Saty safe during rainy season

Flash floods can occur without warning, making them dangerous. The Joburg Roads Agency is urging vigilance and safety during the rainy season.
ROAD users are urged to avoid flooded roads this rainy season, to help them stay safe in the event of flash floods.

In accelerating a drive for flood safety on the roads, the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has vowed to alleviate possible flooding by ensuring that storm water drains are unblocked.

The JRA is a City-owned agency responsible for the maintenance, repair and development of Johannesburg's road network and storm water infrastructure, including bridges and culverts, traffic lights and signage.

It has also called on the public to stop dumping refuse into the storm water drainage systems.

Flooding can be caused by heavy rainfall and long periods of rain. Flash floods are often instant, can last for anything from a few minutes to several hours, and can occur without warning.

Motorists are encouraged to take the following safety precautions:

Avoid low-lying bridges when it is raining heavily;
Cross rivers at safe crossing points when it is safe to do so;
Keep away from ditches and river beds;
Never attempt to cross flooded bridges; and
Never underestimate flooded roads.
The City is also rolling out a series of mall safety campaigns, starting from this weekend and continuing until mid-December. Topics to be covered will include fire, road and flood safety.

For more information on flash floods, call Joburg Connect on 011 375 5555.