SANDAKAN: The Sandakan Public Works Department (PWD) will repair 54 damaged and non-functioning streetlights here as soon as it gets the allocation.
Sandakan Member of Parliament, Vivian Wong, said the issue of streetlights that she often raised had evoked a response from PWD Sandakan.
“Among the problematic streetlights are on two parts of the road, from the Batu 1.5 roundabout (Elopura Market) to the Sung Siew roundabout (Sandakan Clock Tower) and in front of the Duchess of Kent Sandakan Hospital to the Sandakan Public Works Department
“A total of 54 streetlights are not working, therefore, funds need to be allocated to replace them,” she said in a statement, recently.
She said through the report, PWD was in the process of obtaining allocations to replace broken lampposts and maintenance so the streetlights could be turned on.
“The actual repairs will only be possible if an allocation had been made. It is so that the wiring and street lighting system can last a long time and be safe to use.
“PWD Sandakan also contacted SESB so the temporary connection can be done,” she said, adding that PWD must use the allocation prudently and effectively.
She said although the first phase of the allocation could not fully restore all the streetlights, the best plan was to use a small amount of allocation in the most suitable place possible.
The report also stated that frequent streetlight failures were mostly caused by car accidents, overgrown tree branches and weather, among other things.
“Therefore, I appeal to the people of Sandakan to be aware of road safety at all times.
“Firstly, protect yourself, and secondly, avoid hitting lampposts and electrical boxes especially when the weather is bad,” she said.
In a related development, she urged local authorities and relevant agencies to ensure that there were no overgrown trees or plants on the roadside or lamppost areas.
