Residents of the City of Mbombela (CoM) are still gatvol with the continuing state of dysfunctional street and traffic lights.

This, despite promises by the CoM’s mayor, Cllr Sibongile Makushe-Mazibuko, that the Service Delivery Drive (SDD) would accelerate public services.

In Mbombela, the Belladonna traffic lights on the Kaapsehoop Road, as well as those on Anderson Street, have been off for a year.

Those on the corner of Percy Fitzpatrick and Dr Enos Mabuza Drives are also not functioning.

The flow of traffic on several busy routes is being disrupted due to the many dysfunctional traffic lights.

ALSO READ: City of Mbombela tackles Gatvol issues, but it’s ‘not a one-day job’

Streetlights on Ferreira Street, Dr Enos Mabuza Drive, Percy Fitzpatrick Drive and several internal streets in Mbombela are also not working, even though they were repaired during the SDD. Although some repairs were carried out, several lights have since stopped working again. The Kaapsehoop Road also remains without functioning streetlights. Those on the R40 from Mbombela to White River and Barberton are non-functioning as well.

ALSO READ: Unkempt pavements and parks leave Mbombela residents gatvol

In White River, the traffic lights on the corner of Danie Joubert Street and the R40 are regularly out of order, causing major traffic congestion during peak hours. Barberton is experiencing a similar situation, with most of the traffic lights on the main road into town broken.

Residents believe that poor maintenance is to blame.

The streetlights on the R536 towards the Kruger National Park also remain off.

In response to a request for comment, the CoM’s municipal manager, Wiseman Khumalo, insisted that all traffic and streetlights are being attended to.

He said that in some streets, they have replaced the old fittings with new ones designed for energy-saving bulbs – an indication that the work is ongoing.

“I indicated in May that we have embarked on a project to repair at least 284 streetlights across the municipality. Plans are in place to get the rest that are not working. Motorists using the R40 can see that a contractor is on site for repairs. Internal streetlights are also going to be repaired,” he said.

Khumalo reiterated that the CoM services not only the urban area of Mbombela, but also the surrounding rural communities. He assured residents that, despite “limited resources”, the municipality is committed to eventually repairing all faulty streetlights. Each time Lowvelder raises the issue, he confirms that the CoM is aware of the situation.

Finally, he reiterated, “Some are old and need to be replaced. Others are damaged during accidents or as a result of cable theft. But we do attend to them and repair them. Plans are in place to replace the rest.”

According to Khumalo, the mayor will deliver the state of the municipality address today, where she will unpack all service delivery plans.