A stormwater channel in Oakdene, Johannesburg South, has become a major concern for residents and local authorities.

Located between Waterberg Drive and Riversberg Drive, the channel’s barrier walls are on the verge of collapsing due to uncontrolled vegetation, putting neighbouring properties’ boundary walls at risk.

The situation is further worsened by an illegally installed gate, which has caused flooding during rainfall.

Ward 56 councillor Michael Crichton has raised the issue with the council, but little progress has been made.

“This issue has been escalated to the JRA CEO, Mr Zweli Nyathi; the current Community Development MMC Councillor, Tebogo Nkokou and the now former Transport MMC, Kenny Kunene. Disgracefully, none of them responded,” said the councillor.

Council did, however, inform Crichton that the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) will work with City Parks to address the vegetation issue during the 2025/26 financial year. Plans were also made to repair the brickwork once the vegetation was cleared and to resolve the problem with the illegal gate, though no action has been taken to date.

The Comaro Chronicle reached out to the City of Joburg and City Parks for comment, but received no response.

Crichton has vowed to monitor the situation closely. “I will be forced to submit a motion to Council if necessary. This ongoing issue highlights the need for effective communication and prompt action from local authorities to address the concerns of Johannesburg South residents,” he said.