Benoni residents in Ekurhuleni are under siege due to non-functioning traffic lights at the bustling Atlas Road and Great North Road intersections. Community members report that faulty traffic lights have contributed to around 60 fatal accidents in under a year, making the area a deadly traffic hazard. The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng demands that the Gauteng MEC for Roads, Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, intervene to ensure the urgent restoration of these malfunctioning traffic lights.
The DA conducted an oversight inspection at the intersection and found the traffic lights still not functioning. They have not been functioning for almost a year. The persistent malfunction caused by vandalism and theft has resulted in severe traffic delays, with frustrated residents stating that they are forced to add 40 to 50 minutes to their commute to compensate for the heavy traffic chaos. The faulty traffic lights also contribute to serious accidents. Recently, six collisions were reported at the same intersection, underscoring the ongoing danger to motorists and pedestrians.
The situation is having a significant impact on residents, making daily activities like commuting to work or attending school increasingly challenging. It is also affecting the local economy, as the transportation of goods is being disrupted.
See photos of vandalised traffic lights here, here, here and here.
The failure to repair these traffic lights has a negative impact on residents and businesses, which is unacceptable. This situation highlights that the Premier Panyaza Lesufi-led government does not prioritise the safety and well-being of its residents, as it continues to fail in properly maintaining critical roads, such as Atlas Road and High Road, which fall under its jurisdiction. These are amongst many failures by this government; as a result, the DA has tabled a motion of no confidence against Premier Lesufi.
The DA has consistently raised this issue with the City of Ekurhuleni and the Gauteng Traffic Department, even initiating a petition demanding urgent action. Next, we will table questions to MEC Diale-Tlabela to ascertain why the traffic lights remain non-functional and to obtain data on accidents and fatalities at this intersection. We will also bring this issue to the Portfolio Committee for Roads and Logistics, pushing for immediate action.
A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government would have repaired these traffic lights within a reasonable timeframe and replaced any vandalised or stolen units. This would help keep residents safe, save them time, and enable businesses to deliver their goods without disruption.