Ministry of Public Works Electrical Engineer Nigel Butts has informed that the inoperable traffic lights on Vlissengen Road between Church Street and North Road were vandalized. He however assured that a new signals system is to be procured and installed soon.
In a telephone interview with Stabroek News the engineer explained that the batteries for the traffic lights at the aforementioned intersection were stolen. Since then attempts were made to acquire parts but because the system is outdated, compared to more modern units, a new system would have to be installed. This he noted, should ease the congestion at the junction. He also mentioned that there are many other lights that were vandalized, in areas such as Camp Street, Eccles, and Sheriff Street. Further, the perpetrators in most instances removed the batteries and the backup photovoltaic (solar panels) power supply system.
The traffic lights on Vlissengen Road between Church Street and North Road have been inoperable for quite some time, and this has resulted in the daily disruption of traffic at peak hours. These signals are only one of several sets around the city that are defunct and in some cases, for several years.
