Home owners seek solution to waterlogged properties
Fences, furniture, and foundations are being damaged by the constant flow of water under the properties.
The owners of Lots 769, 770, 771, 772 in Margate Extension 2, on Margaret and Mary Streets, are seeking municipal intervention and assistance regarding a storm water drainage system which floods their properties during heavy rains.
It has caused damage to foundations, fencing and furniture.
According to one of the homeowners, Bathandwa Fuzile, the challenge started in 2009, and was reported to the municipality.
After emails and photographs were sent, technical teams visited the site, however to date nothing has been done.
Again in 2011 and in 2019 emails and evidence was sent and a verbal promise was made that the matter would be attended to, and be included in that financial year’s budget.
The residents said the most affected houses are those built on the right side of Margaret and Mary Streets, opposite the highway.
“Strangely enough even when there is no rain, water continues to flow under our homes and is still visible in our yards,” said Fuzile
He said according to a report by a technician sent via email, an existing storm water line runs underneath the road and is about 10m below road level. The storm water line extends from across the main road into an open space or property and the outlet of the pipe is about 30m from the affected properties.
While all drains are open and in working condition, however after heavy rains, the outlet discharges water which floods the properties.
The technician recommended that a new line be considered or an extension of the existing line, to discharge the stormwater away from the affected properties.
It was also noted that the properties affected are at the lowest point in the vicinity, hence the flooding.
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality spokesperson, Simon April said a team comprising of the manager of the Project Management Unit, manager of the Roads and Stormwater Drainage and the superintendent for the Roads Section in Depot South, conducted a site visit recently and met with one of the affected homeowners.
“During the visit they walked the site with him and explained to him that the area where the affected houses are built, is in a low-lying area and on a swamp which is always waterlogged.
The team also discovered a dam or swamp on the opposite side of Wartski Drive which has impacted the properties.
“The possible proposed solution is to appoint a consultant that will design a concrete channel that will take away the water and this will be done in the next financial year. But it should be noted that their houses are built in a waterlogged area,” he concluded.
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