Road infrastructure theft and vandalism
The JRA is urging residents and road users to assist in combatting theft and vandalism which is setting back the entity with yearly costs and unplanned repairs.
The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has raised concerns about the alarming increase in the theft and vandalism of road infrastructure.
The JRA is urging residents and local road users to assist it in combating theft and vandalism which is setting the entity back with yearly costs and unplanned repairs.
The Fourways area is not exempt from this issue as road signs and infrastructure also fall prey to vandalism and damage. One example can be found on the corner of Witkoppen Road and Percy Street in Fourways.
The JRA manages a total of 2 300 signalised intersections, which are on municipal and provincial roads. Almost all of these traffic lights are supplied by the power grid.
According to the JRA, the theft and vandalism of assets lead to traffic signal downtime, which subsequently leads to a bad user experience of the network, accidents and huge costs to rebuild and replace the stolen equipment. This then also leads to the further denying of service to those communities who could have benefited from new installations.
The agency said that over the past four years alone, 531 traffic intersections have been vandalised by criminals using angle grinders to cut down the traffic signal poles causing damage worth a massive R28.1m.
In the past year, this figure has increased to 172 vandalised intersections, with January 2023 reflecting theft and vandalism at 26 signalised intersections. The hardest hit area is the Johannesburg inner city which represents 60% of the reported cases.
Ward 94 councillor David Foley said, “I have always advocated that we are a strong community with everyone participating to protect our infrastructure which ensures theft is minimised.
“If you see something, say something by talking to the police, JMPD and your councillor for a swift response.
“What is important are those numbers 10111 for SAPS and 011 375 5911 for JMPD and always know your local councillor’s phone number for your ward. Community patrols through the local CPF are absolutely key in this protection. Step up and get involved – your community needs you to prevent this vandalism,” added Foley.
To curb the vandalism, JRA says it’s working with entities such as City Power, JMPD and SAPS, to ensure a more effective response. This will save the city and ratepayers huge amounts of lost revenue on replacement costs of vandalised and stolen traffic lights.
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