JRA, Vodacom to keep traffic lights on during load shedding

Vodacom will provide backup power at intersections near the Vodacom Campus on 13th Road, Vodacom Boulevard, Lever Road, and Vodacom Boulevard in Midrand.

The City of Johannesburg’s Transport MMC Kenny Kunene said this type of public-private partnership is a step in the right direction.

He said the city’s infrastructure backlog means they cannot do it alone.

"Our city and our country have gone so backwards. Infrastructure has been so messed up that the backlog is so high, that we can't do it alone. Unfortunately, government priorities don't always speak to service delivery, they are supposed to, but they don't always do that. 

“So when the private sector comes on board to assist us, we appreciate it.”

Kunene says the partnership will also help to curb crime at intersections when the lights are off.

"One of the critical things with this particular partnership is the mitigation of crime at the traffic signals. When it is dark, criminals take advantage of the darkness. They take advantage of darkness to break windows and windscreens, and that is so traumatising.

“So, you are not only assisting in the traffic flow, but you are also contributing to mitigating crime in the traffic intersections.

“This is a short-term mitigation that we are doing, but we have got long-term plans to turn our traffic signals. We want to plug them out of Eskom to bring new technology that will assist us using solar energy or any other technology because one of the reasons for vandalism is the copper cables that criminals are looking for.”

Vodacom CEO Sitho Mdlalose said the partnership highlights the importance of business and the government working together.

"Motorists in the area can spend an unnecessary extended amount of time stuck in traffic because of non-functioning traffic lights in the area. And when people are running late, this hinders their productivity, which, in turn, negatively affects our economy.

“As part of our journey to connect people for a better future, we are always exploring ways in which we can work with the government to address the many socio-economic ills that face our country," said Mdlalose.

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