By Everson Luhanga
- New solar streetlights designed to stop theft and have no resale value to stop thieves stealing them.
- London Road connects Sandton to the airport but is notorious for hijackings and robberies affecting local businesses daily.
City Power is rolling out a bold plan to bring safety and sustainability to Alexandra.
The utility has started replacing 120 vandalised streetlights along the 5.5 kilometre stretch of London Road. The project runs from the N3 off-ramp at Alex Mall to the Grayston Drive on-ramp at the M1.
London Road is one of the dangerous and busy streets in Alexandra that connects Sandton and the OR Tambo International Airport. The street is notorious for hijackings and robberies.
The streetlights will try to stop such criminality.
The new solar-powered streetlights are designed to stop tampering. Unlike traditional lights, they carry no resale value, meaning criminals have no reason to steal them.
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said the project will make a big difference to Alexandra.
“We are introducing solar streetlights that are safe from theft and vandalism. This will ensure the area remains well lit, which improves safety and supports local businesses,” he said.
London Road is busy day and night. It has schools, filling stations, a supermarket, a community health centre and many small businesses.
City Power said reliable lighting is essential to keep the township economy alive.
So far, nine poles have already gone up and more installations are on the way. The lights work independently, so if one is damaged, the rest will keep working.
Chief executive Tshifularo Mashava said the project combines safety and green energy.
“By investing in solar streetlights, we are not only reducing crime and accidents but also promoting green energy and ensuring that our infrastructure serves the community reliably for years to come,” she said.
Mashava also pointed out that the new lights remain on even during power cuts, including loadshedding. They will add to three solar high mast lights already installed at key points along London Road.
Mashava said the project should be completed by the end of September 2025.
Pictured above: London Road.
Image source: Supplied
