Broom congestion: when will Mogale act?
The DA will continue to press for the construction of additional lanes in Robert Broom.
It has undoubtedly become the most annoying experience for residents and motorists to drive on Robert Broom Drive during peak hour traffic with snarl-ups and tailbacks spilling into feeder roads such as Van Oordt, Rudd, Lud Hersch and Swanevelder.
“When I look back I believe the most significant issue which has emerged in Ward 21 in the past nine years has been the increasing congestion along Robert Broom,” stated Ward Councillor, Lynn Pannall.
The solution is simple. Widen the road between Van Oordt and Amaryllis as was planned decades ago. Use the road reserve which was intended to accommodate the extra traffic accompanying development.
The Democratic Alliance will continue to press for the construction of additional lanes in Robert Broom.
Thus far Pannall’s motion and questions to Council, reinforced by its top position on nine annual IDP Budget requests, numerous letters, site inspections with Infrastructure Departmental Heads and newspaper articles have seen Robert Broom move higher up the priority list.
“We have shown resolve in keeping Robert Broom on the table,” stated Pannall.
“Congestion is caused because Road Infrastructure has not kept up with rapid development along Robert Broom, especially on the northern side. New complexes, a private high school and a possible retirement village are at various stages of planning or completion.”
A petition requesting Council to fast track the widening of the road in Ward 21 is circulating in the community at shopping centres and in community structures. It will be submitted to Council’s Petitions Committee shortly and has been signed by hundreds of residents.
“We are at the tipping point. If the widening of Robert Broom is not done quickly, economic and business development in our city will suffer a huge blow and the frustration of residents will reach boiling point,” concluded the councillor.
* The Executive Mayor of Mogale City, Koketso Calvin Seerane, gives residents the opportunity to have their say ahead of the State of the City address on 27 March. Send your tips about Robert Broom Drive to Nkosana.zali@mogalecity.gov.za before or on 16 March to hear the Mayor’s response.
