Local residents have labelled the R55 road a “Death Trap” and they have called on the Gauteng Provincial Government to immediately address their concerns.
The charge was led by social and anti-crime activist, Yusuf Abramjee.
He told the Roads and Transport Portfolio Committee at a meeting in Laudium today, “We are sick and tired of complaining about the non-maintenance…”
These includes overgrown grass, street lights being stolen, safety barriers not being fixed and traffic lights being vandalised.
Abramjee said 64 lights have been stolen between Laudium and the Wierda Road off-ramp alone.
He said despite “complaining and complaining, the department has done absolutely nothing.”
Abramjee said it was “very dark traveling on the R55 at night and criminals are taking advantage.”
He said a number of traffic lights have not been fixed and stop signs have been erected at some intersections.
Abramjee added that collisions along the R55 are a regular occurrence.
“We fought hard for the R55 road to be upgraded. We deserve better. This road needs to be maintained.”
Abramjee said the President and Premier drove “in their blue light conveys on the R55 on a number of occasions…don’t they see there is a problem?”
Councillor Naeem Patel echoed the sentiments and said he complained from day one to the MEC about the street lights being stolen. He said nothing has been done. He also highlighted the dangerous conditions on the road and appealed to the department to also urgently introduce “traffic calming measures” along the M26 and Grey Street in Erasmia.
CPF chair, Shaheen Wahab, said patrollers had to be deployed along the R55 to keep the area safe. He agreed that crime was a problem and said traffic officers also demanded bribes from motorists along the road.
Erasmia resident, Smiley Essa, said the M26 problem had to be addressed immediately.
Roads and Transport senior officials, including the Deputy Director General, promised to addressed the issues immediately.
He said a tender to fix the street lights would be finalised. He said the cutting of grass and traffic light problem would also be addressed.
The chair of the Portfolio Committee (name on video) instructed officials to meet the residents next week and to have an inspection-in-loco.
He said he would join the meeting.
The chair said the situation was “urgent” and thanked the community for raising the issues.
He thanked Cllr Patel, Abramjee and other residents.
Meanwhile, as the meeting was underway, a team was at the R55 Claudius intersection starting maintenance work on traffic lights.
