City’s R8 million CBD High-Mast lighting upgrade project under way

09 September 2025

The City’s Energy Directorate is investing more than R8 million in refurbishing high-mast streetlights along the inbound and outbound main routes of Cape Town’s Central Business District. This critical project will see the complete upgrade of 85 high mast poles in the area. This City project forms part of a wider public lighting upgrade programme, which is rolling out across Cape Town to enhance safety, support economic activity and promote sustainable energy use.

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Alderman Xanthea Limberg and officials in the Energy Directorate visited Helen Suzman Boulevard where a portion of the work was being completed.

‘Our teams visited the Helen Suzman Boulevard site where the High Mast teams are carrying out this important upgrade project. Over the next two years, the R8 m project will include full structural inspections of the poles, the replacement of outdated components, repainting, and the retrofitting of old sodium lamps with modern, energy efficient LED fittings. The new 226-watt LED fittings replace the old 400-watt High Pressure Sodium fittings (HPS), securing about 43,5% in energy savings while providing significantly better visibility. The 85 high mast poles along this stretch were originally installed in the 1970s to provide wider illumination coverage and to improve road safety in the area. In total, 340 luminaires will be installed, significantly enhancing safety for motorists commuting along these busy routes.

This City project forms part of a wider public lighting upgrade programme, which is rolling out across Cape Town to enhance safety, support economic activity and promote sustainable energy use.

‘The high masts play a vital role in keeping this area well-lit. By refurbishing this aging infrastructure and installing modern, energy-efficient LEDs, the City is making a long-term investment in its infrastructure. In line with that commitment, we have budgeted over R160 million for LED public lighting expansion projects across the City over the next three years. These projects demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that our infrastructure keeps up with modern standards while remaining reliable, efficient, and safe,’ said Alderman Limberg.

Benefits of this refurbishment include:

• Brighter, superior illumination and enhanced visibility
• Improved energy efficiency and reduced electricity consumption
• Lower maintenance requirements and fewer service call-outs
• Extended lifespan of lighting infrastructure
• Cost savings over time due to reduced repairs and energy use

Protect your Power Campaign to tackle R62 million vandalism, theft crisis
Let’s ACT: Protect Your Power

The City has spent approximately R62 million in the past financial year on electricity infrastructure maintenance and replacement. All efforts for safer and brighter communities such as this high mast upgrade are jeopardised by theft and vandalism, and illegal connections across our communities and along our major roadways.

This is a first of a kind campaign to highlight the massive impact of vandalism, theft, and illegal connections that leave our communities, neighbourhoods, and roadways in the dark. Much of our infrastructure is located within our communities, in some cases, right next to residents’ homes.

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office