Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE Municipality of Beitbridge is set to install more tower lights across the border town, targeting newly developed suburbs that have become crime hotspots due to poor lighting.
Town Clerk, Mr Loud Ramakgapola, said the move follows concerns raised by residents, stakeholders and the police during the municipality’s budget consultations.
He said the local authority has reached an agreement in principle with Econet to install tower lights using the mobile network operator’s base stations.
“We have received communication from the police concerning limited public lighting facilities in light of rising cases of robberies in some sections of the town,” said Mr Ramakgapola.
“In addition, we have had requests for increased public lighting from members of the community and in our budget for next year, we have allocated funds for five tower lights.”
Mr Ramakgapola said the arrangement with Econet will enable the council to leverage existing infrastructure, reducing costs and enabling faster implementation.
Secretary of the Beitbridge Pastors’ Fraternal, Pastor Busani Moyo, applauded the initiative, saying enhanced lighting would help curb crime at night.
“As religious leaders from various denominations, we are mobilising communities to complement Government efforts in fighting crime, especially housebreaking and robberies, which are on the rise,” he said.
“We welcome the local authority’s decision to improve public lighting as it will assist in reducing incidents of crime in our town.”
Residents also commended the local authority for responding to residents’ requests.
Mr Kudakwashe Chasauka of Dulivhadzimu suburb said several dark spots had become unsafe for pedestrians.
“It is no longer safe to walk at night. Darkness gives criminals cover, so improving lighting will help reduce robberies and theft,” he said.
Another resident, Ms Patience Moyo, said the tower lights were long overdue, citing growing criminal activity targeting both men and women.
Local businessman, Mr Remember Ndou, also welcomed the development but urged the council to ensure transparency when awarding tenders.
He said companies with a proven track record should be engaged so that the community benefits from quality work.
“We urge the local authority to ensure that only companies with a traceable background and reputation are engaged to undertake the work,” he said.
Ms Lumbedzani Ribombo, a member of the local crime consultative committee, said additional street lights are needed in all the suburbs.
“The rate at which crime is happening in dark places is worrying. We urge the local authority to expand this lighting project,” she said.
