Littering continues to contribute to blocked drainage infrastructure, with a storm water channel on Winnie Mandela Drive, near Witkoppen Bridge in Fourways, showing signs of heavy pollution.

The channel contains stagnant water that has turned grey and murky, with a noticeable stench lingering in the area. Various forms of waste, including plastic cups, takeaway containers, and food packaging, have accumulated inside the drain, preventing water from flowing freely.

Read more: Illegal mystery pipe leads to delay in JRA storm water drain repair on Bram Fischer Drive

The situation becomes even more concerning during periods of rainfall. With rain already falling in recent days, blocked drains can quickly lead to water building up in areas where it should normally be channelled away.

Storm water systems are designed to move rainwater off the road into drainage channels. However, when these systems are clogged with litter and debris, water struggles to pass through and can begin to spill onto nearby roads.

Cars travelling along the same road further up had to slow down just before Peter Wenning Road due to another blocked storm water drain.

Despite the presence of public bins in the area, litter continues to find its way into the drainage system.

Nkosinathi Ncube, a pedestrian caught in the act of littering, was seen eating an orange before tossing the peel into an already clogged drain.

When asked about the action, Ngube said the drain was already dirty. “It’s already dirty anyway. You can see that people are throwing their dirt in here already, so why shouldn’t I?
Ncube admitted that when drains become blocked, water struggles to pass through the system and can affect other drains further down the road. “We have a problem with flooding just down the road, but now that I know it is wrong to litter, I will stop it and won’t do it again. I also advise those around me not to. I apologise for that. There are bins nearby, and I could have used them. I’m sorry for doing that.”

Also read: WATCH: Blairgowrie stormwater drain leaks 6 000 litres of water an hour

Fourways Review contacted the Gauteng Roads and Traffic Department’s King Mthombeni for comment, but the query was redirected to the mayor’s spokesperson, Khathu Mulaudzi, who said: “I advise you to speak to Johannesburg Roads Agency since those things fall under the entity.”

Questions have been sent to the roads’ agency to determine how often storm water drains are maintained and what efforts are being made to educate the public about littering, especially along roads where bins are in plain sight. An update will be provided once available.

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