WITH more heavy rains forecast for eThekwini and parts of KwaZulu-Natal in the weeks ahead, Bulwer resident Beverly Ford is hoping for a solution to a blocked stormwater drain which has caused serious damage to her home, possibly leaving her with a hefty bill for repairs after her insurance rejected her claim.

Ford said she noticed the problem in December when she spotted damp on the walls of the flat that she rents out. “We noticed mould in around December going on to January when there were heavy rains,” said Ford. An investigation into the cause of the damp led Ford to a blocked stormwater drain at the back of her property, which borders a small passageway that leads onto other properties in the area. Water was seeping in, causing the damp and mould.

“My neighbour also had a problem with damp at her cottage in the back. I asked my gardener to check what was going on and that is how we found out that the drain was blocked with overgrown vegetation. The municipality needs to sort it out urgently before it causes more damage to the walls,” said Ford.

Also Read: Blocked drains cause damage to property

To get the mould removed and repair her property, Ford contacted her insurer who rejected the claim. “The insurance declined the claim because the stormwater drain is covered with vegetation growth. They said before undertaking any repairs, the vegetation will have to be removed. The same was said by an independent contractor that I called in for a quotation on the repairs,” said Ford.

With the ongoing heavy rains in eThekwini and throughout the province, Ford fears more damage is being done while waiting for the city to respond to complaints. “With the constant heavy rains, the sand is also being washed down onto my property which is also affecting the walls. I just need the municipality to come out and clear the drain and remove the vegetation. The sooner that this is done, the repairs can be done,” said Ford.

According to the eThekwini Municipality the problem is deeper than a blocked drain and overgrown vegetation. The City said, “An inspection was done, and we discovered that the cast iron down pipe is damaged. Once we have the cast iron pipe, the repairs will be done.”

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