WORK has begun on a R2-million project to widen and stabilise the stormwater drainage system under the M4 Ruth First Highway at the Armstrong Avenue and Melkhout Road intersection. The area, which in the past, has been prone to severe flooding due to it being a natural flood plain is getting a major upgrade confirmed uMhlanga councillor, Heinz de Boer.
Engineers have already devised a plan to widen part of the stormwater culvert as well as desilt the area which is low lying.
“Part of the problem faced by this area under the bridge is that the heavy rains forces the sand and silt to the bottom of the hill which in the end forces the water higher and higher, causing flooding. The plan is to straighten and widen the stream in order to create a path for the water without restrictions.
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“They also plan to redirect the stream which helps with the flow of water. Engineers will also be planting vetivers, a plant with strong, fibrous, binding roots which is widely used throughout the world. They have strong reinforcing capabilities and we will be planting them on the Derivco side to hold back the stream naturally and allow water to drain slower to the lower area.
“I’m very pleased with this project as I think this will mitigate any future catastrophes. When it rains heavy the water comes up so high that several cars have been completely covered. The City is facing a hefty bill from the Durban storms last year. Several gabion baskets have also been placed in the drainage area to reinforce its banks,” he said.
The project is due to be completed by the end of April.
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