YET another serious accident has occurred on Atlas Road as motorists are still subjected to driving in the dark.
This, DA MPL and Constituency Head, Graham Gersbach, says, is because of Gauteng Transport MEC, Ismael Vadi’s, reluctance to maintain street lights along sections of the provincial roads network, particularly the Atlas Road off-ramp in Benoni.
Also read:
• It is lights on for Atlas Road
• Plans to repair Atlas Road put on hold again
The Atlas Road off-ramp is a part of the provincial road network and for six years, this off-ramp and provincial roads leading to and from it have been a nightmare for residents of Bonaero Park, Brentwood Park and neighbouring suburbs due to street lights not being maintained.
Residents have fallen victim to accidents and crimes such as hijackings and smash and grabs due to the darkness.
“While we have asked questions to the MEC’, Ministers and Gauteng Provincial Departments, and have received tepid answers – there has been no action to actually resolve the problem,” Gersbach said.
Gersbach summarised the answer to his last question to Vadi:
• That the maintenance agreement between the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport and SANRAL for the maintenance of lights on provincial roads has still not been signed as they are still finalising the legal aspects of the agreement;
• The lights have still not been repaired due to challenges of sourcing material, masts damaged during accidents, switches stolen and substations damaged.
“I, like the residents of Bonaero Park, am tired of excuses. Whilst the department experiences delays in finalising agreements and sourcing materials, people are losing their lives and being seriously injured in accidents and hijackings. It is the MEC and his department who are responsible for this maintenance.”
