Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa, has been plagued by the relentless theft and vandalism of electrical cables for years, costing the municipality over R23 million every year.

Despite every effort to fight the scourge, cable thieves seem to always find a way. But now, the city has come up with a brilliant solution -- high mast solar street lights that could save the day!

Valued at R3.5 million, the metro's pilot project involves installing solar panels, luminaires, and batteries on the top of the ring gear at a towering height of 20 metres.

What makes these lights a game-changer is that they don't require any electrical cables, and the height of the mast makes it impossible for criminals to access the solar panels and equipment.

Lance Grootboom, the political head of electricity and energy in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, explained, "The sturdy design of the high mast means it cannot be cut or pulled over with a vehicle like a normal street light pole." This approach not only prevents theft but also eliminates the need for costly maintenance fees, potentially saving the city over R20 million in the long run.

As a pilot project, the high mast solar street lights will be initially installed in targeted areas.

"When we see the success of this installation, we will roll it out to other affected areas," Grootboom added optimistically.

The city is not alone in its battle against theft and vandalism. Criminals have also targeted metal fencing at cemeteries and railway lines in other parts of the metro. Recently, thieves were caught in the act while attempting to remove sections of railway near the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport.