Long-awaited repairs completed at Norkem Park R25 intersection

The community of Kempton Park, particularly residents of Norkem Park, can finally breathe a sigh of relief as the traffic lights at the McDonald’s intersection on the R25 have been repaired.

On May 6, residents’ concerns appeared to be addressed when the traffic lights returned to service after almost two years out of service.

On May 4, Gauteng Member of the Provincial Legislature and DA constituency head for Kempton Park, Michael Waters, issued a media statement highlighting the ongoing issue affecting not only Norkem Park residents but also motorists who regularly use the road.

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Waters said residents had been forced to continue using a dangerous intersection while awaiting repairs from the Gauteng Department of Roads and Logistics.

“Despite being fully aware of the issue, the department states that the repairs will be completed by the end of July 2026, meaning residents will have waited over two years for a basic repair.

“For nearly two years, residents have endured increased traffic congestion, dangerous driving conditions, heightened risk of accidents, daily frustrations and delays.

“This information was revealed in a reply to the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) questions tabled in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.

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“The MEC for Roads and Logistics, Kedibone Tlabela-Diale, confirmed that the traffic lights have been non-operational since June 26, 2024.

“The department further admitted that the broken traffic lights add approximately 15 minutes to residents’ daily journeys, and that the intersection requires repairs costing R500 000,” Waters said.

However, the traffic lights were unexpectedly repaired on Wednesday, restoring order to the intersection and improving safety for motorists.

Traffic flow is now being regulated after months of disruption. The repairs followed sustained pressure from councillors, residents and Waters.

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Waters said the community’s petition played a key role in prompting action.

“We would like to thank all those who signed our petition, as it was the pressure the community placed on the ANC provincial government that forced them to repair the traffic lights.

“It is concerning that it took two years of residents facing daily frustrations for the ANC to actually do something.

“The fact that we are celebrating the repairing of traffic lights shows how low the bar has been set,” Waters said.

City of Ekurhuleni Ward 91 councillor Desmond McKenzie said that after more than two years, the provincial department has finally repaired the traffic lights at the corner of Mooirivier Road and the P91.

He welcomed the long-overdue intervention and thanked the community for their persistence in signing petitions and lodging complaints.

“We also extend our sincere appreciation to Member of Parliament Michael Waters for consistently raising this issue, asking questions and keeping pressure on the department to act.

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“However, it is unacceptable that residents and motorists had to repeatedly plead for such a critical service to be delivered. Basic infrastructure must be maintained proactively, without the need for prolonged public pressure.

“While the repairs are a positive step forward, we now call on the department to urgently ensure that the traffic signals are properly synchronised to improve traffic flow and enhance road safety, particularly during peak hours,” McKenzie said.

McKenzie further urged the department to prioritise and repair other faulty traffic lights along the P91 without further delays.

He added that he and other stakeholders will continue to monitor the situation closely and engage with the relevant authorities until all outstanding issues are resolved.