Financial constraints limit City’s stormwater functions
"Our funds were affected by the Covid pandemic and the city is still recovering from the effects of that financially,”
Following the heavy rains at the end of January, the need for stormwater servitude and road maintenance was once again highlighted as parts of Edenvale were flooded and potholes made worse.
According to Ward 19 Alderman Bill Rundle, some of the worst-hit parts of the town included the Sixth Avenue Bridge, Diagonal Street and stormwater infrastructure on First Avenue opposite Amelia Street.
He said a lack of maintenance mixed with the activities of recyclers discarding unwanted items into the river contributed to debris accumulating around the supports of the Sixth Avenue bridge.
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He said responsibility for the maintenance of the waterways and wetlands falls under the custody of the local government.
The City of Ekurhuleni confirmed this in their response, stating that it is the responsibility of the environment and waste management as well as the roads and stormwater departments.
City spokesperson Zweli Dlami said maintenance in Stormwater servitude is done as regularly as the need arises.
The city stated that the last time the servitude around the bridge was maintained was last year.
Dlamini said clearing stormwater servitudes is done as part of an ongoing maintenance programme.
“We would loved to do it again, but our funds were affected by the Covid pandemic and the city is still recovering from the effects of that financially,” said Dlamini.
“It must also be noted that the city has since launched a campaign called Siyakhuculula. This campaign is aimed at clearing stormwater systems throughout the city region.”
He said when clearing water ways, specialised equipment such TLB excavators and jet vec machines are used.
“We also know where the servitudes are so that we do not interfere with other infrastructure.”
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Discussing the numerous potholes on Sixth Avenue highlighted by Runde, the city said there are plans to repair them.
“All of the Avenues including the Sixth Avenue are old and need rehabilitation. The roads will receive attention as more funds become available,” said Dlamini.
He said the most common causes for potholes were ageing infrastructure, ingress of water into the pavement layers during rain, and water leaks in some instances.
Dlamini said when water leaks are reported to the city it attends to as soon as possible.
“Sometimes it may take some time because the leak has not been reported on time or the teams require certain spares that we may not have in our stores,” said Dlamini.
