Tender delays critical Centurion traffic light repairs, risking motorists’ safety

Motorists in parts of Centurion continue to face serious safety risks at several intersections in Ward 78, where multiple traffic lights remain out of order because of vandalism.

The affected intersections include Migmatite Drive and Hendrik Verwoerd Drive, John Vorster Drive and Embankment Road, and John Vorster Drive and Heuwel Road, near the Hennops River.

At another section of John Vorster Drive and Heuwel Road, heading eastbound just before the N1 on-ramp to Polokwane, the traffic lights on the left-hand side are not functioning, while those on the right remain operational.

Tshwane metro spokesperson, Lindela Mashigo, said that the restoration of traffic lights at these intersections has been delayed because a tender is still being finalised for the supply of materials needed to maintain traffic lights across the metro.

“The tender is for the supply of material for the maintenance of traffic signals citywide, not only for controller boxes.

The controller boxes are part of the material supplied in the tender. However, it has not yet been awarded,” Mashigo said.

He confirmed that the evaluation of the tender has been completed and that a supply chain management report has been prepared for the bid evaluation committee, which is scheduled to meet next week.

Once reviewed, the tender is expected to be recommended for consideration by the Bid Adjudication Committee.

“As a temporary measure, the city has requested assistance from OUTsurance points men to help manage traffic at the affected intersections during peak morning and afternoon hours,” added Mashigo.

He explained that the city is currently only performing reactive maintenance due to capacity constraints, responding to faults as they occur rather than proactively maintaining traffic infrastructure.

At the eastbound John Vorster Drive and Heuwel Road intersection, Mashigo said the city’s electricity department will repair the non-functioning left-hand traffic lights, which are out of order due to a power failure, due to damaged electricity supply cables.

“To help prevent further vandalism, the city is using stronger metal boxes to secure vulnerable controller units.

“The city is also considering concreting underground traffic signal cables, but this measure will only be implemented if funding becomes available.”

In an update to residents, Ward 78 Councillor Peter Sutton expressed serious concern about the long outages and the risks they pose to motorists.

“Several intersections remain non-functional because their controller boxes were vandalised. The delay of over 10 months in finalising a critical tender that should have taken three months is unacceptable,” he said.

He confirmed that the city has committed to prioritising repairs at the eastbound section of John Vorster and Heuwel Road as soon as materials become available, and that he will continue to watch the situation closely.

Sutton also noted that while some maintenance work has recently been completed on parts of Lenchen Avenue, many streetlights remain out in the Centurion CBD, especially around Centurion Mall.

“The formal reporting system is failing. As the councillor, I am often forced to take non-standard routes to get these matters addressed.

“I remain committed to ensuring the functionality of traffic infrastructure in Ward 78 and will continue to fight for urgent repairs and improved response mechanisms,” he said.

He urged residents and motorists to report traffic signal faults to the metro on 012 358 9999 or via the e-Tshwane service portal.

Motorists say the situation on the roads has become increasingly unsafe and stressful.

Abigail Mateman, who commutes through the Migmatite and Hendrik Verwoerd Drive intersection every morning, said that the traffic signals being out of order have made driving dangerous.

“Sometimes I don’t know whether to stop or go. I believe every morning is a gamble because some drivers don’t slow down at all.

“It’s even worse when it rains or gets dark. There’s no sense of order,” she said.

Julia Reeds, another regular commuter through several affected intersections, said the lack of functioning traffic signals adds unnecessary stress and makes driving unpredictable.

“I constantly have to be on high alert, and that’s stressful,” she said.

Reeds stated that when the lights are working, they help keep traffic flowing smoothly and reduce the risk of accidents.

“But when they’re off, it’s like every driver is out for themselves, and chaos takes over.

It makes even a short trip feel exhausting and unsafe,” she said.

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