Clearwater Mall ceiling damage limited, as assessment continues

Clearwater Mall has clarified that the damage caused by the unexpected storm on Saturday, 20 April was limited to the ceiling of the upper level parking area, despite initial reports stating the roof was affected as well.

Read initial story here:

https://roodepoortnorthsider.co.za/294279/watch-clearwater-mall-roof-sustains-damage-rain/

Strubens Valley and surrounding areas were experiencing near-perfect Autumn weather when a sudden storm rolled in and heavy rains wreaked havoc in the area, Clearwater Mall in particular. A video was taken at the Mall, capturing what seemed to be the roof sustaining structural damage.

The video spread like wildfire on social media, as some users even began questioning the structural integrity of the structure.

https://www.facebook.com/roodepoortnorthsider/posts/2357897824255335?comment_id=2358006490911135

However, Clearwater Mall marketing manager, Jess Denner, has issued statements clarifying the extent of the damage, as well as which parts sustained damage and how. “As a result [of the rain] a small portion of the bulkhead ceiling in our upper level parking lot outside the mall buckled. It was only the ceiling, no structural damage occurred,” Jess said.

The extent of the damage is estimated to cover about 30m² of the ceiling, and according to Jess, contractors were contacted to remove any loose pieces of the structure as well as cordon off the area to ensure the safety of the shoppers. Jess also stated that the “… damage is currently being assessed and repaired”.

When it comes to future preventative measures, Jess stated that there are procedures in place to ensure the integrity of the structure. “Regular inspections are done, including a formal annual structural inspection, but the extreme weather was very unexpected and the material in question became soft and thus tore apart and fell.”