#Floods – Business owners plan to sue EMM
"If there had been improvement to the bridges and to the spruit it is possible that the damage to the businesses could have been reduced."
The business owners whose businesses and properties were affected by the Edenvale floods are seeking to sue the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.
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On November 9, businesses in the Eastleigh area were damaged by the floods when the Eastleigh Spruit burst its banks after heavy rainfall late that afternoon.
Councillor Bill Rundle of ward 19 said the Eastleigh Spruit has been an issue since 2005.
He said in 2011 the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) conducted a survey of the Eastleigh Spruit to determine whether work needed to be conducted in the spruit.
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“In 2012 the metro held a tribunal and it was decided that work would be conducted in the spruit,” said Clr Rundle.
Clr Rundle said the spruit was reinforced with concrete around the Plantation Road bridge.
He said surveys had previously been conducted to determine whether other bridges in Eastleigh, such as Central Avenue, needed to be upgraded.
Clr Rundle said the bridge was not upgraded.
“If there had been improvement to the bridges and to the spruit, it is possible that the damage to the businesses could have been reduced,” said Clr Rundle.
Following the outrage of business owners in the community, Clr Rundle has decided to create a registry where businesses who are looking to sue the EMM can come together.
He said the businesses are planning on taking a class action lawsuit against the EMM.
Clr Rundle said at this point in time the register has been started to create a list of frustrated business owners.
A meeting will be held in January and the way forward will be discussed.
Clr Rundle believes by having a large group the legal fees will be less for each person and the outcome will possibly be more positive.
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Clr Rundle said the Eastleigh area is a large economic hub and if nothing is done about the Eastleigh Spruit, businesses will move away.
He said if there are business and property owners who feel that they were adversely affected by the floods of November 9, or previous floods, they can get in touch with him and join the register.
Clr Rundle can be contacted at Billrun@gmail.com
A request for comment was sent to the EMM on December 9, requesting comment by December 12 at 9am.
At the time of going to print, no comment had been received.
