Ward 87 councillor warns roads could flood without immediate drain maintenance
According to JRA, R189m has been allocated this financial year for storm water upgrades across the city, but many fear the upgrades may come way too late, if at all.
As heavy rains are upon us again, across Johannesburg we see that ageing storm water systems, collapsed drains, and slow municipal response times are fuelling frustration, and fear of another season of flooding and road damage.
In Ward 87, councillor Kyle Jacobs says multiple storm water drains have either caved in or become severely blocked by rubbish. “There’s a number of storm water drains that have been identified as being sealed, either with new litter or other rubbish, according to mechanical blockages.”
Read more: Councillor demands action on developments in Ward 87
Jacobs added that residents have logged numerous complaints, but the turnaround time from the city has been inadequate. He believes the city’s failure to carry out regular maintenance will soon show its consequences. “We need to see maintenance happening across the board on all these storm water drains. We are in the rainy season, and if we get the same amount of rain as before, it’s going to be a problem.”
He pointed out that blocked drains prevent proper water flow, which leads to flooded roads and potholes. “Water sitting on the road worsens potholes, and the city already struggles to fix them.”
One of the more serious concerns, according to Jacobs, is at Zoo Lake, where sections of the storm water channel have collapsed. “That’s due to a lack of maintenance. Some of the storm water infrastructure is about a hundred years old, and it’s just not properly maintained. While my ward hasn’t seen major flooding like other parts of the city, we can’t leave things to chance. One heavy downpour could change everything.”
Johannesburg Roads Agency’s (JRA) acting head of infrastructure planning Khaya Gqibitole said several storm water upgrade projects are underway to strengthen the city’s defences.
At the Fairland Estate, JRA is already underway with the gabions project, aimed at strengthen the properties from erosion and flooding.
According to Gqibitole, R189m has been allocated this financial year for storm water expansion in flood-prone areas like Orange Farm, Ivory Park, Bramfischerville, Protea Glen, and Kliptown. The projects include converting open drains into underground channels, rehabilitating open channels, emergency repairs, and creating new storm water catchments.
In Region C, key upgrades are planned for Fairland, Florida Hills, and Wilro Park.
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