Traffic at intersections where robots have been knocked down will grind to a halt while the city battles to source new poles and cables.
This came to light after an investigation by ward 97 councillor, Andre Beetge in an effort to solve the problem of why traffic lights at the intersection of Kingsway and the R603 have not been repaired three weeks after the control box was damaged by a vehicle.
“It appears the problem will not be resolved any time soon. eThekwini Municipality has for the past six weeks been without either traffic poles or cables,” said Cllr Beetge.
“A well placed source revealed the eEhekweni Transport Authority’s hands were tied when it came to re-installing robots or associated cables if and when they get damaged in accidents. The reason is materials management has done no procurement. This after an appeal on tender from a supplier who was unsuccessful in securing a contract with the municipality and until this is resolved, there is no stock.”
Cllr Beetge’s attempts to obtain clarity on the way forward came to a grinding halt – much the same as the traffic at the now uncontrolled intersections.
According to him, on Thursday, 8 August, neither the city manager, Sbu Sithole (on leave), deputy city manager: finance and procurement, Krish Kumar (on leave), deputy head: procurement policy and support, Andre Petersen (on training) nor head: legal services, Nonkana Moerane (workshop) were available for comment.
Toti resident, Russel Hancox said his son Jade has almost been involved in three collisions since the traffic lights have been out. “It’s terrible in peak traffic at about 4.30pm every day,” he said. “It’s total choas and you just hope and pray someone doesn’t hit you.”
