Motorists in Burgersfort have raised concerns over traffic lights that have been out of service for several months. In fact, not a single set of traffic lights is working in the town known as South Africa’s first democratic platinum ‘city’.

None of the eight sets of lights on the R37/Dirk Winterbach Street are operational, including those on the R555 where it enters town, next to Thaba Moshate Casino.

The only functioning traffic lights in the entire Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality (FTLM) are in Praktiseer, a less-busy area.

While FTLM mayor Eddie Maila recently outlined bold plans to transform Fetakgomo Tubatse into a city, residents question whether this vision is achievable with no working traffic lights in Burgersfort.

In his State of the Local Municipality Address on August 7, Maila said the City Development Strategy (Vision 2043) is on track.

Motorists say navigating the town’s roads without traffic lights is a nightmare.

“During peak hours, traffic is always jam-packed, and it’s worst on Fridays. I was stuck in traffic for about 45 minutes in town last Friday (August 8). The point guards try to control busy traffic, but it’s just not enough. Can this municipality, for once, listen to our pleas?” said one Burgersfort resident.

Residents also warn that the faulty lights have caused vehicle damage and accused the FTLM of neglecting their needs and safety.

“The malfunctioning robots pose a great danger to motorists and pedestrians alike. I was recently involved in an accident when an oncoming car did not stop at the traffic lights,” said resident Benet Tshilo, who sustained minor injuries.

Traffic lights are not the only neglected infrastructure, according to residents.

“Not only are the robots not operating, the town is dark at night because the streetlights aren’t working. We cannot walk at night because it’s pitch-black,” said Thato Letsiba of Elephants Hill, in the CBD.

Other motorists told this publication that the FTLM appears unwilling to address the problem, fearing the municipality will only react after a serious incident occurs.

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Taxi associations have also inundated Steelburger with complaints. Some of the robots’ electrical boxes hang open, leaving the infrastructure vulnerable to vandalism and weather damage.

Queries about the traffic lights sent to FTLM communications manager, Mahlako Komane, had not been answered at the time of publishing. Updated information will be provided once the municipality responds.