Rain wreaks havoc in Mogale City

Heavy rainfall on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 26, caused chaos on the roads and even in residential areas across Krugersdorp.

• Also read: Tips to stay safe during heavy rains and floods

In Noordheuwel, a complex on Blouberg Street experienced flooding, with a man seen walking in water nearly knee-deep. In the same area, a vehicle became stuck in a large pool of water near the “bunny park”.

On Robert Broom Drive near Rangeview, severe flooding forced motorists to either pull over or turn around to avoid getting stuck.

These were just some of the incidents reported, and according to the South African Weather Service’s official website, more rain is expected in Krugersdorp today.

Widespread damage to roads and infrastructure has made travel difficult across the city.

Rugby field floods at Hoërskool Monument High

Campus manager Janes Viljoen stated that while most of the water has drained, the school’s stormwater system remains a concern.

These floods don’t happen every year, but they depend largely on how much rain falls and how water flows from the dam opposite the school,” he said.

He attributed the issue to municipal drainage problems when the dam overflows.

“The bottom fields are a problem because water bottlenecks and backs up. It’s difficult to assess any damage at this stage as we are still cleaning up,” he added.

Viljoen concluded that upgrading and expanding the drainage system’s infrastructure would help prevent future flooding.

Mogale City Public Safety issues warnings, lists roads to avoid

The Krugersdorp News reached out to Mogale City Public Safety assistant manager Jimmy Keet, who urged residents to exercise caution on the roads as heavy rainfall is expected to continue.

Keet advised motorists to use alternative routes, as up to 80% rainfall is expected today.

“In the aftermath of yesterday’s rain, we advise motorists to be extra cautious or use alternative routes, as we have identified five roads that pose a high risk during heavy rainfall,” he said.

These roads include:

• Albertina Sisulu Road in Mindalore
• Schoeman Street and Naude Avenue in Krugersdorp West
• Chamdor Road in Lewisham
• Frederick Cooper Drive in Silverfields
• Robert Broom Drive in Rangeview

Keet added that Public Safety officers and Mogale City response teams will be on standby at these hotspots and other areas in case further issues arise.