SIU Investigates Street Light Tender Irregularities in Nelson Mandela Bay

Concerns over non-functioning street lights have illuminated a broader issue within the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, as the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) intervenes following reports of serious maladministration related to a street lighting tender. Widespread unlit roads and community spaces have become a stark symbol of the alleged failure of governance in the procurement and maintenance of street lights.

Approximately two weeks prior to the SIU's intervention, the unit declared its intentions to scrutinize the acquisition of street and flood lights in the metro, aiming at reclaiming any unjust financial losses and probing possible misconduct by municipal officials.

Kaizer Kganyago, the spokesperson for the SIU, reported extensive cooperation from the municipal officials throughout their week-long visit to the municipality, but indicated the complexity of the case might prolong the investigation. SIU's meticulous examination follows findings from an internal audit within the municipality reflecting flawed supply chain management processes in two specific tenders focused on street lights.

Despite the procurement of over R180-million in stock, which exceeded the budget by R24-million, the municipality's landscape is still shrouded in darkness, affecting both highways and residential vicinities. Official statements blame vandalism and theft for the backlog of repairs, cited to be about 10,000 last year alone.

Affected residents, like Lungeka Williams from KwaNobuhle in Kariega, have voiced their fears regarding the absence of street lights, correlating the darkness with a heightened risk of crime. Notably, major roads in her area are among those poorly lit.

In Gqeberha, Ward Councillor Terri Stander detailed to GroundUp the enduring plight of approximately 700 broken street lights in her ward, some dysfunctional for years, and the palpable sense of insecurity that grips the community. Past communication with the municipality about repairs proved unproductive, while questions arise over the monitoring of maintenance work and the fate of the repaired lamps amidst repeated cable theft episodes.

Johannes Weyers, a Community Policing Forum (CPF) member, witnesses the ongoing cable theft in Kariega, acknowledging the cover of darkness as an enabler. Communication with authorities, including the relaying of reports on over 200 broken street lights in his area, has yet to yield tangible outcomes.

Nceba Plaatjie, the local chair of the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO), emphasized that concerns have persistently been raised with municipal officials, and plans for a meeting with the municipality aim to tackle the street light issues head-on.

Attempts by GroundUp to engage with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, including reaching out to Luvuyo Magalela, the Electricity and Energy executive director, yielded no response at the time of reporting.

With the SIU spotlight firmly on the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, it’s anticipated that the investigation will unravel the extent of malpractice and potentially guide the restoration of functional lighting and safety within the affected areas.