The Executive Mayor of the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM), Dr Elna von Schlicht, this week slammed claims of poor maintenance of traffic lights.
This is in response to complaints received in respect of the traffic lights on the R44 at the Annandale intersection, saying the maintenance of the traffic lights is not the CWDM’s responsibility.
The intersection is also referred to as the Mooiberge intersection.
The task of road maintenance is divided among several authorities, says Von Schlicht.
“The CWDM is contracted by Western Cape Government Public Works and Transport (WCPW&T) to maintain and service certain rural roads in the district. The R44 is not one of these roads.”
She said the road remains a provincial road and is maintained by WCPW&T.
“The CWDM maintains approximately 3 200 km of back and gravel roads throughout the district,” the Mayor said.
According to her the CWDM’s Technical Division at the request of WC PW&T installed the traffic lights at the intersection.
“However, the maintenance of the traffic lights remains the responsibility of the agency appointed to maintain the road.”
The CWDM escalated these issues to the District Engineer appointed by WCG PW& T and were informed that the traffic lights would be attended to and a concrete solution to the issue will be finalised with the local authority, Von Schlicht added.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and trust that all parties will work together to ensure a rapid, sustainable resolution.”
Von Schlicht further added the CWDM is aware of the importance of this intersection on both traffic and economic flow and is committed to resolving the issues while remaining within their mandate.
“The Mayoral Office will continue to escalate complaints received to the relevant party.”
