Blocked channels on Platina Street bridge in Jukskei Park a root to flooding from recent rains

Heavy rains catalyst for the erosion of bridge in parts of Jukskei Park’s Platina Street.

March 15, 2023

Khomotso Makgabutlane and Anelisa Samsam 1 minute read

Ward 106 councillor Chris Santana and Ward 115 councillor Mark van der Merwe at the waste-clogged channels of the bridge on Platina Street in Jukskei Park. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Residents who live near a bridge in Jukskei Park that carries hundreds of vehicles daily, are concerned for their safety as they believe it’s ‘on the brink of collapse’.

A JRA employee at the bridge to clear away the waste and debris washed onto the railings and road. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Debris and waste from trees around the bridge on Platina Street toward Juweel Street have been blocking the flow of water under the bridge for a while. This blockage causes damage to the bridge when the area experiences heavy rainfall, as the water is not able to escape easily and is forced to overflow onto the bridge.
This happened yet again when the bridge flooded after heavy rains on March 7.

Jukskei Park community members on the bridge near Platina Street. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Ward 115 councillor Mark van der Merwe said the rain also damaged two pipes next to the bridge. This affected residents’ water supply.

Debris and waste block the channels on the bridge on Platina Street in Jukskei Park. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

“This is a major issue. The water coming out of these pipes should be providing the residents with water.”
Joburg Water’s Nolwazi Dhlamini confirmed that the pipes have since been temporarily repaired.

A JRA employee at the bridge attempts to clear away waste and debris washed onto the railings and road. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

“Last year, residents cleared the bridge themselves when a similar incident happened. This time, we said ‘let’s not do anything’, and this is the result,” Van der Merwe claimed.
Residents voiced their concerns. Kyle Woodward, Philip Taylor and Peter Hemer shared the same sentiments on the safety and lack of maintenance. “The bridge has never been as bad as right now. The last time something similar happened, it was never repaired properly, so this was bound to happen,” said Taylor.
Woodward said the bridge’s flooding compromised residents’ safety.

One side of the bridge is eroded due to heavy rain in the Jukskei Park area. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Murray van Zyl, Jukskei Park Community Forum member, said the bridge has been a concern for several months.
He added that the result of the flooding happened over time. “Material gets washed down and blocks the channels of the bridge and nothing is done even when it’s reported,” he said.

Jukskei Park resident Conor McCann captures a section of the damaged bridge on Platina Street. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

“We have got infrastructure damage. I think this may be close to R1m worth of damage. There is evidence we have reported this since January and have said that more problems will come if nothing isdone here.”