Funds provisionally approved for spruit – CoE

Funds have been provisionally approved by the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) to repair a portion of the Eastleigh Spruit, which runs past the Riverleigh complex located between Cunningham and High roads.

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CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the funds were allocated this financial year.

The news that funds were allocated comes after the NEWS sent an enquiry to the CoE.

Affected residents and community members Les Tindale and Tony Dellas raised concerns about the condition of Eastleigh Spruit canal following the heavy rains of January 17.

The heavy rains saw large volumes of water flow through the canal, damaging it further.

Several years ago, on March 31, 2018, a portion of Tindale’s perimeter wall collapsed into the spruit.

The collapse occurred after the ground underneath it was eroded by water in the canal.

Tindale and Dellas believe the wall collapsed due to damage made to the canal during the 2016 floods.

Dlamini said although funds were provisionally approved due to the city’s budget constraints, it cannot implement this project at this stage.

“The Department of Roads and Transport will request funds for this project during the mid-year budget adjustment process,” said Dlamini.

He explained that previously, the project was delayed by the city’s lack of a Water Use Licence; however, this is no longer the case as the city has obtained one for this project.

“Previously, the delay was due to obtaining the Water Use Licence. The delay is due to the city’s budget constraints,” said Dlamini.

He said besides being affected by budgetary constraints, the city has obtained the required authorisations to execute the remedial works.

Dlamini said once the project starts, remediation work will focus on stabilising the river banks, construction of erosion protection measures and reinstatement of collapsed walls.

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