MTN, in an innovative public-private partnership with the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), is set to tackle the challenges posed by load shedding on South Africa’s roads. A Service Level Agreement between the two parties will see MTN SA providing backup power to all traffic lights in Soweto that are located near MTN base stations.
MTN base stations will supply power to the traffic lights during load shedding, from the sites’ backup power systems to significantly alleviate delays and frustrations experienced by Soweto residents and commuters. This will be particularly helpful at key “traffic corridors” that lead towards highways. By providing reliable AC power backup to traffic lights at intersections near its network stations, MTN is taking a proactive step towards enhancing traffic management in the region.
“The JRA must be commended for their commitment in ensuring swift progress in implementing this project. This is an excellent example of what can be achieved when the private and public sectors work together to positively impact the lives of citizens,” says MTN South Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, Charles Molapisi.
“By partnering with business, we are taking proactive steps to alleviate the impact load shedding has on commuters, due to its impact on our traffic lights. To ensure efficient traffic flow at peak times, we need smooth-flowing traffic corridors that lead traffic onto highways, keeping people moving to their destinations with ease and efficiency. By ensuring a stable power supply to traffic lights, we aim to enhance road safety, minimise congestion, and create a more seamless driving and transportation experience for all road users,” says Acting CEO for the JRA, Zweli Nyati.
“We’re excited about the future of this project and aim to expand further afield to partner with municipalities across the country to create corridors of free-flowing traffic in loadshedding, by using existing base stations to power traffic lights where we can”, continues Molapisi.
MTN is also currently creating a “traffic corridor” from the Flora Clinic, along 14th Avenue, towards the N1 highway, leading to outside the MTN head office, to ensure smooth movement onto and off the N1 highway at the 14th Avenue intersection. Those traffic lights will be backed up by power supplied by electricity generated from the MTN campus.
“We are engaging a number of metros to offer this solution in other parts of Gauteng and the rest of the country. Strong public and private partnerships can make such a positive impact on the lives of South Africans and this is one such example, where a simple collaboration using existing infrastructure will help decongest traffic, while also saving commuters time, frustration and money”, concludes Molapisi.
MTN welcomes municipalities from all provinces to collaborate on potential traffic light powering opportunities. Interested parties can contact MTN at [email protected]
