learn from them and possibly adopt similar initiatives because this ultimately benefits residents,” said Dube.
He, however, emphasised that residents should participate in such initiatives voluntarily and not be coerced, noting that it remains the responsibility of the local authority to provide such services.
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We would like to appreciate the efforts by our fellow residents and we appeal for to landlords who are not resident in Sauerstown to encourage their tenants to work together with our community as they will also benefit from our efforts.
United We Stand!