Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube
PUMULA North residents in Bulawayo are set to benefit from enhanced security and improved night-time visibility following the installation of 50 solar-powered streetlights valued at US$7 000.
The initiative in the high density suburb will see a significant improvement in public safety.
The streetlights were donated by Haulin Quarry Mine as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts.
This comes at a time the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has, over the past months, had some of its tower lights switched off by the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company after the power utility migrated to the token system, requiring the local authority to purchase electricity tokens for the tower lights and traffic lights to remain operational.
In an interview with Sunday News, Ward 17 councillor Sikhululekile Moyo said the suburb has since started mounting the solar-powered streetlights, adding the project will be implemented in phases, with Ngena Road, one of the main roads in Pumula North, among the first areas to benefit.
She said Ngena Road, is a critical route for both pedestrians and vehicles that has long suffered from poor visibility and security concerns.
“As a councillor, I welcome the development as it is addressing issues of public lighting. As a community, we were experiencing a lot of muggings and vandalism. This donation brings relief to our challenges. We appreciate Haulin Quarry for playing its part in community development,” she said.
The councillor further noted the solar lights are being mounted at critical locations, including busy intersections, footpaths leading to schools and clinics and around business centres.
“These are areas with high pedestrian activity and previously had no adequate lighting, exposing residents, particularly women and children, to danger,” she said.
Clr Moyo noted the development aligns directly with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and feeds into the vision of NDS2, which places emphasis on partnerships between public institutions, communities and the private sector in delivering sustainable infrastructure and basic services.
“The use of solar technology also advances the national agenda of promoting renewable energy and environmental sustainability, as Zimbabwe moves towards a green and inclusive economy.
“Already, the impact of the lighting project is being felt. Residents are now able to walk safely at night, conduct small evening businesses and access health services during emergencies with more confidence. With Ngena Road lit, movement along one of the busiest arteries of the suburb is becoming safer and more efficient,” said the councillor.
Ward 17 development committee chairperson, Mr Trust Mkhwananzi, echoed similar sentiments, noting that the project will go a long way in improving issues of security in the area.
“We are very happy with such a development. The area was very dark, it was not safe to travel or move around at night. This is a positive move and we hope it inspires other companies to also support community projects. As residents, we appreciate the strides that Haulin is making to develop our suburb.
“We are aware that there are ongoing consultations with community leaders and city authorities to explore further contributions such as road rehabilitation, youth empowerment programmes and skills development initiatives for residents.
“Such programmes will not only create employment and economic activity in Pumula North, but also strengthen the relationship between the mining company and the local community,” said Mr Mkhwananzi.
