Vandalism surge threatens traffic signals in eThekwini
Remain vigilant
The damage to traffic lights has not only impaired the ability of the city to maintain reliable traffic signal operations, but it has also led to exorbitant repair costs.
Image: Simon Majadibodu/IOL
THE eThekwini Municipality has issued a call to residents to remain vigilant amid a troubling surge in vandalism that is crippling traffic signals throughout the southern region, particularly in the Isipingo area. Ongoing acts of vandalism, which include the theft of cables, forced-open control boxes, and damaged or removed pole covers, have left key intersections in an unsafe state, compromising safety for motorists and pedestrians alike.
Major sites affected by this wave of vandalism include the intersections at Prospecton/N2 and Prospecton/Wilcox, where the absence of functioning traffic lights has caused chaos and uncertainty. The damage has not only impaired the ability of the city to maintain reliable traffic signal operations, but it has also led to exorbitant repair costs.
City officials have expressed their concerns over the repeated attacks, noting that the maintenance of traffic signals is essential to the smooth running of the urban transport network.
Residents are encouraged to play an active role in safeguarding their neighbourhood by remaining vigilant and reporting any faulty or tampered traffic signals. Concerns can be raised by calling the municipality's dedicated line at 087 121 9446 or through the eThekwini mobile app, where users can report issues conveniently.
As calls for increased community awareness grow louder, officials assert that together with the public’s cooperation, they can work towards restoring these vital traffic systems.