THE chairperson of the Northgrove body corporate has called on the eThekwini Municipality to urgently address recurring stormwater flooding that continues to damage properties in the residential complex on Prospect Hall Road.

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Speaking to Northglen News, Prem Maharaj said residents have suffered repeated flood-related damage over the past six years, with the most recent incidents occurring twice in the last three years, despite private investments in additional drainage infrastructure.

“Our complex suffered drastically from storm-related issues largely due to the natural contours of the land and significant water runoff from higher grounds.

“One year, water pushed over the boundary wall and escaped into the units, causing major damage,” said Maharaj.
He noted that the municipal catch pits lack the capacity to manage the volume of stormwater during heavy rains, and that proposed infrastructure upgrades have been repeatedly delayed.

“Past proposals to improve our drainage infrastructure were delayed by the municipality for reasons unbeknown to us. Last year, the body corp endured a cost of R500 000 to create a diversion for the water to escape. This prevented the property from being flooded in January 2025.

“During this project, the pavement had to be uprooted to allow water to escape and still awaits municipal repairs,” he said.

Adding to residents’ concerns, insurers have now declined to cover storm-related claims, leaving homeowners to shoulder the costs of repairs, debris removal, and property restoration.

Pressing issue
“The situation is now even more urgent. It is imperative that the municipality implements long-term solutions to prevent further damage and safeguard our homes,” said Maharaj.

He has requested the municipality to prioritise long-term infrastructure solutions to mitigate stormwater runoff and liaise with relevant departments to secure funding or alternative interventions.

Ward clr Heinz de Boer has been informed of the situation and has recommended an investigation into the drainage infrastructure. He also suggested that a large catchment drain may be necessary.

According to Maharaj, the municipality responded on September 5, stating that the issue had been assessed after the January 2024 floods and that a request for funding had been submitted. However, the city could not proceed until the funding was approved.

“This is not good enough as they are aware of the dilemma we are faced with for the past six years to seven years. Residents should not have to bear the cost of damage caused by infrastructure failures,” he said.

The eThekwini Municipality had not provided comment at the time of publication.

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