Not even the pouring rain could deter the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Mpho Phalatse, from visiting Roodepoort and other parts of Soweto to ensure people affected by floods get some relief.
She was accompanied by some members of the mayoral committee and the visit was to also ensure that interim measures are made to fix the roads and bridges severely affected by the recent floods in the area.
The tour started at Princess and Lindhaven plots to inspect flooded shacks. Food parcels were distributed according to a list made by Social Development in the region to families in dire need.
In terms of alternative accommodation, the Acting Regional Head: Human Settlement in Region C, Winsley Masinga, said the City will help expedite the acquisition of land with Joburg Property Company. It will primarily serve for the upgrading of informal settlement programme. It would also accommodate residents affected by flooding/disaster under the Temporary Emergency Accommodation programme.
“We are here in Region C to inspect the roads that were affected during the floods. We are very happy to see that Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has done sterling work to fix some of the roads that may have caused by stormwater maintenance issues.
“Together with the MMC for finance, we are prioritising to make money available so that JRA can do proper maintenance to all of stormwater drains citywide. That will help a lot to prevent flooding,” said Mayor Phalatse next to Wilgerood Road that had collapsed and was fixed last week in Kloofendal, Roodepoort.
She said Kilburn Road in Discovery, which had a damaged bridge, will be fixed early in the new year in preparation for scholars and residents driving to the Roodepoort Central Business District. The Johannesburg Metro Police Department will also direct traffic especially during peak hours.
The last stop was Doornkop to inspect two pedestrian bridges that had collapsed. The bridge and road are currently not accessible.
INFO SUPPLIED.
