With heavy rainfall absent in the Bedfordview area for the past couple of weeks, Better Bedfordview is cautiously optimistic that the ongoing flooding of Boeing Road West, adjacent to Gillooly’s Farm, has been resolved.

The community improvement NPO reported on January 20 that this was achieved through the NPO’s engagement with a local attorney and the City of Ekurhuleni.

Better Bedfordview chairperson Marina Constas said that the situation on this road had become a threat to motorists and road users.

ALSO READ: Gauteng extends NPO funding application deadline to October 30

“As a result of the blocked stormwater drain that was neglected by the municipality for way too long and further exacerbated by the heavy rains, the road was virtually impassable whenever it rained.”

Constas added that motorists were forced to drive at an extremely slow pace to get through the deep water accumulation in the dip next to Gillooly’s. She said, “This situation was causing serious damage to vehicles and to the road itself. We could not let it continue.”

Better Bedfordview turned to a caring, community-minded local attorney for assistance. A letter of demand was written and sent to the City of Ekurhuleni.

“As always, we have no desire to engage in unnecessary legal action against the Ekurhuleni Council, but this is a matter which requires your urgent attention, and should steps not be taken within five days of receipt hereof, we will have no alternative but to approach the court for relief, which may entail the bringing of an urgent application, if the situation is not addressed,” the letter stated.

ALSO READ: Online applications for Gauteng NPO funding open August 18

“We are pleased to report that the municipality responded by sending their specialised machines to unblock the stormwater drain.

“We are grateful for their assistance. We have not experienced the same heavy rainfall again, so time will tell, but right now, we are hopeful that their actions have solved the dangerous flooding of Boeing Road West,” Constas stated.

City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said long-term remediation will require a comprehensive upgrade of the stormwater system. This includes the replacement of the collapsed pipe and the installation of an additional stormwater pipe to safely convey runoff across the road and discharge it into the adjacent stream.

These interventions should be implemented through the city’s capital implementation processes, subject to planning and budget availability, he added.

ALSO READ: Gauteng Social Development launches new online funding system for NPOs

“The city acknowledges the concerns raised by residents and motorists. We understand the impact the recurring flooding has on safety and property.

“The department remains committed to stabilising this stormwater hotspot and is actively working towards both interim and permanent solutions. Residents are assured that the matter is receiving attention and that all reasonable measures are being pursued to address the challenge sustainably,” Dlamini reassured.

Better Bedfordview is a volunteer-led NPO, focusing on cleaning up, restoring, and maintaining roads, parks, pavements, and public spaces.

“We depend on funding from residents and businesses to fill service delivery gaps and give our beautiful suburb the care and maintenance that it deserves and which we all expect. It’s crucial to protect property values and maintain a clean, safe area,” she stressed.

ALSO READ: No Gauteng NPO funding crisis, department assures sector

She said a small monthly contribution of R200 from residents can make a significant difference to Better Bedfordview’s impact.

For more information on NPO Better Bedfordview and to donate to their work, visit the organisation’s website: https://betterbedfordview.org.za/ or email info@betterbedfordview.org.za