Kumalo residents unite for solar-powered street lights

Raymond Jaravaza, [email protected] 

IN a bid to curb criminal activities fuelled by the lack of lighting caused by malfunctioning streetlights or power blackouts, residents of Bulawayo’s Kumalo suburb have embarked on an initiative to install solar-powered street lights in their area. The solar street lights are mounted on existing infrastructure belonging to the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) but operate independently of the power utility.

For decades, streetlights have been managed by the local authority and relied on traditional energy sources such as grid electricity. However, advancements in technology and a growing focus on sustainability have led to a shift towards energy-efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives like solar power.

A Chronicle news crew recently conducted a survey around the Kumalo suburb and observed that in areas such as Burnham Road, almost the entire neighbourhood has installed solar streetlights. A gardener at one of the homes, Mr Amon Chauke, revealed that during load shedding, the streets turned pitch black, forcing residents to avoid walking outside in darkness for fear of being mugged.

“My boss paid his contribution two weeks ago, and the solar-powered streetlight was installed on a metal pole in front of the house. Almost every house has a solar street light. So, whether there is electricity or not, the streets are always lit at night,” said Mr Chauke as he trimmed branches from a huge tree in his employer’s yard to prevent the vegetation from obstructing light from the solar street light.

Mr Chauke noted that before the installation of the solar streetlights, suspicious vehicles could be seen driving aimlessly in the neighbourhood at odd hours, raising suspicions that they could be criminals scouting for homes to break into. 

“The neighbourhood watch committee members make rounds around the suburb, but I think the darkness made their work a bit difficult, and criminals could hide behind thick bushes and dark corners,” he said.

Another resident, Mrs Roselyne Ndlovu, said each home contributes US$35 for the purchase and installation of the solar streetlight. 

“The solar streetlights are durable as long as they are not vandalised, so the money we paid for the street lighting exercise is worth it. We hope that everyone joins the programme so that the whole of Kumalo is lit at night to deter criminals,” said Mrs Ndlovu.

In April, there was a public backlash when the council announced plans by Zesa to install pre-paid meters on street tower lights. The move sparked concerns about its impact on residents in urban areas. 

Ward 9 Councillor Donaldson Mabutho said streetlights play a critical role in communities as they deter criminal activity.

“A well-lit area deters robberies and other criminal activities. In my ward, cases of residents losing their lives or getting injured because of robberies at night have been recorded, and we have realised that the muggings are committed in areas with malfunctioning streetlights,” said Clr Mabutho.

Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu hailed the community-driven exercise, saying this is proof that communities can prosper when residents come together. 

“It’s such initiatives that prove there is power in community unity. The residents of Kumalo took it upon themselves to deal with the challenges they faced, and we commend that,” said Clr Ndlovu.

Streetlights are widely used to illuminate large areas like highways, intersections, sports facilities, and industrial zones. In Zimbabwe, their introduction aimed to improve visibility and security in high-traffic areas. According to June council minutes, discussions have been held to switch to solar-powered tower lights. 

However, the initial investment cost has been a hurdle as the local authority must settle outstanding electricity debts with Zesa before lights can be reactivated in the western areas.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube applauded residents for taking up initiatives that assist the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in combating crime. 

“Bulawayo is a unique province where we experience the highest level of participation by all stakeholders, including residents, in the fight against crime and complement the efforts of the police,” he said. “As ZRP in Bulawayo, we welcome any initiatives that seek to prevent crime.”