Public health crisis: Schaapkraal residents struggle with flooding and road delays

Residents of Schaap Road and 8th Avenue in Schaapkraal have been dealing with continuous flooding and incomplete roadworks for more than two months, with no clear resolution from the City or contractors.

The situation worsened following heavy rainfall on June 25, which caused flooding to resurface. A broken stormwater drain has made conditions more difficult, resulting in vehicles getting stuck and sewage water pooling in the roads.

“It’s not just rainwater, there’s also sewage water flowing into the road,” said Ilhaam Hendricks, a resident and tuck shop owner.

Ms Hendricks expressed frustration at the ongoing delays and the lack of response from officials. She said the prolonged flooding was affecting both livelihoods and public health.

“I’ve been waiting for more than two weeks for the road to be pumped, and my business is suffering significant losses because of the negligence of the contractor. To make matters worse, my boundary wall is now starting to collapse due to being submerged in sewage and waste water,” said Ms Hendricks.

In an attempt to clear the water, Schaap Road residents hired suction equipment and laid down a 100-metre pipe. “However, the effort proved futile, simply redirecting the water further down the road instead of removing it,” said Ms Hendricks.

Contractors appointed by the City began work several weeks ago and managed to clear parts of the road. However, further rainfall reversed much of the progress. Parts of 8th, 9th, and 10th Avenues remain gravelled and unstable. Ms Hendricks said pipes had collapsed in some areas and some roads had been flooded for more than 15 consecutive days.

“People can’t even move in and out properly,” she said.

For Ms Hendricks, the impact on residents—particularly those in the nearby informal settlement Jim se Bos—is a greater concern.

“Every day, I watch the disadvantaged residents of Jim se Bos (an informal settlement, not far from her home), through knee-deep water, morning and evening, just to get to work or school. Children are running and playing in this faeces-contaminated water. Where is the moral conscience? How can anyone allow this to happen, especially those elected to represent and protect this community?”

Ms Hendricks said: “While flooding is a serious concern, we are facing a public health crisis, but what we’re dealing with here is a public health crisis. The stench, the contamination, poses a clear hazard to everyone, especially the most vulnerable: the poor, the elderly, and our children.”

Ward 43 councillor Elton Jansen said urgent action was needed in Schaapkraal, particularly in 8th, 9th, and 10th Avenues, as well as Schaap Road and Vlei Road.

“I’ve inspected the pumping and it’s a waste of time. The gravel roads are unbearable to drive on,” said Mr Jansen.

He said he had visited residents who were affected by power outages caused by the flooding and thanked them for their patience. He also engaged with residents in informal settlements whose homes were affected.

Mr Jansen confirmed that the contractor has committed to grading the roads and adding milling material starting Thursday, July 10. 

“The City project manager has approved the work, and the contractor will begin with the full length of 10th Avenue, followed by key sections of 9th and 8th Avenues,” he said. 

“They are aiming to complete the work in two days and will return on Monday, July 14, to resume work in 9th Avenue,” said Mr Jansen.

A follow-up meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 11, with City officials and community representatives to address the collapsed stormwater system in 8th Avenue and plan a long-term solution, said Mr Jansen.