Update

KNYSNA NEWS - After two months of growing public frustration and a lack of response from municipal officials, Knysna Municipality has announced that the malfunctioning traffic lights at the intersection of Long Street and Main Road will be replaced within a week.

As reported in the Knysna-Plett Herald last week, the intersection, a well-known traffic hotspot in Knysna, has been without a functioning signal system since late May, leaving motorists to navigate the junction cautiously.

Residents and drivers have expressed growing concern over the lack of action, and many have questioned the municipality's apparent inaction.

"Do they plan to have this light fixed, or do they think if they ignore it, it will go away?" resident Harry Griffin asked in a widely shared post on the Knysna Daily Facebook group.

"They don't even care enough to give us feedback. It's just been radio silence ever since."

Feedback

Municipal officials visited the site in June; however, there has been no public communication since then - until now.

In an official statement issued this week, Municipal Manager Lulamile Mapholoba announced that the traffic light system will be replaced.

"An internal reprioritisation of funds has allowed us to appoint a contractor to replace the system within a week," he said.

Outdated traffic lights

Mapholoba said the existing system was the last of its kind still in operation in the area.

When it failed, technicians found that the required components were outdated and no longer manufactured. The only viable solution was a complete system overhaul.

According to the municipality, several service providers were invited to inspect the site and submit cost estimates during the week of 23 June.

The selected solution involves replacing the entire control unit and 12 signal inserts, at a total estimated cost of just under R200 000.

Budgeting

Mapholoba acknowledged the delay, citing budgeting constraints as a key factor. "As this type of work is considered a capital upgrade, it must be funded from the capital budget.

"The approved 2025/2026 capital budget unfortunately does not make provision for ad hoc electrical infrastructure upgrades, and internal reprioritisation of funds was necessary."

A report presented to the infrastructure services committee on 17 July also highlighted concerns around possible tampering with the infrastructure.

Mapholoba warned that anyone found to have deliberately damaged the system will be held fully liable for repair costs.

In the meantime, he urged the community to remain cautious: "Please be patient during the interim period and continue to exercise caution when navigating the affected intersection."

Read previous article:

Knysna traffic lights malfunction for two months and counting | Knysna-Plett Herald 

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