AN audit performed by the Beyers Naudé Local Municipality in July has revealed a high rate of vandalism of road traffic signs.
In most cases, the signs had been removed completely after their steel poles had been cut off at ground level.
According to a public notice by municipal manager, Dr Edward Rankwana, 20 stop signs, 11 yield signs and four warning signs (school children ahead) had been damaged or removed, and the most critical areas where this problem occurs are Kroonvale, Santaville and Asherville.
“We have also noticed that most of the street name signs in Eunice Kekana Village were vandalised within a month after they were erected.
It is important to have these street name signs, as the South African Post Office needs to know the addresses during delivery of letters, while the SAPS, as well as all the emergency services, need to know the street names when responding,” Rankwana said.
The municipal manager also stressed that the road traffic signs had a lifespan of 15 years, and that replacing them annually placed an unnecessary burden on municipal finances.
Residents have been urged to report vandalism of this nature to the traffic department at 049 807 5745.
