Shack dwellers along the Jukskei River were counting their lucky stars on 23 March that there was no flooding after the incessant rain in the past few days.
In the past, the river has burst its banks leaving many residents homeless and some have lost their lives.
Read: Alex residents live with sewage flooding homes for years
Councillors contacted by Alex News said no mishaps were reported. “The Jukskei river has risen but not to a level of threat, no shacks have been reported affected by the rain nor flooding that requires attention,” said councillor Adolph Marema while cautioning residents to remain alert with more rains still expected to come over the weekend.
Last year, Marema bore the brunt of people affected by flooding at designated safety centres in his ward. He hopes the government can put an end to this sort of situation by providing proper housing which is often promised but never fulfilled. This as local, provincial and national spheres of government commit annually to relocate those at risk and barricade flood plains but soon forget their promises until the next rainy season.
Read: Top 5 flood-prone areas in and around Alex
Councillor Shadrack Mkhonto also confirmed that there had been no flooding. He said except for a tree that fell over at the premises of NPO Banakekeleni and a burst storm drain at News Park, East Bank, nothing else was reported in the township. Some roads in low lying areas inconvenienced motorists and pedestrians forcing them to use longer routes to get to their destinations.
The Emergency Management Services also warned residents to stay alert as the rains were expected to continue. It gave the following tips to residents;
- Motorists to refrain from attempting to cross flooded bridges and roads and instead use alternative routes
- To be safe and avoid accidents by increasing distance between vehicles when on wet and slippery roads
- Young children to stay away from drainage systems, rivers and streams to avoid drowning
- For any life threatening emergencies, to contact emergency call centre on 011 375 5911.
