VANDERBIJLPARK – Navigating roads in some parts of Vanderbijlpark and Boipatong was a tricky business last week following severe storms that plunged the region.
Heavy rain and blustering winds caused dozens of roads to flood due to blocked stormwater drains, leaving vehicles swamped by rising water and pedestrians failing to cross to the other side.
As if that was not enough, several shopping complexes, including The Palms, Bedworth Park, and Riverside Boulevard, were also hit hardest by flooding, leaving JoJo tanks flowing downstream and shoppers unable to access the centres.
Affluent residential areas such as SE 8 witnessed walls being destroyed and tree branches broken.
Sharing their frustrations, motorists blamed the clogged stormwater drains for the flooding.
Mzwandile Khoza said, “The municipality is failing us as motorists, hence we experience this. We pay our fines and renew vehicle licences, but the conditions of the roads are this bad. If they (the municipality) maintained stormwater drains, we wouldn’t have so many flooded roads.”
Another motorist, Nthabiseng Tsotetsi, said, “Driving on ELM roads is an extreme sport even on a sunny day due to potholes. Imagine how dangerous it is having to pass such flooded roads, knowing very well the conditions of the roads.”
Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) spokesperson Makhosonke Sangweni said the municipality is aware of the flooded roads.
“Our team has been dispatched from Roads working with our general workers to assess the damage, unblocking where possible, and develop a plan on the stormwater drainage that may need serious attention,” he said.
Flash Flood Safety Rules
When a flash flood warning is issued for your area, or the moment you first realise that a flash flood is imminent, act quickly to save yourself. You may only have seconds.
· Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc.
· Avoid already flooded and high velocity flow areas. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream on foot where the water is above your knees.
· If driving, know the depth of water in a dip before crossing. The roadbed may not be intact underneath the water.
· If the vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately; seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and sweep it away.
· Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognise flood dangers.
· Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, particularly during threatening conditions.
