JEFFREYS BAY – Weeks after heavy rainfall in June, at least four homes in Johan Muller Boulevard, Paradise Beach, remain affected by flooding and face restricted access due to waterlogged yards and roads.

According to resident Sean Sielaff, at least four houses have been battling with an overflow of water since the recent heavy rains.

He said that his neighbour’s property was submerged for days and was a major concern.

“My neighbour next door was underwater. The house was completely underwater and was that way for days on end,” said Sielaff.

He said that while one house was underwater, at least three other homes were unable to use the road because their yards were flooded.

The additional residents who have been affected are Jason Paul Cooper and Ilana Lombard.

Sielaff said he was unable to move his own vehicle because his yard was flooded. He attributed the flooding to water originating from the Paradise Beach Airfield, situated opposite his home.

“The airfield is often filled with a small body of water; however, with the recent heavy rain, the water has increased, pushing into the road and homes,” said Sielaff.

He said a wall had been constructed along the airfield many years ago to prevent water from spreading into nearby residential areas, but believed it was no longer effective. “A higher wall needs to be built to prevent the water from travelling to our homes,” said Sielaff.

He further said that residents had received little assistance from the Kouga Municipality despite repeated attempts to seek help.

While Sielaff said that the municipal truck removed water from the area on 23 June, a lot of water remains.

“I have been in communication with the Kouga Municipality but have received very little assistance,” said Sielaff. “We feel as though the municipality is failing us.”

Sielaff also expressed concern that flooded roads in the area had not been closed off.

“The municipality has not closed off the flooded road, and we have seen multiple cars travel through these roads,” said Sielaff.

He said that residents had taken matters into their own hands by placing tree branches in the roadway to warn motorists and restrict access. Sielaff believes the ongoing issue may not be receiving sufficient attention because it affects only a small number of households.

“Since it is only affecting four homes, the municipality might feel that the issue is not important,” said Sielaff.

Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman said that residents and road users are advised that a portion of Johan Muller Boulevard in Paradise Beach has been temporarily closed to traffic due to significant ponding of water on the roadway following the recent severe rainfall and flooding events experienced across the Kouga region.

“The accumulation of water has created unsafe driving conditions and poses a risk to road users. As a precautionary measure, the affected section of road has been temporarily closed while investigations and mitigation measures are being undertaken,” said Bornman.

He said that municipal roads and stormwater teams have been on site assessing the situation and implementing emergency interventions to improve drainage and restore safe access.

Bornman said that investigations are ongoing to determine the root cause of the ponding and to identify the most appropriate long-term engineering solution.

He said that the following immediate and medium-term technical measures are being considered and implemented:

• Assessment of the existing stormwater drainage network and associated infrastructure

• Identification and removal of any blockages or restrictions within the stormwater system

• Diversion of surface runoff away from the affected roadway where feasible

• Deployment of pumping equipment to remove standing water from low-lying areas

• Inspection of culverts, drainage channels, outfalls and discharge points to determine operational capacity and functionality

• Assessment of flood levels and hydraulic performance of the existing drainage system following the recent extreme rainfall events

• Evaluation of additional stormwater management interventions, including upgrading drainage infrastructure and improving stormwater conveyance routes where required

• Monitoring of groundwater and surface water conditions to prevent further deterioration of the road reserve.

Motorists are requested to make use of the following alternative routes: Joey Fourie Drive and Dirk Fourie Drive.

Bornman said that road users are urged to exercise caution when travelling within the area, obey all temporary traffic control measures and follow instructions provided by municipal personnel on site.

“The municipality appreciates the patience and cooperation of residents during this period. Further updates will be communicated as investigations progress and additional information becomes available,” said Bornman.

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