Johannesburg - Early estimates of flood damage in and around Pretoria after the recent heavy rains in Gauteng stood at about R124 million, the City said on Monday.
“These figures will be updated as inspections and evaluation of the road and stormwater network continues,” spokesman Blessing Manale said in a statement.
He said the full extent of the damage was being assessed in seven regions in the City of Tshwane.
Manale said stormwater not running off road surfaces, and road seals absorbing water, caused potholes to develop on the roads.
The potholes could not be immediately repaired due to the wet conditions and maintenance teams had to use “holding” actions, by filling up potholes with gravel or a mixture of gravel and cement.
“Permanent repair and possible reconstruction will proceed once conditions are suitable for these actions,” Manale said.
He said extra money would be required to repair the damage and that the focus was on preventative measures on the road.
Road repair operations would begin on public transport routes and main arterial routes, with the extent of the damage determining the repair phase.
“Certain roads will have to be reconstructed as the asphalt surface of the road and layer work was extensively damaged,” said Manale.
The health and social development department would be part of a task team that would assess the flood situation within the City.
“The department activated emergency social relief within its means including food supplies, blankets and clothes to the displaced families,” he said.
The department had also initiated a surveillance programme, to monitor water-borne diseases and other environmental health hazards which could cause health problems.
“The water-borne diseases under surveillance include cholera, hepatitis and traces of sewerage pollution in the water courses,” said Manale.
Environmental health services were on high alert to prevent an outbreak of diseases, and to swiftly respond to outbreaks.
He urged people to report potholes and other surface defects in order to limit the cost of repairs and to reduce risks to the municipality.
Sapa