WATCH: Flash flood breaks Village of Golden Harvest wall
SONNEGLANS – A severe flash flood washed away part of the Village of Golden Harvest 1's boundary wall on 10 January.
Residents of the Village of Golden Harvest 1 are extremely concerned about their safety after a severe flash flood washed away part of their boundary wall on 10 January.
The boundary wall runs along the Klein Jukskei River, and ageing stormwater barricades along the river were severely eroded, resulting in a safety and security issue.
Watch:
Village of Golden Harvest 1 manager Stuart Elliott said the damage after the storm was frightening.
“The water rushed down the stream and its height was immense. This continued into Monday with further rains. Our residents are concerned about their safety as the river behind the village has constant foot traffic leading to CR Swart Drive and is occupied by many [displaced persons],” said Elliott.
He added that this was not the first time they had been worried about this issue.
“Last year, we built a secondary boundary wall further up as we saw that this could be an issue. At that point, we had already noticed the pre-fab wall starting to bend.
“If further heavy rains happen, I cannot even think of how much more damage will occur. I am extremely worried about water running under the bricked road on our property which could potentially collapse.”
He said he had alerted Ward 101 councillor Dalu Cele about the issue and had been in touch with the Johannesburg Roads Agency, the City utility responsible for this type of infrastructure management.
Cele said, “I am fully aware of this issue. After Stuart shared with me the pictures of the river’s flash flood damage, I immediately escalated the issue to the City Parks and Zoo, the conservation department that is mandated to deal with rivers in the City.
“I have asked City Parks and Zoo to [liaise]with JRA from a stormwater issue perspective as well.”
He added that it was indeed a dangerous situation facing the senior citizens at the village.
“I trust the relevant City entities will assist to get this issue resolved.”
The Randburg Sun has contacted both JRA and City Parks and awaits their response on the issue.
