Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Marelize Boeije and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Palesa Mpele.
Serious concerns have been raised regarding ongoing flooding at 7th Road in Industria near Builders Depot, which is now posing a significant risk to surrounding businesses, municipal infrastructure, and the residents of Machclan Weg.
Information received from the Moqhaka Local Municipality confirms that, as early as 2020, municipal officials had warned about the dangers associated with the closure of a natural water stream in the area during the development of erven. The natural drainage system was reportedly replaced with smaller pipes that are unable to handle heavy rainfall and stormwater.
Since then, the area has experienced repeated flooding during heavy rainfall, confirming the concerns previously raised by municipal officials.
The situation escalated in April 2024, when severe flooding destroyed the Brand Street bridge. This bridge previously served as a secondary access route to Machclan Weg. As a result, residents now effectively have only one remaining entrance and exit to the area.
Unfortunately, this remaining access road is also prone to severe flooding during heavy rain, leaving residents at risk of becoming completely stranded.
This raises serious public safety concerns. In the event of a major emergency such as a medical emergency, fire, or disaster requiring evacuation, residents may find themselves without a safe route to exit the area. Emergency services may also struggle to access the area when it is flooded.
I have formally raised this matter with the municipal administration and submitted a written request for urgent intervention. The matter has also been escalated to the Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs to request provincial investigation and support in resolving the environmental and stormwater management challenges.
Despite the issue being identified several years ago, the problem remains unresolved. The municipality has indicated that the developer involved has allegedly refused to rectify the situation and that legal action may be required as a long-term solution.
Given the environmental implications of altering a natural watercourse, as well as the growing risk to infrastructure and public safety, a formal request has now been submitted to the Free State Department of Environmental Affairs to intervene and investigate the matter.
The request calls on the Province to assess whether proper environmental authorisations were obtained for the development, investigate the alteration of the natural stream, and provide directives to ensure the problem is resolved sustainably and lawfully.
In addition, it has been requested that the Ward Councillor, together with all relevant municipal departments, conduct an urgent oversight visit to the affected area to assess the situation on the ground and determine immediate interventions to mitigate further flooding risks.
Residents and businesses in the area deserve urgent answers and practical solutions before further infrastructure damage occurs or lives are placed at risk.