Cable theft and new traffic lights affect motorists
New traffic lights in Ruimsig and Wilgeheuwel are a victory for residents.
Motorists have been adversely affected by recent cable theft in Ward 97.
Various streets in Honeydew and Ruimsig, namely Coleen, Deysel, Pierre and Hoëveld Roads, have been affected. Ward 97 councillor, Leah Knott, said City Power had confirmed they began with the replacement of aerial bundled cable conductors on 6 July. So far, the conductors on Hoëveld Road, Ruimsig, have been repaired and replaced with aluminium aerial bundle conductors to curb further theft.
Also Read: Power is not the problem, cable theft and vandalism is…
However, some good news for motorists is the latest installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Handicap and Hendrik Potgieter Roads in Ruimsig. The completion of this project was due to resident participation in the Integrated Development Planning (IDP) process throughout the last financial year.
Leah said, “Ruimsig was on the IDP for at least the last two financial years. I pushed JRA (Joburg Roads Agency) about this one, as we had many accidents there. We had a few hiccups with Gautrans withholding approval for the traffic lights to be put on Hendrik Potgieter but I raised the matter at our councillors’ forum with JRA management and approval was granted. The installation was pretty quick.”
New traffic lights have also been installed at the junction of Nic Diederichs Road and Vintage Street. The power supply has been connected but residents are waiting for JRA to complete the installation.
“Progress in this regard has been delayed somewhat by the financial year-end as they first need to ensure the centre lines are painted before switching the traffic lights on.
Basically, JRA can’t draw from existing stock while the financial audit is in progress but the delay will only be temporary. They are looking to use an existing sub-contractor to complete the job,” Leah explained.
The lights were installed at the intersection because the new school, Curro Academy Wilgeheuwel, will increase traffic in the area.
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