35% streetlights defunct, Suncity residents claim rise in crimes

GURUGRAM: Residents of Suncity Township have complained of several streetlights in their area, which have not been working for more than a year and a half.

According to residents, around 35% of the township's streetlights have not been functioning. "The street lights have not been working for over a year. Despite our repeated complaints, the developer has done nothing in this regard," said VMK Singh, a member of Suncity RWA.

Residents said dearth in functional street lights have increased the instances of thefts in the area, especially car thefts. "In the last two months, multiple car thefts have happened, where items like side mirrors and wheel covers have been stolen. My car's wheel covers have also been stolen," said Vivek Sharma, a resident of Suncity.

The problem is graver for the females and the elderlies. "In the evening when the females go out to shop or for a walk they are often chased by dogs or pigs. Sometimes they are even subjected to eve-teasing," said Sarla Nandal, a resident of Suncity.

The residents said last year they had written to the developer and had also approached the Sector 56 police station with a complaint regarding the non-functional street lights and how it has led to increase in thefts in the area. Following which, the police had even instructed the developer to fix the street lights.

Meanwhile, the developer said the RWA members have not paid the maintenance charges because of which they are not able to upkeep the street lights.

"The streetlights in the area need maintenance and funds, without the maintenance charges it is difficult for us to repair the street lights," said Harender Kumar, general manager , maintenance department, Suncity

Singh, however, said the maintenance charge is for non-mandatory services, not for mandatory services such as streetlights.