Petition to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
Petition for the Urgent Repair, Replacement, and Protection of Street Lighting and Electrical Infrastructure on the N2 Highway between Gqeberha and the Markman Bridge.

To:
The Executive Mayor, Municipal Manager, and the Roads & Stormwater and Electricity & Energy Directorates of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality

We, the undersigned residents, motorists, business owners, employees, and members of the public, respectfully petition the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to take immediate action to repair, replace, and secure the street lighting and electrical infrastructure along the N2 Highway from Gqeberha towards the Markman Bridge.

For an extended period, this section of the N2 has remained dangerously dark due to widespread vandalism and the theft of copper cables. The destruction of this critical infrastructure has created an unsafe environment for everyone who uses this route.

The lack of functioning street lighting has contributed to:

Numerous motor vehicle and heavy truck accidents.
Fatal and serious pedestrian accidents.
Increased danger for commuters travelling during the early morning and evening hours.
Reduced visibility, making it difficult for motorists to identify hazards and respond safely.
Growing concerns about public safety and crime along this important transport corridor.
Despite the ongoing danger, the damaged infrastructure has not been adequately repaired, nor have sufficient measures been implemented to prevent repeated theft and vandalism.

This highway serves as a vital transport route for thousands of commuters, freight vehicles, emergency services, and businesses every day. Allowing the infrastructure to remain in this condition places lives at unnecessary risk.

We therefore call on the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to:

Urgently repair or replace all damaged street lighting and electrical infrastructure along this section of the N2.
Replace stolen copper cabling with more theft-resistant alternatives where practical.
Implement stronger security measures to protect the infrastructure from further vandalism and cable theft.
Conduct regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that lighting remains operational.
Provide the public with a clear timeline for the restoration of this critical infrastructure.
Every day that this infrastructure remains damaged increases the risk of further accidents, injuries, and loss of life. We believe that safe road infrastructure is a basic public service and that urgent intervention is necessary to protect all road users.

We respectfully request that the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality treat this matter as a priority and provide a formal response outlining the actions that will be taken.

Pictures and information of the damages and vandalism etc.. can be viewed on the WhatsApp Channel "Save Bluewater Bay".