Street lighting is a crucial part of infrastructure in Ghana, enhancing road safety, reducing crime, and improving the overall quality of life in cities and towns.
Recognizing its importance, the Government of Ghana has established various programs to ensure the deployment and upkeep of street lighting systems nationwide.
However, resolving issues with malfunctioning streetlights involves navigating a complex framework of responsibilities and procedures.
Government oversight and institutional roles
The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is primarily responsible for overseeing the deployment and maintenance of street lighting systems across the country.
Initially, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) managed street lighting within their jurisdictions. However, due to financial constraints and technical challenges, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) was later appointed to handle the operational and maintenance aspects of these systems.
To support the financial needs of street lighting maintenance, a street lighting levy was introduced in 1988, aimed at covering maintenance and energy costs.
Despite this, the levy has not been reviewed recently, which has led to funding challenges that affect the maintenance of streetlights.
Reporting and resolving faulty streetlights
When street lights fail, citizens should first contact their local government office or municipal authority, as these offices are tasked with immediate maintenance within their areas. For streetlights managed by ECG, reporting the issue directly to their customer service will initiate repairs. Additionally, community-based organizations with partnerships with local authorities or ECG may also play a role in addressing these issues.
Challenges and solutions for effective maintenance
Several challenges hinder effective streetlight maintenance in Ghana. Clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of different institutions involved is crucial for a coordinated approach.
Developing a comprehensive regulatory framework and technical standards will ensure consistent maintenance practices. Enhancing the technical capacity of local authorities is essential for effective management and maintenance.
Moreover, reviewing and adjusting the street lighting levy is necessary to address the financial demands of maintaining and operating streetlights.
Measures to prevent vandalism and theft, along with efficient mechanisms for replacing damaged streetlights, are also important.
Guiding principles for sustainable street lighting
To ensure sustainable street lighting, several guiding principles should be followed:
Community involvement: Engaging local communities in the planning process ensures that street lighting projects meet their needs and preferences.
Balancing social and economic benefits: Street lighting initiatives should balance social needs with economic benefits, contributing to safety and urban development.
Coordination with urban planning: Aligning street lighting strategies with broader land use and urban development plans supports overall city growth.
Strengthening local authority capacity: Providing local authorities with the necessary resources, training, and support is crucial for effective implementation and management.
Equitable access: Ensuring that all neighbourhoods have access to street lighting helps address disparities and enhances safety and quality of life for all residents.
Clarification on maintenance responsibilities
Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Roads and Highways, Nasir Ahmed Yartey, had clarified that the maintenance of faulty street lights falls under the purview of local authorities, not his ministry.
He referenced Section 4 of the August 2011 policy document, which assigns the responsibility for streetlight maintenance to the local assemblies.
During an interview with Bernard Avle on the Citi Breakfast Show, Mr. Yartey explained, “The Ministry of Roads and Highways is responsible for installing streetlights during road construction, but once the construction is completed, the responsibility shifts to the local assemblies.”
He emphasized that the local authorities are tasked with ongoing maintenance and that they collect levies to support this function.