Flooding, clogged drains and more causes major problems

Lenasia, like many urban areas, grapples with the complex issue of stormwater drainage. When storm drains become clogged with debris, such as dirt, plastic waste, and leaves, the system is unable to effectively channel rainwater, leading to localized flooding. This not only damages property and infrastructure but can also overwhelm sewage systems, which may cause contamination and the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera or typhoid. Moreover, persistent flooding can disrupt transportation networks, hinder daily activities, and create a general sense of vulnerability among residents.

The situation is often compounded by informal settlements where proper drainage infrastructure is lacking or poorly maintained. The growing urban population, coupled with insufficient public awareness about the importance of maintaining stormwater drains, further exacerbates the problem. Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach: improving infrastructure, encouraging community involvement in waste management, and promoting environmental education to reduce the amount of debris entering the stormwater system. Effective management could also involve the installation of stormwater filters and more frequent cleaning of drains to ensure that they remain functional during heavy rainfalls.

Several key factors that contribute to the blockage of stormwater drains. Here are some of the factors affecting blocked storm water drains 

1. Improper Waste Disposal: When residents or businesses dispose of waste, including plastic, organic matter, and even larger items like furniture, into stormwater drains, it creates significant blockages. This not only obstructs the flow of water but can also create breeding grounds for pests like mosquitoes, which may lead to public health issues. Moreover, the accumulation of non-biodegradable waste, such as plastic, can persist for years, further exacerbating the problem.

2. Lack of Maintenance: Many stormwater systems suffer from poor or irregular maintenance due to financial constraints or a lack of resources. Without regular cleaning and inspection, drains can easily become clogged with debris, silt, and other materials. Additionally, older drainage infrastructure may not be designed to handle current volumes of runoff, making maintenance even more critical to prevent failures during storms.

3. Urbanization and Development: As cities grow, the natural landscape is often altered to accommodate roads, buildings, and other infrastructure. These changes can significantly impact how rainwater is channeled and absorbed. Impermeable surfaces such as concrete and asphalt prevent water from being absorbed into the ground, which increases surface runoff. This, combined with poorly planned or outdated drainage systems, can lead to overwhelmed drains that can't handle the volume of water during heavy rains, resulting in flooding and blockages.

Addressing these factors requires a combination of better waste management, increased investment in infrastructure, and urban planning that prioritizes sustainable drainage solutions. For instance, cities can adopt “green” infrastructure, like permeable pavements or rain gardens, which help absorb excess water and reduce the pressure on stormwater systems. Additionally, local communities should be educated on the importance of proper waste disposal and the impact it has on both drainage and public health.

Flooding in Lenasia on November 7, 2024 prompted JRA to address the issue.

 Khayalethu Gqibithole, the Head of Department for Regional Operations at the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA). Could you provide the specific statement or issues he mentioned? I'd be happy to help you expand on or analyze his comments:

Storm Water Stains being clogged:

“The first step in stormwater management is for the public or communities to appreciate the current stormwater system. We encourage people to refrain from dumping on roads, public areas, and stormwater infrastructure because this is one of the things that contributes to flooding. In addition to flooding, waste ends up in water courses and harms aquatic life. Social media platforms and the Community Based Plan (CBP), which is presently being implemented throughout the City of Johannesburg, are two examples of platforms used for public education.”

 

Wetlands area: 

 “We have considerably limited control over nature’s erratic behaviour which brings about these disasters, but appropriate measures can be taken to reduce society’s vulnerability by avoiding building on wetlands and flood lines “

Plan to clean storm water drains regularly:

 “There is a plan in place to address regularly obstructed stormwater, and it is now being carried out. In addition, we have a standby team on call outside of regular business hours in case of floods.”

Residents helping to avoid storm water drains from being clogged:

“ The common law precept that lower-lying landowners should receive water from higher-lying properties that would have naturally flowed there. However, there is a limited responsibility to absorb the water; instead, neighbours need to consult with one another and decide how to manage the flow without causing damage to the houses downstream.”