Stoffberg Avenue subway works target root cause of years-long flooding

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08-05-2026
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Brakpan Herald
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Oil and waste entering the stormwater system have added to infrastructure damage, with enforcement action now underway alongside repair work.

The contractor appointed to repair the Stoffberg Avenue subway commenced work on May 4, and the original asphalt layer has since been removed in accordance with the required specifications.

As previously reported by the Brakpan Herald, this follows findings earlier this year which confirmed that the issues with the subway were not surface-related, but stemmed from a failure in the underlying stormwater infrastructure.

The subway has been prone to flooding for many years. More recently, deteriorating road conditions, including an eroding surface and potholes, made it a significant hazard to motorists.

“The preliminary assessments in January identified that the concrete stormwater canal adjacent to the railway line had significantly deteriorated and may have partially collapsed,” said Ward 97 Clr Brandon Pretorius.

It was recently discovered that dumped oil and waste in the stormwater system is contributing to the problem. PHOTO: Supplied

“This resulted in stormwater infiltrating the surrounding soil, becoming trapped, and ultimately forcing its way up through the pavement layers to the road surface.

“This explains why repeated resurfacing efforts in the past have failed to resolve the flooding.”

Pretorius explained that it was further established that the weep holes, which are designed to relieve hydrostatic pressure behind the retaining wall, were no longer functioning.

“Successive resurfacing raised the road level and effectively sealed the outlets, allowing pressure to build up behind the structure and accelerating damage to the roadway,” he said.

Oil and other dumped waste are being cleared from the stormwater system to restore proper drainage. PHOTO: Supplied

“In line with these findings, I can confirm that the road is being milled and excavated to an approximate depth of 200mm in the affected section to allow for proper repair of the underlying drainage system.

“It remains critical that these root causes are addressed before any resurfacing takes place.”

Pretorius told the Herald that during the current phase of work, additional drainage-related challenges have also been identified.

“These are now being addressed as part of a more thorough intervention to ensure that the entire stormwater system is fully operational and capable of handling flow effectively,” he said.

On May 6, Pretorius and municipal officials engaged with several businesses in the surrounding area where illegal dumping into the stormwater system has been taking place.

This includes the disposal of oil and other harmful substances, contributing to blockages and further infrastructure damage.

“Law enforcement action will follow, including the issuing of fines, to ensure compliance,” warned Pretorius.

He stressed, however, that the focus remains firmly on implementing a permanent, engineered solution.

“Ongoing oversight will be maintained to ensure that the full scope of repairs is completed, all underlying defects are properly addressed, and the project proceeds without unnecessary delays,” he said.

“The objective remains a fully repaired roadway and a permanent end to the recurring flooding.”

Pretorius added that further updates will be provided as progress continues.