Adopt-a-Robot project gains momentum
The first installations are set to begin later this month.
The long-awaited Adopt-a-Robot project, pioneered by residents associations (RAs) to keep traffic flowing regardless of electricity outages, is on the brink of implementation.
The project now encompasses much more than just the Northside, with neighbourhoods around Steyn City, Fourways and many more joining in.
Similar projects undertaken in some areas in Tshwane and Sandton have been highly successful.
According to WRAP RA chairperson Martin van der Westhuizen, the first installations are set to begin later this month.
“It has been a very involved and time-consuming project thus far, but well worth it,” he says. “We have managed to extend the project much wider than just the Northside. The initial slow response by the Johannesburg Roads Agency and the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport was quickly overcome and we now have full buy-in from all parties.”
Van der Westhuizen has commended the municipal and provincial entities for their professional and enthusiastic participation in getting the project implemented.
“A process that would usually take years to get off the ground has been effectively fast-tracked. The entities have cut through a lot of red tape and come to the party.”
The Adopt-a-Robot project is set to bring huge relief for motorists as it will see many intersections powered via backup power from surrounding businesses during electricity outages, thus resulting in traffic being less affected during outages.
“The effect of the programme on traffic congestion is expected to be huge,” he adds. “It will also undoubtedly result in much fewer road accidents.
“Local businesses will be less affected by traffic conditions, and motorists won’t have to sit hours in traffic unnecessarily.
“The final Memorandum of Understanding has been approved and distributed to participants this past week.
“The entities have indicated that they are ready to proceed with implementation as soon as they receive the signed documents, which are expected to start coming in this week.”
