Ferndale’s stormwater upgrade project could be a hit or miss

The problems that happened during phase 1 cannot be repeated again, Emi Koekemoer warns.

April 30, 2023

Nicholas Zaal 2 minutes read

The flooding in Ferndale on March 7 saw pieces of cars left around the neighbourhood. Some cars had to be towed away. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

Phase two of a project to upgrade the stormwater system in Ferndale may reduce the risk of flooding. But the poor workmanship that characterised phase 1 cannot happen again, the local ward councillor, Emi Koekemoer says.

A community member inspects one of the walls that was destroyed during the flooding on March 7. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

The Johannesburg Roads Agency’s media team announced phase two of the Klein Jukskei Bond Stream Relief System Project would be done in May. The first phase was completed in June 2021. “Phase two of the project involves expanding the stormwater system to allow it to carry water from the surrounding areas into the streams,” the team noted in a statement released on April 18.

Wonder Nkomo leaves his belongings out to dry after the flooding on March 7. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

“The initial run-off pipes did not have the capacity to carry large volumes of water, necessitating the need for the expansion of the system. The first phase of the project-included the installation of 101m of stormwater pipes and 368m of box culverts together with associated stormwater manholes, kerb inlets, road kerbs and paving, the reinstatement of the road surface and road signs and road markings.”

There were issues with the work and Koekemoer and Ward 102 councillor David Potter brought a list of issues to the agency, which they said have been dealt with.

Residents saw their homes flooded and cars written off during the flooding on March 7. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

“In the second phase, the scope of work will include the installation of a further 56m of stormwater pipes and 380m of box culverts, together with associated stormwater manholes, kerb inlets, road kerbs and paving, and the reinstatement of the road surface on Bond Street between Pine and Vine Avenues,” the release continued.

Ghada complex caretaker, Madoda Khumalo had to break a hole in the wall to allow water to escape as homes were being flooded on March 7. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

“The JRA will provide information on road closures and traffic diversion plans ahead of the construction works.” A public engagement meeting will be held with project managers, the two ward councillors, and residents at 18:00 on April 24 at Ferndale Recreation Centre.

Many walls were destroyed during the flooding in Ferndale on March 7. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

Koekemoer encouraged residents to attend and also keep an eye out for poor workmanship which showed itself in phase one through cracks in boundary walls, and part of Bond Street needing to be resurfaced after drains were already upgraded. She even blamed the sinkhole that formed on the corner of Elgin Avenue and Bond Street on the stormwater culvert for not being connected properly. Though at the time residents believed years of burst water pipes had led to the sinkhole.

Also read: Road collapses in Ferndale

“The floods we had in March showed that we need new stormwater drains though, as many were blocked at the time and contributed to the flooding of homes,” Koekemoer added. “So, while David Potter and I told JRA we are not comfortable with the project going ahead, it is necessary.”

Ward 104 councillor Emi Koekemoer stands on Bond Street, which had to be resurfaced after work had been done during phase one of the project and parts of the road collapsed. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

One phase of the project remains. Details of this phase and its work will be communicated once the second phase is concluded, agency spokesperson Kelebogile Mafa said.

Also read: