THE jury is still out on whether the conversion of some routes in Mthatha to one-way streets will improve traffic flow in the city centre.
King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Municipality mayor Nonkoliso Ngqongwa announced last week that Madeira and Sprigg streets, two of the busiest routes in the city’s central business district (CBD), had been converted into one-way streets to help regulate traffic flow.
KSD municipal officers were seen directing traffic in the CBD at the weekend, with cars coming from the Durban side entering on Sprigg Street and those heading in the opposite direction exiting along Madeira Street.
While some motorists yesterday lauded the move, others said it just created congestion on other roads.
“Perhaps they could also consider converting more streets into one-way systems because people still drive into the CBD anyway, resulting in more traffic jams,” said motorist Makroti Cembi.
Traffic lights have been installed at many intersections along Madeira and Sprigg streets but still, municipal traffic officers have been deployed to help direct traffic every morning.
One of the officers told the Daily Dispatch yesterday that officials had to help direct traffic on these two routes from 7am to 7pm every day.
The Dispatch witnessed many vehicles travelling at high speeds on Madeira and Sprigg streets yesterday. Pedestrians had to be alert to avoid them.
Small business owners like Winnie Abbey, who operates a salon at Madeira Street, and street vendor Makhumalo Kweleni complained that the change was negatively affecting business.
“My customers say they don’t have anywhere to park now,” said Abbey.
KSD spokesman Sonwabo Mampoza said the local authority was repainting road markings on streets throughout the CBD, not just Madeira and Sprigg. “Due to the huge volumes of traffic on the streets during the day, our people have been forced to work at night so that they can do their job without too much interruption,” he said.
“We urge motorists to work with us as they... will be the beneficiaries of the changes.”
When quizzed about cars speeding down the one-way streets, Mampoza urged motorists to exercise caution, saying the new traffic lights at intersections should enable pedestrians to cross safely. — sikhon@dispatch.co.za
Mthatha adjusts to one-ways
King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Municipality mayor Nonkoliso Ngqongwa announced last week that Madeira and Sprigg streets, two of the busiest routes in the city’s central business district (CBD), had been converted into one-way streets to help regulate traffic flow.
KSD municipal officers were seen directing traffic in the CBD at the weekend, with cars coming from the Durban side entering on Sprigg Street and those heading in the opposite direction exiting along Madeira Street.
While some motorists yesterday lauded the move, others said it just created congestion on other roads.
“Perhaps they could also consider converting more streets into one-way systems because people still drive into the CBD anyway, resulting in more traffic jams,” said motorist Makroti Cembi.
Traffic lights have been installed at many intersections along Madeira and Sprigg streets but still, municipal traffic officers have been deployed to help direct traffic every morning.
One of the officers told the Daily Dispatch yesterday that officials had to help direct traffic on these two routes from 7am to 7pm every day.
The Dispatch witnessed many vehicles travelling at high speeds on Madeira and Sprigg streets yesterday. Pedestrians had to be alert to avoid them.
Small business owners like Winnie Abbey, who operates a salon at Madeira Street, and street vendor Makhumalo Kweleni complained that the change was negatively affecting business.
“My customers say they don’t have anywhere to park now,” said Abbey.
KSD spokesman Sonwabo Mampoza said the local authority was repainting road markings on streets throughout the CBD, not just Madeira and Sprigg. “Due to the huge volumes of traffic on the streets during the day, our people have been forced to work at night so that they can do their job without too much interruption,” he said.
“We urge motorists to work with us as they... will be the beneficiaries of the changes.”
When quizzed about cars speeding down the one-way streets, Mampoza urged motorists to exercise caution, saying the new traffic lights at intersections should enable pedestrians to cross safely. — sikhon@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos