Fixing JRA traffic lights to cost R70 million, more than 1 300 UPS units stolen

The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) estimates it will require R70 million to clear a significant backlog in repairing traffic signals throughout the city.

This issue has far-reaching consequences, not only in terms of monetary cost but also in delays and safety risks for commuters navigating Johannesburg’s roads.

Damaged and Vandalised Intersections

As of this week, the JRA has reported at least 360 vandalised or damaged intersections across the city, with new cases being added daily. The agency oversees over 2,000 intersections, which collectively include 16,000 poles, 100,000 bulbs, and hundreds of kilometres of cable.

“The backlog of repairs due to theft, vandalism, and accidents exceeds R70 million, placing significant strain on the entity’s maintenance budget,” the JRA said in a statement.

Theft of UPS Units

Several years ago, the city undertook a project to install uninterrupted power supply (UPS) units at 75% of intersections to mitigate the effects of power outages. However, the majority of these units have since been stolen.

“Of the 1,400 UPS units installed at critical intersections, fewer than 15 remain operational due to theft,” the JRA noted.

The situation is compounded by similar issues with solar panels, prompting the JRA to explore alternative solutions, such as compact battery packs, which may be less prone to theft.

Jurisdictional Challenges

The JRA’s scope of work does not include intersections managed by the Gauteng Provincial Department of Roads and Transport (GPDRT), which oversees some of the city’s busiest and most congested routes, including Malibongwe Drive, Winnie Mandela Drive, and Beyers Naude Drive.

GPDRT has indicated that reconstructing a damaged intersection can cost between R900,000 and R1.5 million, while routine repairs may cost approximately R500,000 per intersection.

Collaborative Efforts and Solutions

To address these challenges, the GPDRT launched a corporate adoption programme in December 2024. The initiative allows businesses to sponsor and maintain intersections, helping ease the financial and operational burden on public entities.

JRA CEO Zweli Nyathi highlighted the importance of localised solutions for Johannesburg’s unique challenges.

“Globally, cities face similar issues, but it’s up to us to develop solutions tailored to South Africa’s context,” Nyathi said.

Maintained traffic lights, when left undisturbed, have a lifespan of over a decade, he added.

Partnerships with Businesses

In addition to its collaboration with the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) to hold motorists accountable for damaging traffic poles, the JRA has partnered with over 40 companies. These businesses have agreed to link traffic signals near their premises to their own backup power supplies.

“So far, more than 80 intersections have been connected to backup power, and we plan to connect an additional 80 intersections by the end of June,” Nyathi confirmed.

Technology-Driven Solutions

To improve response times and reduce repair delays, the JRA has installed remote monitoring systems on 80% of traffic lights in the city. These systems allow the agency to detect and address faults as soon as they occur, streamlining the repair process.

A Path Forward

The scale of Johannesburg’s traffic signal repair challenges underscores the urgent need for innovative, collaborative solutions. While the city grapples with issues like theft and vandalism, partnerships with businesses, technological advancements, and community involvement offer a path to restore functionality and improve road safety.

The JRA remains optimistic that with a concerted effort, the city can tackle the backlog and implement sustainable measures to ensure the reliability of its traffic signal infrastructure in the future.

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