Our cities need functional street lights urgently

Street lights are a fundamental component of any city's infrastructure, providing safety and security benefits to communities and businesses.

The recent increase in the number of dysfunctional street lights in our cities is alarming. As night falls, roadways are engulfed in darkness, compromising visibility and exacerbating the risks associated with travelling after sunset.

 This is not just an inconvenience; it is a matter of safety, security and economic growth.

According to the National Road Safety Authority, inadequate street lighting contributes to over 30 per cent of road crashes. Pedestrian knockdowns account for nearly 40 per cent of road fatalities, with inadequate lighting playing a significant role in these tragic incidents.

The World Health Organisation estimates that road crashes cost the country one to two per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually.

The lack of street lighting also creates an environment conducive to criminal activities, such as theft, assault and vandalism.

Darkness offers anonymity to wrongdoers, increasing the fear factor and deterring individuals from venturing out at night.

This, in turn, negatively impacts social and economic activities, as businesses and individuals are forced to curtail their operations and movements.

Furthermore, dysfunctional street lights also impose a significant economic burden on individuals, businesses and the government.

Crashes resulting from inadequate lighting contribute to property damage, medical expenses and insurance claims, placing a strain on individuals and families affected by the crash.

Moreover, crashes often lead to traffic congestion which causes delays and disrupts the smooth flow of commerce.

The one per cent street lighting levy on domestic electricity sales is meant to fund the operation and maintenance of street lights.

However, it seems this money is not being used for its intended purpose.

This is unacceptable, as the lack of functional street lights has severe consequences for public safety and economic growth.

To address this issue, we need a coordinated effort involving the Ministry of Roads and Highways, local authorities and utility companies.

Regular maintenance and prompt repair of street lights are crucial.

We must also explore sustainable solutions, such as solar-powered street lights, to reduce our reliance on traditional energy sources and mitigate the impact of power outages.

The Daily Graphic welcomes the annoucement by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Naa Akweley Ocloo, to resolve key infrastructural issues, including street lights.

The minister underscored the importance of well-lit streets in enhancing security and improving visibility for motorists and pedestrians.

She noted that her office was working closely with relevant agencies to accelerate the repair and installation of street lights across the capital.

Mrs Ocloo announced a 50-day timeline to restore street lights across the city. Her target is that at least 70 per cent of the lights should be fixed within the time frame.

We urge the minister to ensure that the 50-day timeline to restore street lights across the city is met.

We also call on the government to ensure that the street lighting levy is used for its intended purpose and that adequate funding is allocated for the maintenance and repair of street lights.

We also urge other Regional Ministers to take a cue from Mrs Ocloo and ensure that street lights in their jurisdictions are functional.

Moreover, we recommend that the government consider implementing a comprehensive monitoring system to track the functionality of street lights in real time.

This would enable prompt repairs and maintenance, reducing the risk of accidents and crimes.

Additionally, we suggest that the government explore public-private partnerships to finance the upgrade and maintenance of street lights.

This would not only reduce the financial burden on the government but also bring in expertise and resources from the private sector.

Let us work together to ensure our cities are safe, secure and conducive to economic growth. Functional street lights are not a luxury; they are a necessity.

We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to ensure that our cities are well-lit and safe for all.

Indeed, the issue of dysfunctional street lights is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention.

We must work together to ensure that our cities are safe, secure, and conducive to economic growth.

The government, local authorities and utility companies must prioritise the maintenance and repair of street lights, explore sustainable solutions, and consider public-private partnerships to finance their upgrade and maintenance.