TRENGGALEK – Trenggalek authorities have started preparing a large-scale public street lighting renewal program as many aging PJU units across the regency show signs of declining performance.

The Public Housing, Settlement, and Transportation Agency in Trenggalek said many street lights have operated for more than five years. Officials believe the aging equipment has caused frequent lighting failures in several areas.

Damage has appeared in multiple locations, including the Kampak-Munjungan border area and parts of downtown Trenggalek.

“Overall, most units still work properly. However, these are electrical devices, so some damage is unavoidable, and our technical teams continue providing repairs,” Mahendra, head of the agency’s traffic division, said Monday.

He explained that old equipment has become the main factor behind the growing number of malfunctioning street lights. Many lighting units installed years ago have also passed their warranty periods.

“The lights in urban areas came from old procurement projects, and many warranties have expired. Most units are now more than five years old, so technical decline and outages naturally occur,” he said.

Despite the problems, technical teams continue carrying out partial repairs in affected areas. Workers regularly replace damaged bulbs and repair electrical networks to keep the lighting system operational.

Authorities recently repaired several darkened street lights along the Kampak-Munjungan route and in urban sections of Trenggalek.

At the same time, the local government has started planning a broader replacement project for 2026. Officials aim to fully replace lighting systems on several road sections instead of repairing them one by one.

The planned renewal program will cover the eastern route of Rejowinangun and the northern road leading to Pasar Subuh.

“For 2026, we have prepared plans for complete replacement projects on those two road sections,” Mahendra said.

Besides replacing old infrastructure, the government also plans to expand public lighting coverage in several districts. New PJU installations will target areas in Suruh, Tugu, and Bendungan districts.

Mahendra added that Trenggalek’s total public street lighting electricity capacity has now exceeded 1,300 kWh. The region’s mountainous geography and scattered residential areas require separate electrical networks in many locations.

Local officials consider the aging street light system a serious concern because proper road lighting plays an important role in public safety and transportation access.

Authorities said they will continue gradual rejuvenation efforts while preparing wider replacement programs to maintain reliable street lighting services across Trenggalek.