January 26, 2006
By Tshepiso Seopa
MEMBERS of the public have been urged to report any missing manhole covers or dislodged kerb stones at stormwater culverts.
The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) promises to take action – either replacing the covers or barricading the site – within 24 hours of the problem being reported.
''Where a stormwater drain or any other installation has collapsed or is a danger, we depend on the public to bring it to our attention so corrective measures are taken before an accident occurs,'' says Alan Agaienz, the general executive manager of the JRA.
This dovetails with the City's safety awareness campaign, Qaphela, which was launched after the death of Karabo Gwala in 2004. The three-year-old fell into an open manhole and drowned.
Qaphela focuses on hazards such as rivers and open water, uncovered manholes, fires and illegal electricity connections.
From the JRA's perspective, the campaign has been successful. It has raised awareness of safety issues and emphasised the importance of taking immediate action on reports of uncovered manholes or dangerous stormwater openings.
It not only relies on the public for information – managers are also proactive and carry out regular inspections of the assets under their jurisdiction. Of equal importance is the need for parents and members of the community to educate children about such hazards.
''All stormwater drainage infrastructures in Johannesburg are constructed according to recognised and approved national guidelines such as the guidelines on the provision of engineering services and amenities in residential township development and the guidelines for human settlements planning and design,'' Agaienz explains.
He points out that stormwater culverts are designed to have wide, open inlets. ''Technically these structures should not be closed or have any obstacle in any way as that would lead to clogging up of the culvert and lead to flooding, which is the opposite of the desired result.''
Open stormwater channels lead into underground culverts that pass under roads. Normally there is no danger because the side slopes of the channels and length of the underpass are such that there should be an easy exit if necessary.
''In cases where stormwater flows and depth of channels are such that a danger is deemed to exist, they are either fenced off or otherwise protected.''
To report missing manhole covers or any other irregularities, contact the Joburg 24-hour call centre on 011 688 1500 or 0800 150 0000.
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