Broken streetlights can pose significant safety risks, affecting visibility for both pedestrians and drivers. If you notice a broken streetlight in your area, it is crucial to report it promptly to the relevant municipal authorities. Fortunately, each municipality in South Africa provides easy ways to report faulty streetlights. Here’s a guide on how to report a broken streetlight to your local municipality.
1. City of Tshwane
The City of Tshwane, home to Pretoria, offers several methods for reporting broken streetlights. Here’s how you can report a faulty streetlight:
Call Centre: You can contact the City of Tshwane’s 24-hour call centre at 012 358 9999 or the toll-free number 080 1111 556. These lines are available around the clock to handle streetlight-related issues.
Email: Alternatively, you can email streetlights@tshwane.gov.za to report the problem. Be sure to include the lamp pole number (if available) and the street address where the streetlight is located.
Walk-In Centres: Tshwane has 26 walk-in centres spread across the city where you can report issues in person.
e-Tshwane Online Portal: The e-Tshwane online portal allows residents to log service requests conveniently. This portal can be accessed via the municipality’s website, where you can report faulty streetlights and other issues.
SMS Reporting for Power Failures: For quick reporting of power failures (which may also affect streetlights), send an SMS with the word “power” and your account number to 082 612 0333 or 44676.
2. City of Cape Town
Cape Town also provides a range of options for reporting streetlight faults. Here’s what you need to do:
Call Centre: Call the City of Cape Town’s customer service number at 0860 103 089 or 086 010 3089 to report a broken streetlight.
Online Service Requests: The City of Cape Town offers a Service Request Website where you can create a report about a faulty streetlight. The website allows you to select the relevant issue, describe the problem, and pinpoint the location on a map.
SMS: For a quicker report, send an SMS to 31373. Make sure to include all the necessary details to help the municipality address the issue.
Email: You can also email contactus@capetown.gov.za with the details of the broken streetlight. It’s helpful if you attach photos of the faulty light to assist in the assessment process.
3. City of Ekurhuleni
In the City of Ekurhuleni, which covers areas such as Germiston and Springs, residents can report broken streetlights through the following channels:
Call Centre: Call the 0860 543 000 call centre to report a streetlight issue. The operators will ask for your full name, contact details, and a description of the problem, as well as the exact address and nearest landmark.
Email: You can email call.centre@ekurhuleni.gov.za with details about the faulty streetlight.
My CoE App: Download and use the My CoE App, which is a convenient mobile application for reporting municipal issues, including streetlight problems.
Reference Number: After reporting the issue, the call centre will give you a reference number. Be sure to keep this number so you can follow up on the status of the report.
4. City of Johannesburg
For residents in Johannesburg, reporting a broken streetlight is also simple. Here’s how you can do it:
Joburg Connect Call Centre: Dial 0860 562 874 to report road-related issues, including broken streetlights. The call centre will log your complaint and assign it to the appropriate department for action.
Joburg Connect Website: You can also use the Joburg Connect website to report streetlight problems online.
Tips for Reporting Broken Streetlights
To ensure that your report is processed efficiently, here are some useful tips when reporting a broken streetlight:
Provide Detailed Information: Always provide the exact location of the streetlight. If possible, include the lamp pole number or nearby landmarks to help the municipality identify the location quickly.
Describe the Issue: Be specific about the problem. For example, if the streetlight is flickering, completely out, or malfunctioning in another way, mention these details when reporting.
Include Photos: If possible, take and attach photos of the broken streetlight. This can help the municipality assess the severity of the issue more accurately.
Keep the Reference Number: After making your report, make sure to ask for and note down the reference number. This will allow you to follow up if the issue is not addressed within a reasonable timeframe.
Use Official Channels: Always use the official municipal websites, call centres, or dedicated email addresses when reporting streetlight issues. These channels are designed to ensure that your report is logged and followed up on in a timely manner.
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Broken streetlights should not be ignored, as they can contribute to accidents and crime in poorly lit areas. By following the proper channels, you can ensure that the issue is addressed quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re in Tshwane, Cape Town, Ekurhuleni, or Johannesburg, reporting a broken streetlight is just a phone call, email, or app away. Keep these steps in mind, and help improve safety and visibility in your community.
