Mazarron Council starts installing LED streetlights in Camposol

Work begins to address the historic Camposol streetlighting problems affecting numerous areas of the urbanisation 

Probably one of the biggest complaints from Camposol’s residents and homeowners over the years has been the lack of streetlighting in certain areas, an issue which has been raised at numerous meetings. Several technical reports have been carried out by Mazarrón Council and the absence of lighting has been variously attributed to circuits not installed or commissioned on original installation, failing and aging components, cabling being damaged or stolen amd the thorny subject of lighting on internal (private) poligono roads being the responsibility of homeowners and owners' communities.

Added to the list of problems was the cost, but this has to some extent been alleviated by the seizure, after 10 years fighting through the courts by Mazarrón Council, of 2.9 million euros in bank guarantees from the developer’s bank. However, where these funds are spent has had to be analysed closely by Council lawyers to avoid the bankruptcy administrator for developer Justo y Manoli SL (Grupo MASA) clawing back money not spent on projects mentioned in the reports submitted to the court.

As announced in March by Mazarrón Mayor Gaspar Miras, Camposol has been included in project of streetlighting improvements throughout the municipality and work started on the replacement of non-functioning streetlights in Sector C (North) some weeks ago, including Calles Puerto Lumbreras, Castillo Mayorazgo de Ascoy, Castillo de San Juan and Aralia. The initial intent was to install solar-powered lighting but after a feasablity study by a specialised company it was found that the spacing of the lamp posts was such that it would prevent the roads and pavements being illuminated to EU specifications. It was therefore decided to replace defunct lights with new LED models, which although more expensive than the original lights are far cheaper on electricty and also more environmentally friendly.

Work on the initial lighting circuits is now complete and they are in operation. Some residents have remarked that the illumination given off by the new LED lights has a warmer glow, not as harsh as the orange light given off by older low pressure sodium lamps.

Council technicians and electrical contractors are assessing which areas and circuits to work on next.

For more local news, events and other information go to the home page of Camposol Today.