Ward 10 roads need repairs after 2021 flood damage
Ward 10's councillor addresses damaged roads.
A number of roads in the Umdoni area were severely damaged by flooding back in 2021, and unfortunately for the local community, much of the repairs are yet to be done.
Ward 10 Democratic Alliance councillor, Alan Cutten has provided an in-depth look at some of the most affected places in this ward in hopes of having them repaired by the municipality and/or to get work started to prevent further damage.
As per Cllr Cutten, this is the situation of some of the affected Ward 10 roads:
Barracouta Bend in Kelso had a partial wash away, damaging the road, storm water pipe and a property. No attempt to divert the water or secure the bank has been made to date and each time it rains more of the road and sand is being washed away. Roots of the trees at the side of the road are being exposed. Should this continue, the tree will be uprooted and this may lead to the house nearby being damaged.
As per a report of a professional engineer, the flood damage to the Makamati Bridge in Botha Place has compromised the structural integrity of this bridge. This bridge is the only access to 15 houses in Botha Place and residents are concerned that the bridge could become impassable during the next rains or floods leaving them stranded.
The bridge on Elizabeth Drive was destroyed in the 2021 floods. To date no attempt has been made to fix the bridge and residents are required to use other roads to access their properties.
“The municipality’s leadership stated that they are waiting for the 2021 Disaster Funding to finance these and other repairs,” said Cllr Cutten.
“To receive the funding, the municipality was required to submit a close-out report for the disaster funding they received a few years ago. The municipality has been unable to account for the previous funding resulting in the current funding been withdrawn.”
Cllr Cutten added that at a council meeting last week, additional funds were made available for road repairs. Included in the Democratic Alliance councillors’ proposal, was that the funding be divided between the urban and rural areas. This proposal was voted against by opposing parties leaving no funds from the additional funding to repair urban roads.
“Umdoni Municipality, when will the urban, ratepaying areas receive the services they require? Our urban areas account for the major portion of the economy and tourism – surely we need to maintain these areas to make sure they prosper?”
These road reports have been sent to the municipality.
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