ERMELO – Heavy rain fell in Ermelo on March 27, causing flooding at three homes at the Janwil flats in Sluiter Street.

While floodwaters continued to rise in the resident’s yards, raw sewage from an overflowing drain was seeping into their yards and homes, creating a dire and unsanitary environment.

The situation has took a turn for the worse after one of the stormwater drains burst open destroying the pavement and flooding the three homes.

“All our furniture is soaking wet, and there are puddles of water everywhere in our homes,” Tammy du Preez, resident of one of the flats, said.

This is not the first time residents of the Janwil flats have faced such flooding.

In 2021, the same area experienced severe flooding, which saw water enter their homes, causing significant damage to furniture and leaving the children deeply shaken by the experience.

The resident further pointed out that municipal workers had previously removed a tree trunk from a stormwater drain.

ALSO READ: VIDEO – Heavy rainfall causes localised flooding in Ermelo

They had to find alternative accommodation for the night and have cleaning services come in to assist with the clean-up of their homes.

The community is calling on the Msukaligwa Local Municipality to urgently address the underlying drainage problems.

The residents are waiting for municipal officials to visit the site and address the problem.

Read the complete article in Highvelder.