Bulawayo residents have raised alarm over the increasing number of non-functional tower lights in high-density suburbs, a development they say is compromising public safety and fuelling criminal activities under the cover of darkness.
Bulawayo United Residents Association (BURA), chairman, Winos Dube, told Southern Eye on Sunday that several tower lights across the city have gone dark.
This follows the introduction of a prepayment electricity system by the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), which now requires prepaid tokens even for public lighting infrastructure.
“We are being told the tower lights are now on prepayment under Zesa systems, but the reality on the ground is that many of these lights are off,” he said.
“This is worrying, especially in high-density areas where residents rely heavily on these lights for safety.”
Dube noted that the absence of functioning tower lights was emboldening criminal elements, particularly in suburbs like Mpopoma, Entumbane, Njube, and Pumula.
“Darkness gives criminals an opportunity to operate freely.
“We see a spike in muggings, house break-ins, and petty thefts when tower lights are off,” he said.
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ZETDC began rolling out the prepayment system for all electricity services including infrastructure used for public lighting to curb ballooning debts from government and local authorities.
However, this has sparked confusion over whose responsibility it is to top up electricity tokens for street and tower lights, with some residents questioning whether they must now shoulder the cost.
“It’s now like the household system where a cable is damaged and residents are expected to contribute for repairs, then we need clarity.
“If it’s the case, we need to be told and we juice those tower lights because a number of tower lights are off,” Dube added.
He added that the infrastructure should not merely “decorate” the city, but serve its intended purpose—providing lighting and a sense of security to ratepayers.
“This is a serious issue affecting residents. We urge the Bulawayo City Council to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves,” Dube said.
“These lights are essential for security, especially during load-shedding hours or night-time emergencies.”
