A blocked and unkempt outlet drainage system has been a concern for the Glen Austin Conservancy (GAC) group.
The drain system runs from underneath the Gautrain railway on Old Pretoria Road, connecting to Olifantsfontein Road and passing through Austin Road.
The paper saw this when visiting Austin Road sewer challenges. It is filled with water algae attached to many different objects in the water outlet, which ultimately blocks the flow of water.
GAC deputy chairperson Judy Bird said the blocked system was a concern for them as it posed serious environmental and health hazards, and was likely to lead to flooding during the upcoming rainy season.
“If it is not cleaned sooner, as Glen Austin residents, we will experience high volumes of flooding on our roads because it [the outlet] does not redirect the water as intended. I am not sure when last it was cleaned, but the way it looks, it doesn’t look good, and I hope to report it to the relevant authorities,” said Bird.
The paper then contacted Johannesburg Water (JW) and Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) on July 23.
JW’s spokesperson Nombuso Tshabalala said, “The photo attached is of a stream. Johannesburg Water is not responsible for water streams and channels, and therefore unable to respond to the questions. The Johannesburg Roads Agency might be able to assist in this regard.”
JRA’s Mosa Makhalima confirmed that the Midrand depot was responsible for the functions of cleaning and maintaining the outlet drainage stream.
“The outlet was cleaned in March 2024, meaning debris accumulated thereafter,” said Makhalima.
Asked if they were aware that the drain was now not functioning, she said, “The stormwater outlet is functional, the challenge is the illegal dumping by nearby vendors throwing rubble and spoils inside the outlet pipe.”
Makhalima concluded that this is a low-lying bridge that needs upgrading (Capex) although the depot will continue cleaning the outlet to allow water to flow.
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