ActionSA Joburg MMC Candidate for Transport, Cllr Lebo Mokoka in her capacity as Transport Whip, has formally written to the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), and the MMC for Transport, calling for urgent answers regarding the Molapo Bridge development in Soweto and serious concerns raised by residents about storm-water management and flooding.
The Molapo community welcomes infrastructure development that improves connectivity, mobility and access between communities. However, infrastructure development must be properly planned and implemented in a manner that protects residents and takes into account the impact on households living in the immediate vicinity of the project.
Residents have raised concerns about the final plans for the Molapo Bridge, particularly reports that the park area originally earmarked as part of the development may no longer be included as initially envisaged.
The community is therefore seeking access to the approved plans and clarity on any changes that may have been made to the original design during the implementation of the project.
More urgently, residents have raised serious concerns about storm-water drainage and recurring flooding in the area.
During periods of heavy rainfall, water reportedly enters residents’ yards and homes, in some instances reaching significant levels and causing damage to household appliances and other property.
This cannot be treated merely as an infrastructure matter. It is a matter of community safety, property protection and accountability.
Residents have a legitimate right to know whether adequate storm-water management was incorporated into the planning and design of the Molapo Bridge project, what assessments were conducted before and during construction, and what measures are being implemented to prevent or mitigate flooding affecting surrounding households.
The JRA has previously undertaken storm-water rehabilitation interventions in various parts of Soweto. The concerns raised by the Molapo community must therefore receive the same level of urgency and attention.
Cllr Mokoka has requested that the relevant entities provide the following:
- The approved Molapo Bridge plans, including all relevant infrastructure and engineering drawings;
- Clarity on the status of the park area and details of any changes made to the original plans;
- Details of the storm-water management infrastructure incorporated into the project;
- Copies or summaries of any relevant stormwater, drainage or flood-impact assessments conducted in relation to the project;
- A clear intervention and mitigation plan to address the flooding experienced by affected residents; and
- A community engagement meeting at which residents can be taken through the plans and raise their concerns directly with the relevant officials.
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