Sunninghill residents have raised concerns over two uncovered storm water drains in the area, with one drain reportedly left exposed for more than a year and another missing its covers for several months.

Following enquiries by the Fourways Review, the Gauteng department of roads and transport (GPDRT) has clarified that the uncovered storm water drain at the intersection of Rivonia and Leeuwkop roads does not fall under its jurisdiction, while it is still verifying the one on Witkoppen Road. This is after Mosa Makhalima, of Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA), said both Rivonia Road and Witkoppen Road are provincial roads, and therefore fall under the jurisdiction of the GPDRT.

Read more: Blocked storm water drain a resident’s nightmare

Responding to the enquiry, spokesperson for the MEC Lesiba Mpya said: “The department became aware of the reported missing storm water drain covers through your enquiry. The location at Rivonia Road and Leeuwkop Road is not maintained by GDRT, as it falls under the jurisdiction of the City of Johannesburg.”

He explained that, because the Rivonia and Leeuwkop roads intersection is maintained by the City of Johannesburg, the department could not comment on the reasons for the delay in replacing the drain cover, or provide a timeframe for repairs. “With regard to the Witkoppen Road location, the responsible road maintenance depot is being verified, after which the relevant road maintenance team will be in a position to advise on the anticipated timeframe for repairs.”

Mpya added that the department is in the process of verifying details relating to the reported location on Witkoppen Road, adding that the GPDRT remains committed to working collaboratively with municipalities and other road authorities to promote the safety of all road users, and, where appropriate, will bring reported safety concerns to the attention of the responsible authority.

Also read: Leak and missing stormwater drain spark safety fears outside Curro Douglasdale

Residents first raised the alarm over the hazards, warning that the uncovered drains pose a serious risk to pedestrians and motorists. “We’ve pleaded with the city to assist us,” Tracy Kensey, suburb manager for Sunninghill Residents Ratepayers Association, said. “As you can see, it’s in a major walkway. There are no lights here at night. It’s not lit up. We plead with the city to please assist us in covering these storm drains before they have an accident.”

The Fourways Review reached out to Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) for comment. Their reply will be published as soon as we receive it.

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