Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) has finally unclogged a blocked storm water drain near the intersection of 12th Avenue and Cypress Lane, after heavy rains left the road submerged and unusable.
Residents reported that the flooding began late on Monday night, with vehicles unable to pass through until JRA intervened on Tuesday. Ward 76 councillor Zandile Olga Mothupi reached out to the agency to respond to the crisis, describing the situation on 12th Avenue as unbearable for both motorists and pedestrians.
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However, the issue of flooding roads in Alexandra affects more than a single street, and is exacerbated by human activity, according to Mothupi. “Half of Alexandra has storm water drain issues. Some of our people also dump in the drains, and drains are not meant for foreign things. When it rains, it is going to give us problems.”
These were similar concerns raised by residents, who noted that rubble and waste left unchecked on the side of the road often washes into the drains during storms, worsening blockages.
Mothupi added that ageing infrastructure and limited resources do not help the situation. “With only one jet servicing the entire region, it is a problem. JRA is trying, but they face a high backlog. People must also be educated that storm water drains are not meant for garbage.”
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She suggested that JRA should consider adopting a proactive approach by unclogging drains across the ward at least three times a year.
@caxtonjoburgnorth After flooding on 12th Avenue caused by a clogged stormwater drain, Ward 76 councillor Zandile Mothupi says residents must be conscientised that stormwater drains are not meant for garbage. Video: Itumeleng Maloka #Localnews #Crime #Alexnews #Alex #johannesburg #caxtonlocalmedia #Servicedelivery #SA #sanews ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
Meanwhile, other roads in Alexandra have suffered flooding as a result of the recent weather conditions. On Monday, the Jukskei River overflowed near the cemetery, leaving two vehicles trapped in floodwaters along Cheetah Street.
The Jukskei River banks, particularly in Setswetla, just a few metres from where the vehicles were trapped, have long been battered by similar incidents, threatening to disrupt the lives of residents who have built informal structures along the river below the flood line.
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