JRA prepares for flood and rainy season

With forecasted heavy rains, the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) assures residents that it is fully prepared to mitigate the impact of potential flooding and heavy rainfall on the City’s road network.

Extensive Preparations:

The JRA has taken proactive measures to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and to minimise disruptions during the rainy season with the implementation of a flood readiness plan prioritising the safety of road users, residents, and properties.

These measures include:

▪ Extensive cleaning and clearing of drains and stormwater systems: Teams have been working diligently to remove debris and blockages that could impede water flow.

▪ Identified regional hotspots: Through proactive engagement with the City’s Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM) Department and ward councillors, flooding hotspots have been identified in each region and highlighted for mitigation.

▪ Inspection and repair of damaged road infrastructure: The JRA has identified and prioritised repairs to roads, bridges and culverts that are in poor condition and susceptible to flooding.

▪ Proactive bridge and culvert cleaning: Teams are desilting streams, clearing overgrown vegetation removing litter and debris upstream close to bridges and culvert structures to minimise flooding, bridges overtopping and damage to infrastructure.

▪ Deployment of additional personnel and equipment: The agency has mobilised additional resources, including Accelerated Field Services teams to assist with skoffeling and clearing kerb inlets as well as routine maintenance contractors for clearing major routes. Each region has a dedicated standby team along with sandbags, excavators and jetvac pumps, to respond quickly to any eventuality.

▪ Public awareness campaigns: The JRA is actively educating the public about road safety during the rainy season through various media channels.