West Rand residents leave the region’s dormitory towns daily between 5am and 8am to work in adjacent metros. If the traffic light at the Pinehaven intersection works twice a week and if only three accidents occur, residents regard themselves as fortunate.
They again encounter the same horrific delays and tailbacks on their return trip. They just want to get home to their families.
This notorious intersection has had many names with the least flattering being “Stairway to Heaven” where residents have lost their loved ones.
During the mid-seventies a new interchange was envisaged to replace the existing Pinehaven intersection with a diamond interchange that would have loops in the north-western and south-eastern quadrants between the K72 and the N14.
The intention was to address the high traffic volumes that would be experienced as a result of planned development in the area.
The planning of the intersection reached the stage where the concept of a flyover was approved. However, prior to the 2010 World Cup, budgetary constraints left Gauteng province with a choice between upgrading Malibongwe Drive to Lanseria or the R28/ N14 interchange. The verdict was Malibongwe!
Now three years later, DA MPL Fred Nel once again has taken the fight to Province on behalf of the residents of Mogale by asking questions in the Legislature.
DA councillors in Mogale City are petitioning (from now till the end of July) for the project to go ahead immediately.
Residents from the west and far west can contact the councillors driving this project via email:
• Richard Lees at rival@telkomsa.net representing Ward 28 that comprises the Featherbrooke, Ruimsig and Rangeview areas. His contact number is 083 267 3908.
• Jacques Hoön at Jacques.hoon@telkomsa.net representing Pinehaven, North Vale, Steynsvlei, Honingklip, Heuningklip, Kromdraai, Protea Ridge, Rant-en-Dal. His contact number is 073 042 7113.
• Jacqueline Pannall at Jacqui.pannall@gmail.com representing Ward 17 that comprises Rant-en-Dal, Krugersdorp North and Dan Pienaarville. Her contact number is 072 309 1927.
Contact them and they will forward a petition or keep you informed.
