Clr Tiziana Plaskitt has raised concerns over blocked stormwater systems and the potential danger they pose.
The ward 92 councillor said when stormwater systems are blocked and poorly maintained, rainwater cannot make use of the underground water networks.
As a result of this floods occur above ground.
“The purpose of the stormwater system is to distribute water to various areas and to prevent flooding. However, when water cannot be distributed underground the water builds up until it can’t be contained and follows its natural path above ground. This could be seen in the November 9 floods,” she said.
She said water from Tunney, Buurendal and Meadowdale, the higher areas surrounding Edenvale, naturally flowed into the lower lying Edenvale when it could not make use of the stormwater network.
“One event just cascades into an astronomical disaster,” said Clr Plaskitt.
In most flooding instances the residents, businesses and infrastructure are affected.
“I know of residents in Harmelia who are still traumatised by the November floods,” said Clr Plaskitt.
One example of Clr Plaskitts’ concerns can be seen at Sizwe Secondary School in Elandsfontein.
She said because of blocked and poorly maintained stormwater networks near the school, the school grounds are flooded when it rains.
“The school was recently flooded and the Gauteng Department of Education built a wall to protect the school from further flooding.”
She said the City of Ekurhuleni pumped the flood water away from the school grounds.
Clr Plaskitt said instances of flooding can be reduced if the current stormwater networks are maintained and repaired.
“The City of Ekurhuleni needs to spend the whole winter season clearing blocked stormwater networks and servitudes,” said Clr Plaskitt.
A request for comment was sent to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality communications department, the Ekurhuleni MMC of Infrastructure Services as well as the Gauteng Department of Education, requesting comment by February 17 at 9am.
At the time of going to print, no comment had been received.
