Continuous heavy rainfall has damaged roads and stormwater systems in Emalahleni. Picture Credits: The Citizen
By Staff Reporter
Emalahleni – Continuous heavy rainfall over recent months has had a significant impact on road and stormwater infrastructure in Emalahleni, affecting the central business district and surrounding suburbs.
According to the Emalahleni Local Municipality, prolonged rainfall — forecast earlier by the South African Weather Service — has accelerated the deterioration of road surfaces. This has resulted in an increase in potholes, raising safety concerns and affecting traffic flow across several municipal roads.
Excessive surface runoff has also placed pressure on sections of the stormwater drainage system. In some areas, drainage capacity has been exceeded, leading to water accumulation on roadways and, in isolated cases, temporary inaccessibility.
Municipal authorities say maintenance operations are currently under strain due to the widespread nature of the damage. The situation is further compounded by the upcoming builders’ holiday period, which affects repair timelines and available resources.
Despite these challenges, municipal teams are continuing with pothole patching and other interim measures aimed at improving road safety and restoring trafficability where possible.
The impact of the heavy rainfall extends beyond road surfaces. Both public and private infrastructure has been affected, with disruptions reported at certain traffic signal intersections. These outages have contributed to traffic congestion in affected areas.
Motorists and pedestrians are urged to exercise increased caution when travelling, particularly during periods of adverse weather. Road users are encouraged to adjust travel plans where necessary and remain vigilant while navigating municipal roads.
The municipality has appealed to residents and visitors to prioritise safety during the festive season, noting that further updates will be provided as infrastructure assessments and repair interventions continue.
