ActionSA has tabled an urgent motion to address Gauteng's failing traffic infrastructure, as widespread vandalism and dysfunctional traffic lights create safety hazards and traffic chaos. With the JRA requiring R70 million for repairs, the party demands immediate intervention from provincial leadership.
This comes after the party's oversight of both provincial and municipal roads, where they observed severe traffic congestion in Gauteng due to dysfunctional traffic lights and deteriorating infrastructure.
In a statement, ActionSA highlighted key roads in the province that have become hijacking hotspots due to non-functioning traffic lights and streetlights.
“These malfunctions and infrastructure issues pose severe risks to public safety, disrupt traffic flow, and significantly diminish the quality of life for our residents. The ongoing failures by both the local municipalities and provincial government to ensure the proper maintenance and functioning of our traffic lights, streetlights and road infrastructure is unacceptable and requires urgent intervention.”
The party stated that it has tabled the motion for an urgent debate in the legislature, not only to hold the MEC of Roads and Transport accountable but also to push for a resolution.
"The MEC of Roads and Transport must present an immediate and comprehensive plan to address the issues of malfunctioning traffic lights and deteriorating road infrastructure.
"The MEC of Co-operative Governance must urgently outline the measures taken to ensure local municipalities comply with maintenance standards, are held accountable for road infrastructure, and provide a clear timeline for all necessary repairs.
"Both MECs must commit to an expedited timeline for the implementation of these plans and provide regular, transparent updates to this House on the progress made," the party said.
IOL recently reported that the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) stated it requires over R70 million to repair all vandalized traffic light intersections across the City of Johannesburg, as residents and motorists continue to face prolonged traffic delays.
The JRA, which oversees a network of 2,023 signalled intersections, has reported widespread vandalism and theft of traffic light infrastructure.
The road agency manages over 16,000 poles, 100,000 LED bulbs, and 2,023 controller boxes, yet the infrastructure is frequently damaged by theft and vandalism. Last month, the JRA reported over 360 cases of vandalism and theft, with new incidents being reported daily.
ActionSA stated that it remains committed to the development and maintenance of infrastructure to better serve residents. The party also emphasised that this urgent debate will lead to improved road infrastructure services for the province’s residents, increased safety, and smoother traffic flow in Gauteng.
The Star