JRA takes proactive steps to clear blocked storm water drains in Fourways amidst rainy season

The recent heavy rainfall in Johannesburg has brought to the forefront the importance of a well-functioning stormwater drainage system.

Storm water drains play a crucial role in preventing flooding, reducing erosion, and safeguarding properties from water damage. These drains are designed to collect and redirect rainwater, ensuring that it does not accumulate and cause havoc in urban areas.

However, when stormwater drains become clogged with debris, sediment, and other obstacles, the consequences can be severe.

Also read: Community cheers as stormwater drain repairs come to Ward 115

Flooding can occur, causing damage to properties, disrupting traffic, and posing a risk to public safety. Moreover, clogged drains can also lead to environmental hazards, such as pollution and erosion, which can have long-lasting effects on local ecosystems.

In response to these challenges, Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has launched an initiative to clear blocked stormwater drains in Fourways.

This proactive approach aims to mitigate the risks associated with clogged drains and ensure that the area’s stormwater drainage system functions optimally.

Also read: JRA repairs Fourways potholes

Ward 94 councillor David Foley said he is happy that the road agency has headed his calls. “As you know, it’s rainy season now, and I do try to get JRA to clean up the storm water channels, by logging calls on various stretches of road. The storm water channel, also called a curb inlet, gets clogged with grass and sand over time. Then, when you have the big storms, the water doesn’t go in there, it sort of goes around the side. A classic example of this was on Cedar Road, just before Fourways Boulevard. The water was going out onto the road and causing a bit of a problem. It looked like a water leak. That was resolved, which was quite good.”

Read more: Councillor calls out JW for rotten Sunninghill excavation

Foley said, with that being said, all storm water drains should be cleaned at least once, or twice, a year, but they need the mechanical equipment to do that.

“That’s why you see the big crane which pulls the big cement block off the road, then they can get into it. They take all the stuff out, take it away, and then, of course, it’s nice and clean. Then, when the water runs, it just runs into the curb inlet. Then, the water is taken into the storm water channels, down to the green areas, and then, eventually, down to the Jukskei River. That is the way they do it. I’ve logged a number of calls to do this. And, yes, sometimes they do. They were on Uranium Road recently, and they did a great job.”

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