Residents in Papkuilsfontein will have to wait longer before a long-term decision to stop the flooding on the main road is taken.

After an article appeared in last week’s paper, highlighting the flooding that takes place after a heavy rainfall, Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality sent out a team to inspect and gather information on site.

READ THE STORY HERE: Another rain, road floods in Papkuilsfontein

“We gathered that the manhole cover was removed. The manhole will be cleaned as there is now debris and sand that has silted the storm water pipes,” said Communications Officer Sphelele Zikalala.

As is customary for municipal clean-up teams, the debris removed from the manhole and gutters were placed in heaps along the roadside, which caused a large amount of it to be washed into the gutter again after Sunday afternoon’s heavy rainfall.

The road surface was also flooded again on Sunday afternoon. Cleaning of the manhole and gutters, says the local municipality, is only a short-term solution.

ALSO READ: Municipality to rethink drainage in Papkuilsfontein

“There is an existing bulk water main UThukela pipe that runs above the storm water pipe, which has for the past three years given us a challenge as to replace the existing pipe with a bigger size pipe, since the water main pipe is above the storm water pipe,” explained Ms Zikalala.

She added that the local municipality has engaged with Uthukela District Municipality.

“In response they have said they will be attending to the matter,” added Ms Zikalala.

The Estcourt News contacted Uthukela District Municipality for clarity on their plans with this road; however no response was received.

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