Vandalism of R55 infrastructure just days after restoration
Newly repaired streetlights and traffic signals were vandalised recently. The MEC for Roads and Transport is outraged and calls it a step backwards, which undermines service delivery.
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has strongly condemned the recent acts of vandalism targeting newly repaired streetlights and traffic signals along the R55.
This comes just days after the department completed repair and restoration work on the route, a project that had been welcomed by local communities for significantly improving road safety, visibility, and traffic flow.
The R55 is a north-south road connecting Sandton to Pretoria. It runs through areas such as Woodmead and Centurion and features both single and dual-carriageway sections. Key intersections include the N14, R80, and M1 highways.
The road connects several key areas, including Woodmead, Kyalami, Olievenhoutbosch, Heuweloord, Sunderland Ridge, and Laudium.
However, large sections of the infrastructure were deliberately damaged during the night in the second week of November, plunging parts of the corridor back into darkness, and undoing much of the progress made.
Caption: Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Photo: Gauteng Roads and Transport
Description: Woman in green jacket
MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela expressed deep disappointment and outrage over the destruction of public infrastructure.
“This is an attack on the people of Gauteng. Every light pole destroyed and every signal cable stolen takes us a step backwards in our mission to build safer, more connected communities. This reckless behaviour undermines service delivery, wastes public funds, and puts lives at risk. We cannot and will not tolerate it,” said Diale-Tlabela.
The MEC called on SAPS, municipal law enforcement agencies, and community policing forums to intensify efforts to protect public infrastructure and apprehend those responsible for the damage.
“We appeal to communities to stand with us in protecting these assets. Report suspicious activity, report vandalism, and refuse to allow criminal elements to hold our progress hostage. Working together, we can secure and sustain the infrastructure that serves us all,” she added.
Despite the setback, the department reaffirmed its commitment to restoring and maintaining transport infrastructure across Gauteng, ensuring that residents continue to benefit from safe and reliable road networks.
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