Norwood flooding crisis: A long-standing hazard for residents and motorists

Since 2017, the section of the road where 9th Street becomes Paterson Road has been plagued by severe annual flooding, turning a critical route between Orange Grove and Norwood into a dangerous hazard. Despite promises of resolution, the problem has worsened, damaging road infrastructure and endangering motorists and pedestrians alike.

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The situation has become so dire that the road boasts large potholes alongside persistent flooding. Councillor Eleanor Huggett, of Ward 73, has been vocal about the lack of progress. “I have repeatedly asked for this issue to be resolved to no effect,” she said. “Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) needs to come on-site, inspect the problem, and resolve it once and for all. Pedestrians, including children heading to the state-of-the-art multi-purpose centre and Norwood SAPS, are at significant risk.”

Acknowledging the problem, but no timeline for action

Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) and JRA have admitted that the flooding stems from unresolved issues within the storm water system. Kenneth Nxumalo, from the JDA, explained: “The JDA acknowledges the inconvenience and risks of flooding and road damage. We are conducting a thorough investigation to identify the root causes and will derive a permanent solution from the findings. However, we cannot commit to specific timelines until the investigation is complete.”

Huggett welcomed the acknowledgement but expressed frustration over the lack of immediate action. “JRA and JDA must provide a timeline for resolution. The ongoing flooding damages the road and poses a grave danger. Delays are unacceptable.”

Technical assessments in progress

Khayalethu Gqibitole, head of regional operations at JRA, offered insight into the challenges. While upgrades were made to the storm water infrastructure in Paterson Park, the affected section at Paterson and 9th roads was not part of the project. Initial efforts, including using a high-pressure vacuum storm water drain cleaner, failed to resolve the issue.

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Gqibitole assured that further assessments are underway. “A site inspection was conducted on January 15. Technical teams are conducting a root cause analysis, which will guide the development of a permanent solution. In the meantime, the third party responsible for substandard road repairs has been directed to address the damage under JRA standards.”

Community and safety concerns

The road serves as a key artery for the area, heightening the urgency of its repair. Residents and businesses rely on it, while pedestrians navigate flooded and hazardous conditions daily.

Huggett highlighted the gravity of the situation. “So many pedestrians use this road. It’s a complete disaster, and the risk to life cannot be overstated.”

JRA has assured residents that the issue is being treated as a high priority. Communication between the agency and local councillors is active, and residents are encouraged to report issues via official channels.

What’s next?

While the technical assessments continue, no concrete timeline for repairs or a long-term solution has been provided. The community, already weary of broken promises, is calling for action. As flooding persists, the need for accountability and decisive intervention grows stronger.

For now, motorists and pedestrians are urged to exercise extreme caution when using the road and to report any additional damage or hazards to JRA.

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