Members of the public are demanding answers from the metro after years of trying to get the Ekurhuleni’s Roads and Storm Water Department to take actions to lessen the risk of Hospital Road flooding in Plantation.
Residents have been pleading with authorities to repair the Hospital Road Bridge’s drainage system to avoid the perpetual flooding caused by downpours during the rainy season.
However, the many requests seem to have fallen on deaf ears, as the drainage system of the road linking them to Tambo Hospital, Boksburg SAPS and the CBD remain broken, resulting in floodwater turning the stretch of road into a dam, and rendering it impassable.
Following complaints by residents, the Advertiser visited the area this morning (May 7) and found the stretch of road under the bridge covered in a pool of murky water. Several cars were seen making a U-turn to avoid trouble.
One concerned citizen, Bradley Karolus, posted a photo of the flooded area and asked: When will this be fixed?
“My biggest concern is that it’s an obstruction to a vital service. Let’s say late at night you have a medical emergency and coming from Reiger Park side you would get stuck in there. It even delays ambulances because now they have to reroute a longer way and all of this because of service delivery issues.”
Karolus’ question invited a trail of comments from other concerned residents, with others making humorous comments about the issue.
Comments:
Hendrik Theron: We can add a braai area and some fish maybe.
Errol Johnston: They are waiting for Cuban engineers.
Mervin Pearce: Silly question. Is that water from rain or a huge pothole?
Nico Gomes: The drain is blocked and the water doesn’t drain away for weeks after it rained.
Eben Dreyer: Never
Jacques Jack: It’s been like that many years, like a flooded landmark
Marlene Goosen: Not soon, maybe in 2099. I am very positive for 2099.
Robert Angilley: South Africa’s little piece of Venice.
Sammy Debbie Delport: It’s been like that for years now. Every rainy season it’s an issue. Don’t’ hold your breath.
Rina du Preez: Never
Patrick Slattery: When pigs can fly.
Jacqui Hughes: Silly question to a bankrupt City. We have been waiting since the beginning of December to get a big hole fixed at an intersection.
Garret Stanley: Will never be fixed.
Sandro Azevedo: There will be a big fishing competition next rainy season.
Gail Dyssel: Maybe in another lifetime.
Ian Croasdale: When the trains start running.
The Advertiser has sought an explanation from the metro.
Also Read: Is Ekurhuleni ready for chaos rainy season brings to the City’s roads?
