The launch of the “Adopt and Protect A Robot” campaign is a public-private innovative partnership aimed at addressing traffic signals challenges in the province.
The “Adopt and Protect A Robot” Campaign, aims to forge a dynamic service delivery-oriented partnership between government, the private sector and local communities in the fight against traffic congestion, vandalisation of road infrastructure & lawlessness.
Gauteng government improving the lives of Gauteng residents by streamlining essential services.
In a display of efficiency and coordination, the Gauteng Provincial Government on Wednesday, launched multiple service delivery programmes, aimed at addressing pressing needs across various sectors.
This synchronized initiative showcased the government’s commitment to improving the lives of Gauteng residents by streamlining essential services, from infrastructure upgrades, and healthcare access to strengthening crime-fighting efforts.
Adopt and Protect a Robot
The provincial government launched the “Adopt and Protect A Robot” campaign, at Fourways Mall, Johannesburg.
The campaign is a public-private initiative to create a strong partnership between the government, private sector, and local communities to tackle traffic congestion, road infrastructure vandalism, and lawlessness.
The partnership seeks to keep traffic signals running smoothly with backup power from local businesses and protect them from vandalism, cable theft, and crime.
SAPS vehicle launch.
As part of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s commitment to strengthen crime-fighting efforts, Premier Panyaza Lesufi oversaw the handover of two hundred one (209) police vehicles to VISPOL and Detective sections at Gauteng Stations to increase police visibility and police response across the province.
Climate change indaba
The provincial government also hosted a climate change indaba to outline the vision for the Gauteng City Region on climate change.
It will also profile and showcase Gauteng City Region’s climate change
response efforts by various role players across government, the private
sector and civil society.
This aligns with the constitutional mandate of protecting the environment for present and future generations.
“It is my pleasure to welcome you today to this significant launch of the ‘Adopt a Robot’ campaign. This event takes place shortly after our country joined the global community in reaffirming our commitment to combating the abuse of women and children.
We are all aware that the statistics paint a dismal picture, and it is a challenge to all of us to work harder towards eradicating this scourge in our country,” said Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela.
MEC said they are on the cusp of announcing a partnership with various businesses and residential forums/associations aimed at tackling the issue of theft and vandalism. As of now, a total of 16 MOUs have been signed.
The department, in collaboration with the CSIR, will undertake research on
alternative technologies to prevent theft and vandalism of traffic signals.
She further explain that they are also exploring the utilization of drone monitoring for traffic signals.
More than 100 foot patrollers will complement the Adopt A Robot initiative by
safeguarding signals from theft and vandalism and restoring the technical
integrity of vandalized Traffic Signals Infrastructure.
Additionally, the department will upscale the use of technological and non –
technological means in monitoring and responding to loss of Traffic Signals.
“We are going to engage the services of authorized law enforcement agencies to protect roads furniture. Building partnerships with communities to protect roads infrastructure is also a priority.
We have engaged the three main universities in Gauteng, namely WITS, UJ, UP
to assist with research initiatives. Establishing and implementing private sector models of partnerships in providing protection and uninterrupted Traffic Signals service is another objective,” she said.
“I am compelled to express my deepest gratitude to the partners, State Agencies, and various stakeholders who collaborated with us on this initiative, underscoring the notion that collaborative efforts produce more substantial outcomes and “Agalerona”.
As we develop Gauteng together, we are also investigating alternative pouring
technology, and call on private sector to also join this revolutionary initiative,” MEC concluded.