JRA working to fix Joburg roads before more rain hits

JRA working to fix Joburg roads before more rain hits

Several areas in Gauteng were hit hard by damaging floods over the course of the week as heavy rains led to forced evacuations and emergency rescues.

Flooding
Supplied

The worst affected area has been Eerste Fabrieke in Mamelodi, where an estimated 700 shacks were affected by torrential rains.

In total, almost 1 000 people have been displaced in Mamelodi.

Two people were reported dead and another missing across the province.

Mop up operations have since begun in Johannesburg and Tshwane regions.

ALSO READ:

Eerste Fabriek flood victims to be relocated

Gauteng Premier David Makhura made the announcement while visiting the community on Wednesday. Makhura visited the area on Wednesday afternoon after the recent heavy rain ravaged the informal settlement and left some 1000 people without a roof over their heads.

The Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) says it is assessing the damage to roads and will begin repairs following the assessment.

Affected roads include Main Reef road and Ontdekkers road.

"The impact that we've noticed is obviously the development of potholes. I think across the city of Joburg most of our roads have opened up due to potholes," says acting CEO Siya Genu.

"Today with the bit of sun that allowed us to start some repairs and also quantifying the extent of the potholes."

Genu adds that the agency is working against the clock to ensure repairs of roads are completed before more rain hits the province.

"We are hoping that by the end of business tomorrow we have a clear indication of how much potholes need to be repaired before another rain comes down. 

"It's going to be a challenge," Genu adds.

Show's Stories