A storm water problem still not resolved, JRA visits site
MIDRAND – Residents take to the streets to show their love for Midrand. Read more on the story..
Residents of Carlswald and Vorna Valley who were left disappointed by the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) told the Midrand Reporter that for years, they have requested that a stormwater drain on Seventh Road be replaced – to no avail.
Meghann Bouwer from Firzt Properties Midrand and her team took time to clear up the vlei and pick up litter from the blocked stormwater drain. While expressing their concerns, Bouwer showed the Midrand Reporter the collapsed stormwater drain along with exposed pipes on Seventh Road between Springfield and Milford roads.
She explained, “We launched the clean-up at the beginning of September and the plan was to initially pick up litter along Carlswald Agricultural Holdings and Vorna Valley. Residents asked us to assist in cleaning the waterway on Le Roux, Vorna Valley and more as these places have flooding, overgrowth and illegal dumping matters.
“The Carlswald community mentioned cleaning Seventh Road, a heavily littered area, which in the past has also had flooding issues. So the community and we decided to take part, using sponsored materials to secure the area.”
Penny Hoets of Carlswald Residents Association revealed that they removed five structures in July last year at the bottom along the stream on Seventh Road, between properties. “The structures didn’t appear to have been used recently, however, there was a spate of burglaries in the area just prior to this and we didn’t want these to be hiding places.”
Storm water on Seventh Road is being cleaned up by residents. Photo: Nokuthula Sonile
Vorna Valley Residents Association chairperson Marianne Nel confirmed, “Over the years the association kept picking up litter on the waterway. The waterway actually falls under Halfway Gardens but the flooding affects Le Roux Avenue and Vorna Valley residents.”
Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe confirmed that this matter has been brought to her attention before and she has tried to get assistance. “We sent submissions to the IDP every year but nothing has been done and this budget cycle ends in September. The new budget will start after the new council comes in.”
Johannesburg Roads Agency Depot met with the Midrand Reporter on-site and conducted an inspection on October 12. The agency’s spokesperson Mosa Makhalima then said once decisions are taken they will inform the paper of interventions to be taken.
Related Article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/294260/jra-is-committed-to-clean-up-streets-during-rainy-season/
