A canal in Southfield that sustained severe damage during the stormy weather is undergoing repairs.
Last month several homes in Southfield, Heathfield and Steenberg located near a canal were flooded after the waterway was severely battered during a storm on Thursday June 26.
A contractor was appointed to commence with repairs on the canal on Tuesday 17 June, Ward 72 councillor Kevin Southgate confirmed.
“The canal is about 2 km in length. It starts beyond the M5 and discharges in Princess Vlei,” Southgate said.
The repairwork on the canal is still far from completion, said Zahid Badroodien, Mayco member for water and sanitation.
“Progress was delayed due to inclement weather and work has been suspended until the rainy season has passed. Temporary measures have been implemented to safeguard nearby properties. The canal walls and some private property boundaries collapsed,” Badroodien said.
The damaged concrete sections have since been broken up and removed from the site.
“Sandbags were placed to protect properties, and underpinning has been completed where necessary. The final step is recasting the concrete canal walls.
“Work, however, cannot proceed during periods of heavy rainfall. The repair project is estimated to cost about R4 million. Work will resume after winter, with the revised completion date set for October this year. About five affected households were assisted with sandbags,” Badroodien explained.
