Illegal dumping remains the primary cause of stormwater system blockages in Ekurhuleni.
The MMC for Transport Planning, Roads, and Stormwater, Andile Mngwevu, made this statement during the launch of the City’s Stormwater System Cleaning Programme in Langaville yesterday.
“We urge our communities to refrain from dumping foreign objects into our stormwater system because it results in unnecessary blockages, ultimately leading to flooding,” stated Mngwevu.
Items such as vehicle tyres, animal bones, skins, plastic bags, and logs were found among the materials removed from the obstructed drains.
“When these drains become blocked, water seeps onto the road, affecting its surface. This is why we have a perpetual issue of potholes and constant road damage. It also causes the streams to emit unpleasant odours, impacting the community. We all have a role in preventing blockages in our stormwater drainage systems. It affects us all,” emphasized Mngwevu.
He mentioned that the City would intensify the cleaning of stormwater systems in preparation for the rainy season, which has already begun.
