Joburg south stormwater drains in urgent need of maintenance
Blocked and damaged drains pose flooding risks, with the JRA and City Parks set to address the issue in the 2025/26 financial year.
The stormwater drains in Joburg south require regular maintenance and cleaning to prevent blocked drains, pollution and other plumbing issues.
According to the Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa (Imesa), the abuse of stormwater systems is a growing threat to communities, particularly during the rainy season.
“Stormwater drains are designed to carry rainwater away from our streets, homes and businesses, but they are being blocked and damaged by human activity,” says Bertha Peters-Skeepers, the spokesperson for the Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA).
“We urge residents to take responsibility for keeping our stormwater systems clear and functional.”
Ward 56 Clr Michael Crichton emphasises the importance of maintaining stormwater infrastructure.
“In light of this, I submitted a question to the council. It was replied to saying that the JRA would engage with City Parks to deal with the issue of maintaining and repairing damaged and dirty stormwater drains during the 2025/26 financial year. I will be monitoring this closely in the coming months, and if need be, I will submit a motion to council about stormwater channels,” said Crichton.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of these drains can help prevent flooding, reduce the risk of infrastructure collapse and protect homes and businesses from damage.
Residents can play a crucial role in preventing flooding by taking simple actions, such as not dumping waste into drains or open manholes, reporting illegal dumping and keeping gutters and street drains clear of debris.
By working together, the CoJ and its residents can reduce the risks associated with flooding, keeping their communities safe.
