Lights still out in city centre

DESPITE numerous pleas to the authorities as well as a letter to The Herald more than a year ago ("Metro must back city projects", June 3), Govan Mbeki Avenue is darker than ever before. Between Russell Road and the City Hall only two lights are burning.

The street is named after one of South Africa's struggle heroes. Millions have been spent upgrading the street which has become a "no go" area at night.

Businesses are broken into regularly and hundreds of students who reside in the area, live in fear.

I believe it is an insult to the memory of Mbeki that a street named in his honour is in such a sorry state. Our ANC-led council needs to be more respectful of an icon who ensured the privileged position it holds today.

The CBD is the heart of the city and it reflects poorly on the rest of the metro. When a student is assaulted in the dark it will be too late.

John Brown, Walmer, Port Elizabeth