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Polokwane traffic lights: Repairs to key intersections completed

Repairs have been completed at several key intersections following weeks of non-functional traffic lights at key intersections in Polokwane.

POLOKWANE – Residents have for months voiced concerns on WhatsApp emergency groups about faulty traffic lights across the city, with many complaints highlighting the lack of timely action despite repeated reports.

Municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala recently acknowledged in an article on www.reviewonline.co.za, the inconvenience caused and assured the public that most non-functional traffic lights were repaired over the past weekend.

Selala explained that delays in repairing traffic lights were due to logistical challenges in sourcing replacement parts, which have now been resolved.

The traffic light on the corners of Kalsiet Street and Veldspaat Street is fixed.

He did, however, highlight that cable theft and vandalism of traffic light infrastructure are pressing issues.

“Incidents of theft are rising, with some intersections targeted multiple times in a single month. This ongoing criminal activity depletes infrastructure, causes significant inconvenience to motorists, and diverts resources that could have been used for enhancements. We are collaborating closely with law enforcement to combat this phenomenon,” he said.

Repairs have been completed at several key intersections, including Blood River, R71 and University Road, R37 and the N1 bypass, and others such as Dorp and Hospital and Madiba Park.

Residents are encouraged to report any non-functioning traffic lights or suspicious activities.

In addition to faulty traffic lights, residents raised concerns about the lack of pointsmen at key intersections during peak hours.

Selala explained that traffic officers are deployed strategically to manage congestion, particularly in high-density areas and during peak traffic periods.

“Key intersections near major shopping centres and taxi ranks receive heightened attention. Officers patrol high-traffic streets, including Church, Landdros Maré, and Thabo Mbeki,” he said.

The city currently operates two shifts with 10 traffic officers and two shifts with seven wardens per shift.

Their responsibilities include:

• Managing high-congestion areas.

• Attending to accidents and emergencies.

• Regulating traffic during public events and processions.

• Patrolling to enforce road safety laws.

While Selala acknowledged that limited manpower sometimes leads to gaps in officer visibility, he assured residents that deployments are guided by traffic patterns and situational urgency.

Plans are underway to increase the number of traffic officers.

“We encourage residents to remain proactive in reporting issues and trust that we are working diligently to address their concerns,” Selala concluded.

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