WATCH: Chief Albert Luthuli residents flooded out – again
Residents say government has failed them numerous times with service delivery.
Persistent heavy rains overnight and this morning, February 4, caused devastation for residents of Lisbon Ring in Chief Albert Luthuli Park, after their homes were left flooded.
More than 10 families in the area will tonight seek alternative accommodation after their belongings were left damaged.
The City Times visited the affected area and found that inside a number of households, the water was knee-deep while the furniture including the beds, couches, wardrobes and kitchen units were affected by the floods.
According to Sfiso Mnguni, who’s been living in the area for the past 15 years, this wasn’t the first time they’ve experienced flooding though this time it was worse.
“Seeing that it’s now the rainy season, we raised the matter with our councillor but nothing was done to try and prevent the situation.
“We have also informed the municipal officials many times about this problem but nothing fruitful has come of this.
“We are faced with a dilemma, our clothes, beds and everything in our homes are soaking wet,” said Mnguni.
ALSO READ: Lack of service delivery results in flooding at a couple’s Northmead property
He expressed disappointment saying the government has failed them numerous times with service delivery, hence there are no drainage systems in the area.
Mguni’s neighbour, Zandile Khumalo, who is also suffering the same fate said today and probably tomorrow she will not generate income because the shack where she runs her food business from is flooded.
“It’s sad that every time when it rains we experience flooding in our homes, as we voted with the hopes of seeing change in our area but that hasn’t happened,” said Khumalo.
Residents added that since they started living in the area 20 years ago, they haven’t seen any development taking place.
“We don’t have tar road, drainage systems and a clinic in our area. We call on government to hear our pleas because we can’t live like this,” said Mthembu.
Ward 110 Clr Sarah Mnisi said the reason why the area has no storm water drainage systems, it’s because there no proper roads in the area.
“Once the roads have been built in the area, drain systems will then be installed. In regard to having tar roads in the area, I have escalated the matter to the municipality numerous times and have also submitted a petition in order to try and resolve the situation,” she said.
Meanwhile, DEMS Spokesperson William Ntladi said they didn’t receive, or attend, to any reports of flooding in the area. ALSO READ: Flooding becomes costly for local club and restaurant 
