R33.4m needed for Ekurhuleni streetlights as Atlas Road remains hazardous

Atlas Road has become an increasing safety hazard, with non-functioning traffic lights putting the lives of motorists, pedestrians, and schoolchildren at risk.

Despite numerous complaints and appeals to the Department of Roads and Transport, the issue remains unresolved.

The traffic lights along this busy stretch have reportedly been out of service for an extended period. According to residents and officials, multiple efforts to get them repaired have fallen on deaf ears.’

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Member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (MPL) Mike Waters, DA Ward 23 Clr Gerald Goslin, and members of the CPF have been actively campaigning for the repair of traffic signals and streetlights.

“This issue has persisted for quite some time,” said Goslin.“Other councillors and I have worked tirelessly to resolve it, and we’ve even raised it with the Gauteng Premier and the MEC.

“Functional traffic lights are essential not only for managing traffic but also for ensuring the safety of pedestrians and motorists. All we want is to keep our community safe and restore proper maintenance in our city.”

Atlas Road, one of the busiest routes in Kempton Park, is frequently used by school transport vehicles. Its current state poses a serious danger, highlighted by a recent accident at the intersection of Atlas and Elgin roads.

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CPF committee member Lizette Blight expressed frustration on behalf of many concerned parents.

“Because the traffic lights aren’t working, parents are forced to personally drive their children to and from school,” she said.

“If the lights had been operational, it’s very likely that some accidents could have been avoided. These failures are putting people in danger.”

Blight added that beyond managing traffic, functioning traffic and streetlights play a broader role in community safety.

“Functional traffic lights improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and prevent crime hotspots. Streetlights, in particular, help deter crime, enhance visibility, and promote safety after dark.”

In response to Waters’ inquiries, the Department of Roads and Transport cited rampant theft and vandalism as the reason for the non-functioning infrastructure.

The province has experienced high rates of copper cable and equipment theft, with stolen items suspected of being sold to the scrap metal industry.

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In a statement issued by Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, it was revealed that the estimated cost to replace vandalised streetlights across the Ekurhuleni region stands at approximately R33.4m.

However, budgets are not allocated per streetlight or per intersection, but rather for the province as a whole.

“For the 2025/2026 financial year, R5.5m has been allocated from the equitable share budget for streetlight maintenance,” Diale-Tlabela explained.

“Additional funding is expected from the Provincial Roads Maintenance Grant.”

She also confirmed that repairs could commence by June, pending the finalisation of a service provider’s appointment.

However, many in the community believe that June 2025 is too long to wait—especially given the ongoing risks to road users and residents.

The message from the community is clear: restore traffic lights and streetlights urgently to ensure public safety.