Local newsLocal NewsNews

Flash flood devastates the South

The issues of outdated and unmaintained roads, inadequate stormwater drains and systems, along with the multitude of blocked drains and sewerage systems, all contributed to making the situation much worse.

ALBERTON and other areas in the South of Johannesburg were severely affected by the flash floods that occurred on Thursday, March 2.

The heavens opened up and roads and homes were quickly flooded by the heavy downpour, which caused massive devastation and serious damage.

ROADS RAVAGED: Hennie Alberts Street is badly damaged as potholes expand massively after the heavy rain.

One home-owner in Toon van den Heever Street, Randhart, said this was the second time this had happened to them in a few months. “We’ve just moved in six months ago and we had just started to recover from the last incident of flooding when this happened. We just don’t know what we’re gonna do, because we can’t go on like this,” said the devastated home-owner, who would like to remain anonymous.

ON SCENE: Ward councillor Marina van Wyk lends her support at one of the damaged homes in Alberton.

Aside from homes, the flash floods also had a profound impact on traffic, with cars getting stuck and even crashing in areas like Rietvlei Zoo Farm, Renaissance Retirement Village and more.

DAMAGED: The driveway leading into the Renaissance Retirement Village in Glenvista.

The issues of outdated and unmaintained roads, inadequate stormwater drains and systems, along with the multitude of blocked drains and sewerage systems, all contributed to making the situation much worse.

DEAD IN ITS TRACKS: A truck comes to a halt on the mid-island on Swartkoppies after hydroplaning and losing control.

Another affected resident said the municipality was the problem. “These drains are permanently blocked and they aren’t doing their jobs, simple as that,” she said.

WHAT A MESS: One of the homes completely ruined.

Again a number of potholes re-appeared. Even before the flash floods, the RECORD posted questions to EMM regarding the potholes and they replied that they needed reference numbers in order to comment.

BLOCKED UP: A blocked drain worsens the effects of the flooding.

Damages in both Alberton and the South of Johannesburg are still being calculated.

SWIM ANYONE?: Water shin-deep in Rietvlei.
WATER, WATER, WATER: Tons of water still flowing into stormwater drains for a long while after the rain stopped; the line on one of the homes’ walls shows where the water was at one point.
RIVERS BURSTING: In and around the Glenvista area. The Renaissance Retirement Village’s garden and entrance were flooded and the fencing was damaged.
GARDEN UNDER WATER: Renaissance Retirement Village.

You may also be interested in:

BREAKING NEWS: Flooding in many parts of the South

Ekurhuleni comment on massive flooding caused by a blocked drain

For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton RecordComaro ChronicleSouthern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.

Remember to visit our FacebookTwitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.zajuliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za

Add us on WhatsApp today! Alberton Record: 060 644 5264 Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.

At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

Support local journalism

Add The Citizen as a preferred source to see more from Southern Courier in Google News and Top Stories.

Related Articles

Back to top button