Opinion | Polokwane is dark

The city of Polokwane, known as the "City of Stars," is currently facing a serious issue that threatens the safety and security of its residents. Despite being called a sanctuary, the lack of functioning streetlights is eroding public safety and normalising dysfunction in the municipality. The problem is not limited to occasional loadshedding, as houses remain lit but many areas have been without streetlights for more than two years.

This dysfunctionality is evident even when the municipality is aware of the issue. The lack of streetlights not only increases the risk of road accidents, business theft, and easy targeting of vulnerable households, but it also raises concerns about women's safety, especially during election periods. As the country heads towards local government elections, the dysfunctional streetlights serve as a stark reminder of the neglect of basic services by the government.

The failure to repair and maintain these essential services directly affects citizens, highlighting a significant gap in the responsiveness of municipalities towards their residents. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience to some, the lack of streetlights directly threatens the safety and dignity of many residents, particularly those who rely on their daily journeys in the dark to earn a living.

It is time for the government to prioritize basic services and address these critical issues to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, not just those fortunate enough to reside in gated communities.