Red light — ANC/EFF Government runs out of Money to Repair Traffic Lights

by Ald Bill Rundle — DA Shadow MMC for Transport Planning

Date: 25 April 2024

Release: Immediate

Type: Media Statement

The failed maintenance of the traffic Lights and signalling equipment in the ANC/EFF-led City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) is cause for grave concern.

As is the case with most decisions made in Ekurhuleni, the easiest way out has been chosen. Damaged traffic lights, regardless of the congestion and safety issues it may cause, are being replaced with stop signs.

The alarm bells only rang louder, as all maintenance and service-related issues on traffic signal and lights in CoE has stopped. Lack of budget funding forced the department to instruct contracted service providers not to do any work until funding becomes available again.

We are aware of the fact that there are provisions in the Road Traffic Act that accommodates this scenario i.e. intersections reverting to 4-way stops. However, one only has to visit sites like these to understand the unimagined congestion and chaos that ensues. The intersection on Main Reef Road at the connecting Road to Germiston via Primrose is a prime example. The lights failed and after several attempts at repairing they were all removed and was replaced with four way stop signs. The rationale we were informed was to prevent the continued vandalisation of the lights and cable theft by alleged thieves and vandals.

It is clear that under an EFF and ANC run city, the Doomsday Coalition can simply not keep any lights on, this seemingly now includes traffic lights.

We will continue to pursue this matter to ensure that CoE provides the required funding and restores upkeep and maintenance for this critical aspect of service delivery.

Ald Bill Rundle

DA Shadow MMC for Transport Planning

074 111 2488