Ugu calls for storm water drainage maintenance
A notice of motion was passed so that local municipalities can maintain and rehabilitate systems.
With the recent heavy rains flooding various parts of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM), a call was made for local municipalities under Ugu District Municipality to reprioritise repairs and maintenance of stormwater drainage systems.
Clr Leonard Ngcobo of the DA recently moved a notice of motion calling on RNM, Umdoni and Umuziwabantu municipalities to maintain and rehabilitate stormwater drainage systems.
The motion was passed by the Ugu council recently.
Ngcobo said Ugu has had infrastructure maintenance and breakdown challenges for over five years.
Ugu municipal spokesperson, France Zama, confirmed the motion.
He said it was to request local municipalities to give more attention to the maintenance and rehabilitation of stormwater drainage systems to avoid flooding.
Zama said the lack of maintenance causes blockages to sewer systems and damage to infrastructure.
Ngcobo said due to these challenges, the municipality assembled a task team to conduct an audit of the infrastructure.
“The assessment revealed many challenges in all the wastewater treatment works. These include rainwater ingress, which remains a problem. This results in sand accumulation in the pump station sumps. Blockages cause huge damage to mechanical components. And, the illegal dumping of domestic waste into sewage networks remains a challenge,” said Ngcobo.
He recommended that the Ugu accounting officer inform local municipalities of the motion passed and urge them to comply.
Meanwhile, a formal correspondence on council’s resolution will be sent to the affected local municipalities for consideration and implementation.
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