Fourways recurring traffic light failure a power fault issue
With reports that informal pointsmen are behind the faulty traffic lights at the Main and Witkoppen roads intersection, JRA has stated that there has been no evidence of such a thing, and that the fault actually lies with Eskom, as the fault is power related.
Repairing traffic lights at the busy intersection of Main and Witkoppen roads in Fourways has become a frequent occurrence.
It costs tax payers between R80 000 and R400 000 each time, depending on the extent of the damage, Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) said.
Residents and motorists have raised ongoing concerns over recurring failures at the intersection, which have caused traffic delays and safety issues. While JRA has repeatedly repaired the lights, the problem appears to reoccur shortly after interventions.
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Some community members have alleged that individuals from a nearby informal settlement may be tampering with the lights, and that outages are sometimes exploited to solicit money from drivers.
Regarding this vandalism, theft, or tampering, JRA’s Mosa Makhalima said fault history shows no evidence of deliberate interference, though vehicle accidents and routine maintenance have occasionally caused damage.
Makhalima clarified that the intersection falls under the Gauteng Department of Transport, which is co-ordinating with Eskom to address power-related issues.
“Most of the recurring failures are power-related. The power supply to this intersection is provided by Eskom, and the Gauteng Department of Transport is in communication with Eskom to resolve the issues as they occur.”
Lebogang Modise and Adam Nkosi, informal pointsmen who usually target Witkoppen and Main roads, told Fourways Review that the allegations that informal traders or settlers in the area purposefully disconnect the traffic lights, are not true.
“We don’t know how they are even disconnected. We target traffic lights that have not been working for a long time, and where there are no police or traffic directors to help with traffic,” said Modise.
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To safeguard traffic light infrastructure, the agency said it has replaced critical components with materials of lesser resale value.
“Aluminium and steel traffic signal heads and backboards have been replaced with nylon plastic versions, and cables now contain reduced copper content. Law enforcement agencies, including SAPS, JMPD, Gauteng Traffic Police, Crime Prevention Wardens, and private security firms, have also been involved in monitoring and protection efforts.”
For long-term management, Makhalima said JRA monitors intersections through a remote system, and encourages the community to report faults via its platforms. She added that daily follow-ups are conducted, including addressing power supply issues like those currently affecting the Main and Witkoppen roads intersection.
“Both Eskom and the Gauteng Department of Transport are working closely to resolve the matter speedily and will provide updates in due course.”
The agency urges residents to remain vigilant and assist in protecting public infrastructure, given the high cost and critical importance of functioning traffic lights.
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