Major intersections in disrepair

Residents and motorists in Alberton are calling for urgent intervention over the poor and unsafe conditions along Heidelberg and Vereeniging roads, which they say have become death traps due to years of neglect.

“I’m deeply concerned regarding the shocking and unsafe conditions along Heidelberg Road in Alberton. The state of this major route is not only an embarrassment but a serious danger to all motorists and pedestrians,” said resident Elsa Zeelie.

Streetlights have collapsed along overgrown pavements, and several major intersections are operating without functional traffic lights.

Among the worst affected are:

• Heidelberg and Ascot Drive (Makro intersection) – described as a deadly intersection with accidents reported almost daily

• Heidelberg and Vereeniging Road – no working traffic lights and no points men on duty

• Heidelberg and Dekenah Street

• Vereeniging and Juyn Street

• Vereeniging and Dan Jacobs Street (near the Traffic Department)

• Vereeniging and Combrink Street

• Vereeniging and Waterstof Street

• Zeelie said the intersection at Makro on Heidelberg Road has been non-operational for over a year, while the one at Vereeniging Road in Alrode has been out of order for nearly two years.

“These are some of the busiest intersections in the Alrode Industrial area, yet they remain in disrepair. This ongoing neglect has already cost lives and continues to put road users at grave risk,” she said.

Fatal crashes spark outrage

On October 14, the Alberton Record reported a tragic incident in which a truck struck a motorbike rider at the corner of Heidelberg Road and Dekenah Street, killing the rider.

Local resident Tokologo Chukudu Mokone reacted with frustration and heartbreak.

“Yet another one. There was also an accident about two or three weeks ago as you off-ramp from the R59 direction Vereeniging onto Swartkoppies. A truck (petrol tanker) turning left onto Swartkoppies ran over a bicycle rider and he died on the spot. The traffic lights on Swartkoppies, which have not been functioning for over a year, are also a contributing factor,” he said.

Another resident, Margie Carol Roberts, said many drivers no longer know where traffic lights should be, as they have been stolen or vandalised.

“That entire road towards Carnival City and back again towards Alberton is a death trap. If you don’t know the road, you don’t know where the traffic lights should be, therefore cars just drive without stopping. They’ve all been taken out and stolen. Who is being held responsible? This can’t continue, too many people are dying, too many accidents. The vultures just wait; they’re making money right now!” she said.

City says roads fall under provincial control

Richard Lubisi (Pr Tech Eng), chief engineer for planning services in the City of Ekurhuleni’s Department of Roads and Transport Management, explained that the roads fall under the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT).

“Heidelberg Road and Vereeniging Road fall under the jurisdiction of GDRT. The City of Ekurhuleni is not allowed to touch roads which are not under their jurisdiction. GDRT can even take action against the city if we were to fix their roads,” Lubisi said.

He added that discussions are under way to establish a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) or Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to allow the City to maintain provincial roads, but this has not yet been finalised.

Councillor pushes for provincial action

Ward Councillor Samantha Nair said she has been reporting the issue to the provincial department for years and has now escalated it further.

“I have been reporting these issues to the provincial department. I have now taken this to our Provincial MPL. I will keep you informed,” she told the Alberton Record.

Provincial department acknowledges query

The Alberton Record sent an enquiry to the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport.

Melitah Madiba, director of communications and media liaison, responded: “Your query is well-received and will be routed to the relevant officials in the department for assistance.”