Erosion of a stormwater servitude and the collapse of a perimeter wall has an Eastleigh resident concerned about the stability and structural integrity of his home.
On March 31, 80-year-old Les Tindale’s wall collapsed after the ground underneath the wall’s foundation was eroded away.
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Tindale said on the evening of the collapse he heard a “loud crash”.
At first, he thought it was large hail or thunderstorm.
“After the sound stopped I jumped out of bed to have a look and I was shocked by what I saw,” said Tindale.
Tindale said when he saw the collapsed wall, he could not believe his eyes.
Tindale believes the collapse of his wall was caused by damage inflicted to the servitude during the November 2016 floods.
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“Before the floods, the channel was fine. There was nothing wrong,” said Tindale.
“After the flood, I noticed that the servitude had basically been destroyed and blocked with debris.”
According to Tindale, water in the servitude started eroding the river banks when the concrete lining was washed away.
Tindale said although the matter has been brought to the municipality’s attention, there has been a limited response.
“If the erosion continues, my house could collapse or be washed away.”
According to Tindale, the collapse of the wall has left him in a predicament.
Before the wall collapsed Tindale was planning to sell the property.
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“I don’t know what to do. The whole situation has put me in a sort of limbo.”
Ward 18 Clr Heather Hart said before the collapsed wall was brought to her attention, she was aware of the damage that had been done to the servitude during the 2016 floods.
“In my opinion, the canal lining might have collapsed during the floods due to inferior installation or lack of maintenance,” said Hart.
Since the collapsed wall was brought to her attention, Hart has written numerous letters to the COE.
She said in order to ensure that no further erosion occurs, the servitude lining needed to be repaired.
“If nothing is done, the foundation of Tindale’s property could be further undermined.”
A request for comment was sent to the City of Ekurhuleni on April 12.
A comment was requested by April 13 at 2pm.
No comment had been received at the time of going to print.
