The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has urged residents to prepare for heavy rainfall and possible flooding as Gauteng’s rainy season intensifies. The agency confirmed it has prioritised flood-prone areas for monitoring and proactive maintenance to ensure public safety and keep traffic flowing.
“Areas at the highest risk of flooding have been prioritised so that, if closed, they would cause the most significant travel delays for commuters or where the worst economic impact has been identified,” the JRA said.
The agency added that it has a detailed Flood Management Plan to “flood-proof” vital transport links and reduce disruptions. It emphasised that the city’s diverse layout requires tailored approaches for each region to respond effectively to weather challenges.
Proactive Measures to Mitigate Damage
In anticipation of more storms, the JRA has introduced a series of preventative actions.
“Critical preventative steps are already in place, including the proactive maintenance of kerb inlets, the identification of flooding hotspots, and ensuring the functionality of culverts, subsoil drains, and other major flooding contributors,” the agency noted.
Furthermore, dedicated regional teams have been sent across the city to clean blocked kerbs and inlets, remove debris, and clear rubble from bridges. These teams will also carry out desilting, the removal of silt from stormwater systems, to improve water flow and prevent blockages.
“In the event of severe weather, regional standby teams are in place to monitor and respond to flooded areas, prioritising hazards based on their severity and the immediate availability of resources,” the JRA said.
Flooding Hotspots and Ongoing Monitoring
Several areas across Johannesburg have been identified as high-risk flood zones. The JRA has warned motorists to exercise caution and avoid known flood zones during heavy rain. Additionally, each region now has a standby team ready to respond rapidly to road closures, waterlogging, and debris accumulation.
Here are the high-risk areas:
The agency has urged residents to report blocked drains or damaged infrastructure to help teams respond more efficiently.
