Flooding crisis in Norwood sees councillor’s plea for urgent action falls on deaf ears
Persistent flooding on 9th Street and Paterson Road continues to wreak havoc, leaving residents and commuters frustrated as the city fails to take action.
Despite repeated calls for action, the ongoing flooding of the section where 9th Street becomes Paterson Road in Norwood continues to spark outrage among residents and commuters.
The area has been submerged under water, and heavy rains have intensified the problem. The situation has caused significant inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians, and many struggle to navigate through the waterlogged streets.
Read more: Norwood flooding crisis: A long-standing hazard for residents and motorists
Ward 73 councillor Eleanor Huggett took to social media recently, posting a video on X to highlight the severity of the situation. In the video, Huggett is standing in the middle of the flooded road while cars slowly make their way through the rising water. Pedestrians are also seen wading through the deluge.
Also read: JRA asks motorists to be careful as summer rains bring floods
“I am extremely concerned about the risk this poses to residents, pedestrians and motorists,” Huggett said. “This isn’t just an inconvenience—this is a safety hazard. The flooding is a direct result of negligence, and the lack of action from the relevant authorities is appalling.”
According to Huggett, the problem stems from ineffective stormwater drainage after a recent sewer upgrade. During the upgrade, contractors apparently blocked the kerb inlet, which has led to water accumulation on the road. Huggett has pledged to continue pushing for swift action from the city, emphasising that the situation requires immediate intervention to prevent further harm to the public.
In response, the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) confirmed the creation of service requests to address the issues. The JRA issued references for the blocked kerb inlet and the deteriorating road surface.
Huggett expressed her deep concern. “The fact that nothing has been done despite numerous requests for action is a sad reflection of the state of our city and its current administration.”
As the rains continue to batter Johannesburg, residents are holding their breath, hoping for urgent repairs before the situation worsens. For now, Norwood’s residents are left waiting, still ankle-deep in water and frustration.
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