NEW SOLAR STREETLIGHTS IMPROVE VISIBILITY ALONG VOORTREKKER ROAD IN ROBERTSON

Residents travelling along Voortrekker Road in Robertson may have noticed the installation of new solar streetlights aimed at improving visibility, road safety and sustainable service delivery.

The project, completed during April 2026, involved the installation of ten solar streetlights following the removal of two existing lights located on the traffic island of Voortrekker Road, Robertson. The removal was necessary to create space for the safe transportation of oversized wind turbine blades through the area.

As part of the arrangement, the logistics company Superloads, responsible for transporting the wind turbine components, fully sponsored the supply and installation of the new solar streetlights. This resulted in an improvement in public lighting coverage along Voortrekker Road.

Although new lights could not be installed on the traffic island, they were strategically placed along both outer sides of Voortrekker Road. The streetlighting study and design, including the layout and spacing of the lights, was undertaken by BEKA Schréder, a specialist streetlighting service provider, to ensure effective lighting coverage. While solar streetlights generally provide lower light output than conventional electricity streetlights, the positioning of the lights was carefully planned to maintain appropriate visibility along the route.

A key benefit of the new system is that the lights operate independently from the municipal electricity grid. The solar streetlights require no electrical cables or underground infrastructure, reducing electricity use and limiting opportunities for cable theft and vandalism. The steel poles also have no connection openings or cable access points, making them more resistant to tampering and damage than traditional fibreglass poles.

The lights automatically regulate their operating cycle, can continue functioning for up to two days without sunlight, and still charge during overcast weather.

Feedback received from operational staff has been positive, and the project is also assisting the municipality in evaluating solar streetlight technology for possible use in other areas.

With a total project value of approximately R253 125, fully sponsored by Superloads, the initiative highlights the value of partnerships that support practical infrastructure improvements for local communities.