Long-awaited relief is finally on the way for residents of Barbeque Downs, with the traffic signals at the corner of Jubie Road expected to be switched on soon, said Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe.

She said, together with the Barbeque Downs Community and Residents Association, they have been working to resolve the long-standing challenges at the junction, and after persistent efforts with Eskom and Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), progress is now visible. “We anticipate that the traffic signal will be fully operational very soon, providing much-needed relief and enhancing safety for our community,”
She thanked residents for their patience, describing the update as: “A moment of hope and celebration for the neighbourhood.”

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The improvement follows months of tension earlier this year. In January, Deppe criticised Pinnacle College Waterfall after the school expanded without disclosing its plans to her office. She said the move left residents frustrated, as the additional classrooms brought more vehicles to an area already battling congestion, with little planning made for parking or safe drop-off zones. According to her, when schools grow without considering the surrounding infrastructure, they put unnecessary strain on the community. “This leads to chaotic and unsafe conditions for students, staff, and residents.”

Pinnacle College executive head Andrea Dawson responded that infrastructure planning is the municipality’s responsibility. Dawson said the school operates under an approved site development plan and had not been made aware of the councillor’s concerns, adding that the school was testing a number of on-site improvements and, if necessary, would later approach JRA to consider alternatives.

To witness the situation first hand, Deppe visited the intersection of Jubie and Dickens roads on January 23. She found the traffic lights out of order, making the situation even more difficult, and said, between JRA, City Power, and Eskom, no entity was taking responsibility. “I get different stories from all of them about why the traffic lights are not working.” She requested traffic wardens in the mornings to ease the school drop-off rush.

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At the time, JRA spokesperson Thembile Gule said the intersection actually fell under Tshwane’s jurisdiction.

Despite these setbacks, Deppe says the current work at Jubie Road is a turning point. She assured residents that she, and the community association, remain committed to addressing challenges in Barbeque Downs.

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