TRAFFIC lights in the twin-city of Sekondi/Takoradi are being replaced to bring an end to frequent confusion and collisions at more than 10 interceptions across the metropolis.
The project which is currently underway would cost GHc117,850, it would see the replacement of the existing poles, the controllers and securing the chambers to avoid intrusion of mice and pilfering.
Hitherto, out of the 12 traffic lights in the metropolis only two of them have been working.
At the moment, the old structures carrying the spoilt lights have been removed and the engineers from the Signal and Control Division under the supervision of the Department of Urban Roads are seriously working on them.
They have mounted new poles which are taller than the previous ones to enhance visibility from afar.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the Metro Director of Urban Roads, Mr W. Donkor, said the system had been well thought through taking into consideration the current increase in traffic in the metropolis.
He said it was important that with the current volume of vehicles the traffic lights were brought back to life.
He said one of the problems facing the department was the attitude of some members of the general public, who were in the habit of tampering with the cables and control systems.
Mr Donkor said it was sad that while the department was doing everything possible to ensure that the lights were functional; some people steal the cables and sell them.
He said it was not the best situation to have a metropolis without traffic lights and the police always had to leave other road traffic duties and be positioned at various intersections to direct traffic.
Another problem, he lamented about was the manner in which drivers operated in the metropolis.
“Many of the traffic lights are not working because motorists have rammed into them, destroying the poles and the control units,”he said.
Mr Donkor said many of these drivers who destroyed the traffic lights were frequent road users and were expected to be aware of the interceptions.
“But the uncontrollable speed they travel makes it impossible for them to stop, therefore, in their quest to beat the light ram into it,” he said.
The Metro Director said another thing they realised was that almost all signs prompting drivers of traffic lights, ramps, and zebra crossings were either destroyed or stolen.
“As we replace the lights we will also ensure that all these road signs are replaced,” he said.
Mr Donkor urged members of the general public to report any vehicle that would ram into the newly installed lights.
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