UPDATE: Installation of new traffic lights and signs still on track, says muni
The project commenced on 20 June and will take six months to complete, said the Polokwane Municipality in an earlier statement
POLOKWANE – The Polokwane Municipality started with a new project mid-June. The project entails the provision and installation of traffic lights and signs in the city.
According to spokesperson, Thipa Selala the project is still on schedule.
Read more: [TAKE NOTE] New traffic lights and road signs to assist traffic flow in Polokwane
“The physical progress of the project is at 35%. The municipality employed 10 local labourers for this project. Polokwane Municipality has an objective to deliver public infrastructure using labour intensive methods in accordance with Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Guidelines. Labour intensive works are work constructed in a labour-intensive manner, rather than the use of construction machinery. Labour-intensive work provides temporary employment opportunities at the various stages of the project for local workers. Some of the work activities created include the trench excavations by hand, concrete casting and traffic accommodation flag personnel. To improve the skills of local workers, training is also included in the scope of work and will be provided. The training will enable workers to apply for and get appointed to similar positions in the construction industry. Since the start of the project, local labourers were employed on the project.”
He further explains that the contractor is busy locating and exposing existing services and excavation for a draw box. The scope of work for this project consists of both a civil engineering and electrical engineering component each with different work activities.
“The first and largest stage of the project consist of the civil engineering work and the traffic signal components and includes activities such as exposing existing services, crossing of existing streets for the laying of service ducts, installation of cable draw boxes and repairing of the road’s pavement. Also the erection of traffic light poles which includes the excavation for footings, casting of concrete footings and the mounting of the traffic light poles. As well as the construction of disabled pedestrian ramps and repair of existing pedestrian sidewalks where it has been disturbed during construction.”
The second stage of the project consists of the electrical engineering components and include activities such as assembling and mounting of traffic signal heads, installation of traffic light controllers and installation of electric cables as well as the connection of electrical supply to the controller. The connection of the signal heads to the controller. It also includes all electrical work related to connecting the signal heads with the controller and the connection of the traffic signal to the main electrical power supply.
The third stage of the project consists of the timing and programming of traffic signals and the final stage consists of the repainting of road markings and replacement of road signs.
“The contractor is currently busy finalising the civil engineering component of the work and the project is expected to be completed by 19 December.”
