Hi Everyone, an update on our progress with this-

We met with the Swellendam Municipality's Electrical Manager yesterday and shared our collective concerns about the lights. Thanks to Mr Herbst for engaging with us. Some information from him- the decision to install the new LED light bulbs was a national mandate from government- to 'move to new technology and phase out the old technology ( HPS bulbs) that have any effect on the environment (Pollution disposal of HPS bulb's).' The lights also can't be dimmed- i.e. they only have one setting. We were under the incorrect assumption that they could be. 

Mr Herbst, however, has officially offered to replace the current light brackets with new ones that shine the light 90 degrees down on to the street, to lessen the light intruding into homes by having them more focused on the street surface. (Mr Herbst arrived at the meeting with this solution already in mind after a drive with our Barrydale Electrical Manager Chris Krag around the village.) The municipality will now enter a procurement process to purchase the new brackets, so it's not going to happen overnight. He assures us it is a top priority, however. 

We think it's a start, and are thankful that we were able to this conversation with the municipality, who offered what appears to be the only solution they can for now. Let's see what impact it has. 

Thanks again for your support on this matter.