In an effort to promote safety along the beachfront and protect infrastructure from cable thieves, the Summerstrand Neighbourhood Watch has launched a pilot project using solar power to illuminate the seaside suburb.
It has partnered with Solar Lighting Solutions and Security to install solar-powered lights, that are immune to cable theft and power outages, in strategic places in the suburb to improve security.
This week, three high-powered LED lighting systems were installed to kick-start the project, while the long-term vision is to roll out the lights along the entire beach and tourism hotspots.
The Neighbourhood Watch’s chair, Ian Millar said the lighting systems could provide a solution to the scourge of cable theft and deter vagrants from moving around the affluent suburb.
“It has been proven time and again that proper lighting has a dramatic impact on lowering criminal activity.
“However, with the surge in power outages due to load-shedding and cable theft, we are often left in the dark and vulnerable.
“That is why the idea of solar lighting systems is such an attractive option.
“Not only would it provide light during power outages, but it won’t be vulnerable to cable thieves [as the systems do not have cabling],” Millar said.
One of the specialist lighting systems, sponsored by Solar Lighting Solutions and Security’s Devon Harrison, was installed in Caulfield Crescent on Wednesday, near a bushy area at the rear of Happy Valley, which is known to attract vagrants.
The Hyundai lights — imported from South Korea — have an output of 40 watts and 4,800 lumens.
Upon installation, they require a few hours of sunlight to fully charge and have a long battery life to ensure they do not run out of power.
Due to the low energy use of the modern LED lights, the system can stay illuminated for up to five days on a single charge.
Harrison, a Summerstrand resident and the DA Ward 2 branch manager, said the lights would also assist security camera systems installed in the area.
“The impact of the lighting will be twofold.
“Not only will the lighting deter criminal activity and unwanted movement, but where camera systems are in place the lights will assist in making subjects more visible and increase the effectiveness of the cameras as well.”
Harrison said the system cost less than R5,000, and had a lifespan of about five years.
Ward 2 councillor Renaldo Gouws said he was excited about the project and praised the neighbourhood watch and its partners for the initiative.
“Our neighbourhood watch is always at the forefront of technology and projects to improve the safety of our community, and a lighting solution that is not affected by power failures is a brilliant idea.”
Gouws said if the pilot project proved successful he would like to see collaboration between the private sector and the municipality to roll out the lighting system to other areas.
“All along the beachfront would be a good starting point, and from there we can explore other options.
“Long-term this could possibly even replace street lighting across the entire city,” Gouws said.
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