Residents pick up the pieces after severe #JoburgStorm

Residents are picking up the pieces after a severe thunderstorm swept through Johannesburg.

The Wedge complex in Honeydew is a former image of itself after the weather conditions destroyed parts of it.

Motorists along Boundary Road could be seen taking pictures of the debilitated wall, broken windows, damaged roof and vehicles. Maintenance services were called to the scene to assess the damage.

Graziano Stella from EFC Services, who does the maintenance for the complex, said he never anticipated this kind of damage.

“The first thing we are doing is arranging a perimeter clean-up so we can get the walls off the ground. We’ll then proceed with securing the property by looking into installing razor wire electrifying fencing and then engage with the builders to start rebuilding the perimeter walls.

“At the same time, we’ll also be cleaning up the perimeter and interior,” said Stella.

In addition, the service is liaising with Eskom in order to reinstate the power supply to get the gate motors up and running. Their main priority is securing the property and the residents.

Meanwhile, residents are making efforts to deal with the damage caused to their properties and valuables. A number of moving vans can be seen loading items into vans, in an effort to relocate.

Wedge complex trustee member, Jacob Jackson said residents who live in the upstairs units are the top priority as they need to move out because it’s too dangerous for them to stay in the units.

“The moment the electricity is restored, the downstairs flats will be safe to occupy but is yet to be confirmed. We have people who have volunteered to offer accommodation such as Jackal Creek Golf Estate and a security company arranged accommodation for a resident,” said Jackson.

He said two people were injured during the storm and there was one fatality which still needs to be confirmed.

ALSO READ: #Joburgstorm donations-find out where to drop off supplies