MunicipalNews

‘Non-existent’ storm water systems blamed for recent floods

Regardless of the heavy storm Boksburg suffered on November 9, there seems to be a bigger problem which resulted in the flooding and the damage done.

Linda Nel, whose property was flooded on the corner of Willams and Trichardts roads, Beyers Park, claimed that the infrastructure of the Ekurhuleni municipality is not maintained.

According to her knowledge, the storm water system of the mall leads to the dam next to the Leon Ferreira Fire Station in Trichardts Road.

Apparently, most of the properties south of the dam suffered severe damage due to the flooding.

“The water of this dam should be regulated and released regularly, which does not happen,” said Nel.

Car dealership flooded.
Car dealership flooded.

“Thus, it’s basically the storm water coming from the side of the mall which rushed through our properties.

“The storm water system of the town is not in a working condition. There’s no infrastructure in place to release the water to the lake. The water is not supposed to flow through our properties.”

Nel also submitted a claim in 2006 when the dam flooded.

“I complained to the municipality back then, but they didn’t do anything to prevent the dam from flooding again,” she said.

This photo was taken after 9pm on Wednesday, November 9, at Linda Nel's property. The water was about 70cm high.
This photo was taken after 9pm on Wednesday, November 9, at Linda Nel’s property. The water was about 70cm high.

“The water that gets pumped out should go into a storm water system. It is supposed to go from one pipe to another,” said Nel.

“Due to the lack of a proper storm water system the water floods down Trichardts Road, onto the properties.”

She added that the water should be released but has nowhere to go.

“The metro does know what’s going on,” she said.

Water seen at the corner of Williams and Trichardts roads.
Water seen at the corner of Williams and Trichardts roads.

“The problem should be addressed. They must get the system under the dam in place or they should make the dam bigger if it cannot take a huge amount of water.

“We pay tax for an infrastructure that is out of order or rather non-existent.”

Another anonymous complainant, who has lived in Boksburg for 60 years, seconded Nel’s opinion.

“The storm water drains don’t get serviced – everything is blocked,” he said.

The question remains: What will Ekurhuleni do to resolve this problem?

The Advertiser did contact the metro for a comment, but has not yet received a response.

 

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