Residents blame erosion protection project on Gertrude Bridge for severe floods

Residents living near Gertrude Bridge in Fontainebleau are living in fear during heavy rains after they were hit by floods that left immense damage to their properties.

Read more: WATCH: Severe flooding after record rainfall in Randburg

The homeowners around the bridge have experienced flooding before, but this year’s event was particularly severe, with noticeably higher water levels and more extensive damage to nearby homes.

The residents are blaming a Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) project, which was intended to reinforce a riverbank property. The contractor involved placed structures and materials into the riverbed.

While the aim was erosion protection, residents believe that the work may have obstructed the natural flow of water, contributing to the severity of the flooding.

Resident Christina Anastasellis explained that when they were hit by the severe storm, the water had nowhere to go. The material used for the project was washed into the river, blocking the bridge. This resulted in the water flooding over the bridge, which broke through the riverbanks. “It flooded our houses… It was coming from all directions,” said Anastasellis.

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Adding to the concern, is that the project was carried out during the rainy season, despite warnings from residents. Anastasellis added that some of the residents needed to be evacuated, and JRA does not want to take responsibility, blaming the contractors which were appointed by them. “We keep experiencing flooding every year, and I suffer damage. We cannot sell our properties. We are stuck here, maintaining properties that cannot be sold. We keep maintaining the same thing over and over again. We want a permanent solution from the entity.
“We are calling for clear communication, accountability, and immediate intervention to ensure that no homeowner is left to face the consequences alone. And that meaningful steps are taken to prevent future disasters.”

Given the history of flooding in the Gertrude Bridge area, this latest event highlights the urgent need for long-term flood mitigation measures. Many residents are now left facing costly repairs, financial strain, and uncertainty around insurance claims, with little support from city authorities.

JRA head of infrastructure development Kwazelela Mcetywa said that the project did not have an impact on the heavy floods that affected the properties. “The said properties are within the 1 in 100-year flood line, hence the owners experience flooding every time we get high rainfall intensity.

“JRA has implemented, and is currently implementing, erosion projection projects, to prevent erosion damage on the properties that are located in the riverbanks.

“The affected property owners are also kept abreast of the project’s progress. As part of the planning processes, JRA is conducting investigations and assessments to come up with the most feasible options to address the problem on a mid to long term basis.”

In terms of the current regulations, no development is allowed within the 1 in 100-year flood line. When asked if the entity can, or is considering, buying out the properties, as they are located within the flood line, Mcetywa said that the relocation, or buying of properties, would be a multi-entity function, which would be approved at the City of Johannesburg level.

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