Klerksdorp Record, Klerksdorp - After insistent rain and poor drainage that caused localised flooding, Matlosana Municipality has promised to begin with pothole patching as soon as the rain stops.
The water has caused excessive damage to road infrastructure in the Klerksdorp area and some roads are not even fit for driving anymore. On the N12 close to Stilfontein, traffic on this busy national road is being diverted through town because of flooding, and this now causes further damage to Stilfontein roads much to the chagrin of local residents.
On Monday April 7, Executive Mayor Fikile Mahlope addressed the media following the closure of the N12 and evacuation of residents in low lying areas due to flooding.
At the scene where water is flooding the N12 he gave his assurance that the municipality is not sitting with folded arms. “Although it is the responsibility of SANRAL to take care of the N12, the municipality is doing some work to drain the water from the road. We also approached the provincial Department of Public Works and Roads and the Office of the Premier to assist in fixing the main roads across the city,’’ he said.
According to the mayor, the municipality has recently tabled its draft budget and will have to make some adjustments to cater for the damage the rain has made to the road infrastructure across the city.
On Tuesday April 8, the mayor assured residents that work teams are assessing and monitoring the roads most affected by flooding and potholes.
According to the DA all of this could have been avoided, if the Municipality just listened to earlier warnings about cleaning the stormwater drainage systems before the rain started. “Year after year, without fail, the North West province is hit by heavy rainfall, and every year, our government seems to be caught off guard. Despite the predictable nature of these storms, the government waits for the crisis to unfold before they take action. It is common sense that heavy rains will cause damage, so why do they always seem surprised and are completely unprepared every time it happens?’’ said Freddy Sonakile, chairperson of the DA in North West.
Mayor Mahlope pleaded with residents to be patient, saying the city is fully committed to addressing and resolving the various challenges and disruptions that have arisen as a result of the heavy rainfall.
