The condition of stormwater servitudes in Edenvale has left much to be desired by the community and ward councillors alike.
The servitudes which were damaged during the November 2016 floods have remained unrepaired and in a poor condition.
Its condition and the lack of maintenance of the spruit led to three Eastleigh businesses, Propshaft Master, Wieland SA and Fluid Power, turning to the Johannesburg High Court for assistance.
The court ruled against the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) after they failed to remediate the Eastleigh Spruit.
It ordered the municipality to remediate the spruit.
Also read: Damaged stormwater infrastructure, soil erosion cause of safety concerns in Highway Gardens
Since the ruling, CoE started a remediation process but little physical work has been done to any of Edenvale’s stormwater servitudes.
Improvements should result in a controlled flow of water through Edenvale’s servitudes and prevent further erosion.
Improvements will be made to servitudes in Buurendaal, Hurlyvale, Eastleigh and the Avenues.
Ward 19 Clr Bill Rundle and Ward 18 Clr Heather Hart said although money has been budgeted there has been no repair work done.
“Essentially the municipality is just waiting for its water-use licence before it can start the project,” said Hart.
She said approximately R25-million has been put aside.
Also read: Fallen tree blocks stormwater servitude
Rundle said the project was meant to start before the rainy season this year.
“I don’t believe the project will start this year because of the upcoming rainy season,” said Rundle.
“It has been so frustrating. Bill (Rundle) and I have sent numerous emails to officials but we have received no responses.
“The lack of response has left us feeling dis-empowered and ignored.”
At a council meeting in March this year Hart asked MMC of Infrastructure Services Robert Mashego questions about what was being done to remediate the servitudes.
“I was told four consultants were appointed by CoE to specifically asses and design remedial measures to infrastructure damaged during the floods. I was also informed work was expected to start in July this year.”
Hart and Rundle believe if nothing is done to remediate the spruit it will remain a problem for the community and businesses.
Earlier this year a portion of Riverleigh complex resident Les Tindale’s property collapsed as a result of erosion.
Tindale believes the collapse occurred because of the damaged servitude between Cunningham and High roads.
“The situation is getting worse but nothing seems to be getting done.”
A representative from the body corporate of the complex said engineers visited the collapse to asses the situation but he has not heard from CoE since.
Also read: Flooding blamed on poor stormwater management
“Everyone should be aware of the damage because of the nature of it,” said the representative.
Like Tindale fellow Eastleigh resident Sharon O’Regan said she is annoyed by the lack of attention given to Edenvale.
“As a ratepayer, I would like to know where all our money is going,” said O’Regan.
O’Regan said when she previously tried to raise issues with CoE about the state of Edenvale and it’s servitudes no one responded to her.
A request for comment was sent to CoE on September 11 at 2.40pm.
Comment was requested by September 14 at 9am.
At the time of going to print no comment had been received.
