Traffic came to a complete standstill at Gillooly’s Interchange as a result of flooding, which affected the surrounding areas last Thursday.
Some areas within the suburb were also affected with residents and motorists being advised to take alternative routes.
Boxes containing archived documents and electronic equipment were damaged at Bedfordview’s licensing department.
According to the station’s employees and eyewitnesses, a portion of the ceiling collapsed after which water poured in.
The water was reportedly 20 centimetres deep.
Six cars and two trucks were stuck on the N3 highway due to the flooding, causing more traffic delays.
The basement parking at the Life Bedford Gardens Hospital was also reportedly affected by the flooding.
The ward 20 councillor, Clr Jill Humphreys, visited both the hospital and licensing department after the incidents.
She commended the staff for working hard despite the damage.
“In spite of the mess and discomfort, and albeit a little late, the department opened for business. The officials and staff worked hard to get everything back in working order. Contractors were also called in to assess the damage. It seems the main reason for the roof leaking so badly is that the gutters were blocked and the water had nowhere to go but down. Once the gutters were opened, the water poured off the roof,” said Clr Humphreys.
Mr Walter Mamba, a resident in Oriel, said he was relieved that despite the havoc on the roads, there were no casualties reported or lives lost as a result of the flooding.
“We now just need the powers that be to make sure the systems are in working order. We cannot have a situation where storm water drains are clogged. If it floods we will, of course, be flooded. Maintaining the system we have in place is the best and the only way to go moving forward,” said Mr Mamba.
