A traffic light at the intersection of Peltier and Waterfall drives in Sunninghill has been installed facing in the wrong direction following pipe repair work, raising safety concerns and questions about infrastructure repairs in Sunninghill.

The error comes after multiple pipe bursts along Peltier Drive required excavation and repairs.

According to the Sunninghill Ratepayers Association, following a reinstatement of work after a pipe burst, the traffic signal was positioned incorrectly, facing toward the nearest estate rather than oncoming traffic at the intersection.

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Chairperson Linda Gildenhuys and suburb manager Tracy Kensey said the issue was discovered after the work was finalised, and they were not sure whether it was Joburg Water or Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) which was responsible for the error.

“This creates confusion for motorists and poses a safety risk,” said Kensey.

Kensey added residents have responded with humour, jokingly referring to the misaligned and very short signal as a ‘traffic laaitie’ instead of a traffic light, suggesting it still has some growing up to do before it can properly do its job.

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The association members noted that the problem forms part of a broader, ongoing infrastructure challenge along Peltier Drive.

Kensey said the suburb has experienced repeated pipe bursts in the area for more than three years.

“In many cases, trenches are dug to fix the burst pipes and are left unfilled for extended periods or not properly reinstated.

@caxtonjoburgnorth Watch: The Sunninghill Ratepayers Association chairperson Linda Gildenhuys and suburb manager Tracy Kensey point out the misaligned traffic light at the intersection of Peltier and Waterfall drives. Video: Ayanda Ntshingila #Fourways #Sunninghill ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

“In January alone this year, there were three major pipe bursts along Peltier Drive.”

She believes the recurring failures may be linked to ageing underground infrastructure and said the association has been attempting to arrange an on-site meeting with Johannesburg Water to address the repeated bursts and seek long-term solutions.

Fourways Review has contacted the Johannesburg Roads Agency and Johannesburg Water for comment. More information will be provided once it becomes available.

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