Floods leave residents stranded and in the dark

EMJINDINI – Torrential rain experienced in Umjindi over the festive season have left most sections of this township flooded, and destroyed property.

An investigation by a Barberton Times reporter revealed that a number of roads in Emjindini had flooded and some were impassable for vehicles following the heavy downpour on Saturday, December 28.

A power failure, which lasted more than five hours, caused by lightning compounded residents’ woes.
In the sprawling township of Emjindini, most roads were flooded as well as some properties. Motorists had a tough time to navigate their way around potholes and through waterlogged roads.

Emjindini residents reported that the local council was initially slow to respond and had very few available resources due to its reported bankruptcy.

At Phase Two in Emjindini several houses were also reportedly flooded. Despite the Umjindi Municipality’s precautionary measures implimented in 2006 it remains a big problem in the area.
Aaron Nkosi of Phase Two said floods were a perennial problem in the township and that there was a need for a lasting solution.
Children were found playing in the puddles on the bridge that joins Extension 10 and Graveville – oblivious of the health hazards – while some streets were impassable. The situation was much the same in Dindela and Spearville.
However, for some the rain brought profit as they saw an opportunity to load the sand that had blockaded the roads.

Barberton Times spotted Madlisas Ujen and James Masinga busy loading their truck on the Shongwe road in Emjindini. “We collect this river sand and sell it to people who are building homes. For us the rain brought relief as we are making a lot of money with this river sand,” said Ujen.

Umjindi officials were unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.