KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna residents have been complaining to Knysna-Plett Herald about the numerous streetlights that are still out of order since the fires of 7 June cut power supply to certain areas.
These areas include Heuwelkruin, Westhill and Knysna Heights.
Johan Bruwer, for example, says it has been too many months since streetlights have worked in Faure Street, Heuwelkruin.
“We know there were priorities, but they certainly should have been addressed by now? The criminals did not stop operating, and we need those lights on at night, please,” he pleaded.
Charlene Cox, a resident of Westhill and advertising sales representative at the KPH, describes the same scenario where she lives.
“I feel very unsafe at nights as I have to park in the street. The crime rate has definitely gone up in our area due to looting of the homes that were burnt during the fires, which is now made easier in the dark,” she says.
She says it was understandable a few days after the fires, but that since reporting it already mid-June, "the municipality has just made empty promises or just none at all".
"It is now the end of October and we are still without street lights,” Cox says, adding that there are others in her area who also feel hugely vulnerable.
“They are all nurses. Sometimes they work at night and have to leave home in virtually pitch black darkness.
Faure Street in Knysna is still without street lights after the fires of 7 June interrupted power supply to many parts in Knysna. Photo: Stefan Goosen
"It’s just really not safe for anyone, but especially as we are all women. Something really needs to be done about restoring the streetlights in our neighbourhood. One feels like giving up on the municipality,” she says.
Knysna-Plett Herald sent a query to the municipality on multiple occasions asking about the situation.
An indication of what lights are still down and where, in which areas, what is being done about it and when they will be fixed, was requested.
On 7 November the following Knysna municipal response was received verbatim:
"We thank the reader for his letter and wish to assure him that his concerns are taken seriously.
"The horrific 7 June fires that raged through our town caused infrastructure damage in excess of R113 million.
"Our electrical team is in the process of fixing or replacing damaged electrical infrastructure including street lights.
"It must be noted that these lights have electrical damage and not merely a broken bulb or burnt pole.
"Due to staffing challenges the turnaround time to fix all street lights within Greater Knysna is currently 3 months.
"We thank residents for their continued patience."
ARTICLE: STEFAN GOOSEN, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
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