Edenvale has not been included in a list identifying towns which will see focussed infrastructure development and maintenance with regards to roads and stormwater.
The list, which was provided by the member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for infrastructure services, Councillor Robert Mashego when he addressed the media at an EMM Press Club meeting, includes towns from the far east such as Nigel, Springs and Daveyton.
#Floods – Eastleigh businesses face closure after flood damage
The NEWS’ attempts to subsequently obtain clarity and answers and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s plans to deal with Edenvale’s stormwater infrastructure and the damage caused to Eastleigh were left unanswered.
At the January 27 press club meeting, Clr Mashego said the EMM has plans to improve infrastructure/stormwater systems in Ekurhuleni and said the 2016/17 budget will be used to improve, maintain and construct new stormwater systems in the city.
According to the MMC the budget to do these projects is R645 638 415.
When asked at the meeting what the plans were to address Edenvale’s stormwater concerns specifically, Clr Mashego said it would depend on whether the city or the Province of Gauteng had declared the town a disaster area.
He said if the province had declared Edenvale a disaster area there would be immediate attention to the area but if the EMM declared the town as a disaster area the process could take longer.
He said the process would take longer as the city would be attending to the damage caused by the floods in the whole of the city.
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“Dealing with the recent flooding in the city of Ekurhuleni will take time and will take money,” said Clr Mashego.
Clr Mashego said in the years to come there will be positive changes with regards to the stormwater infrastructure in the City of Ekurhuleni.
Despite answering some questions asked by the NEWS at the meeting, the MMC could not answer all the questions and requested that the NEWS submit further questions for comment.
The NEWS sent an inquiry on February 1, with questions including:
- Whether Edenvale, or parts thereof, had been declared disaster areas following the floods of November 9 by either EMM or province.
- When the damage in Eastleigh will be attended to?
- What improvements are planned for the Eastleigh Spruit?
Feedback was requested by February 3 at 9am. At the time of going to print no comment had been received.
Watch: Flooding after a severe rainstorm in Edenvale November 2016
