A collapsed drain on the corner of Rooisering and Spekboom Street, causing water to accumulate and seep onto nearby properties, has become a problem for residents, especially one homeowner, Nicolette Basson.

According to Basson, the drain has been an issue since before she purchased her property in 2022. The previous owner had reported the collapse, but temporary repairs have not resolved the problem.

“The cement slab was lying on the corner, posing a big threat to anybody cutting the corner while turning. I started logging calls as well, and a team from Johannesburg Water came and pumped the water out,” she said. She further explained that they told her that the drain had been fixed and was fine, but when it rains, the water fills the drain and sits there, then starts seeping through the grass outside the property.

Loose gravel and sand accumulating at the corners from the rain, when water rushes down the road, creates additional hazards for vehicles, while children walking to nearby schools are also at risk. While speaking about this drain, Basson directed the Roodepoort Northsider and Ward 89 councillor Zander Shawe to another drain around the next corner of the road that is also showing signs of collapse, contributing to further water accumulation and potential flooding during heavy rain.

JW has confirmed that this issue does not fall under their responsibility, as the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) is responsible for overseeing the stormwater drains. Despite repeated reports from residents, no action has been taken to restore the drain to its normal functionality.

Shawe expressed that he is doing everything in his power to ensure that issues in his ward receive the necessary attention they deserve. He also urged residents to work with him by reporting such issues so that he can also escalate them to the relevant people and have them fixed.

JRA was approached for comment about the problem and planned repairs after the residents raised concerns about the drain being ignored for years. A team from JRA was then reportedly on site on Wednesday, December 10, to inspect the drain. However, despite allowing extra time for comment as requested, the Northsider has not received any feedback or comment from them.

The Panorama Residents Association deputy chair, Michael Steyn, shared that the JRA team said the entire drain pipe is clogged with roots from nearby trees, and the team will return to attempt further work to clear the blockage. Further updates will be shared once available.