and rehabilitation in the Paarl and Wellington area, including improving its systems’ ability to function independently during Eskom loadshedding at the Paarl Wastewater Treatment Works. Traffic control - Signalised traffic intersections To address traffic control challenges during loadshedding, Drakenstein Municipality is following an innovative approach: it has already equipped over half (54%) of its 48 primary signalised traffic intersections with Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) systems. These systems are installed in underground chambers to prevent vandalism and robberies. The security system, developed by Drakenstein Municipality in partnership with Smartlock, is equipped with an alarm system that detects any unauthorised access. Plans are underway to upgrade a further nine high-traffic intersections with UPS systems in 2023. In addition, one new intersection will be constructed at Wellington’s Weltevrede or Piet Retief Road intersection. Upon completion of the abovementioned upgrades, 37 of the 48 intersections will be equipped with UPS systems (75.5%). Road users should, however, note that these UPS batteries don’t have sufficient time to recharge when Eskom implements ongoing Stage 4 loadshedding or above. In case a power outage lasts longer, as with the introduction of Stage 6 loadshedding, traffic lights won’t be able to work continuously. When this happens, road users should treat all intersections as three- or four-way stops; the Municipality will place stop signs and have point service officers on duty at these points as far as possible. Drakenstein Municipality recently became the first municipality in the Western Cape to officially launch the Pointsmen Project in collaboration with OUTsurance and Traffic FreeFlow Winelands, an independent company
that owns and manages the Pointsmen Project. This project will strengthen the Municipality’s current corps with 17 point service officers, appointed on a five-year contract. • Residents are encouraged to report any service interruptions via the Municipality’s SeeClickFix app, call 080 131 3553 toll free, or email customercare@drakenstein.gov.za . • The Municipality also urges residents to report any suspicious activity relating to cable theft to its 24/7 control room at 021 807 8508 to the South African Police Service (SAPS). Anonymous tip-offs are also welcomed and can be sent to the Municipality at 021 807 8508 or 080 131 3553 toll free.
Drakenstein Municipality installed this UPS system on the corner of Champagne and Piet Retief Streets in Wellington last month. It is one of four that was installed in January in Wellington and Paarl. Upon completion of the upgrades, 37 of Drakenstein’s 48 major traffic intersections will be equipped with UPS systems.
11
VARS | February
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker