The JRA undertakes major repairs on the Robinson Canal
20 June 2017
The first phase of the upgrading of Robinson Canal currently being carried out by the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) to minimise urban and residential flooding is expected to be completed by the end of this month, according to the City of Johannesburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport, Cllr Nonhlanhla Makhuba.
Stretching from Main Street to Lake Street – through Selby and Ophirton – in City and Suburban in Region F, the 2.65km-long canal is the oldest in Johannesburg.
The three-phase structural repairs and rehabilitation work on the canal is in response to the increase in flash flooding in Johannesburg following sporadic torrential downpours since 2009, with the most recent taking place in late 2016 and early 2017.
The heavy rains have resulted in an increase in water volumes and a negative impact on the aging stormwater infrastructure across the City. The repairs to Robinson Canal were prioritised because of the increased risk of water contamination from grey and toxic industrial waste water.
“When waste water containing high levels of chemicals is not properly managed, it not only has a destructive effect on the walls of the canal, but it also releases harmful gases into the atmosphere, endangering the local habitat with increased carbon emissions,” says MMC Makhuba.
A systematic approach was adopted in carrying out repairs and rehabilitation of the canal. The R8-million first phase included repairs to the canal linings, rehabilitation of sinkholes and sludge, removal of vegetation and installation of gabions.
“A number of trees that severely damaged the canal linings were removed. Three major and two minor sinkholes were repaired. Missing sewer manhole covers were also replaced. Deteriorated linings and eroded concrete floors have been reconstructed. Desiltation and removal of debris have been undertaken and gabions have been installed to prevent further soil erosion,” says Cllr Makhuba.
She says phase two of the project has been scheduled to be undertaken in the 2017-2018 financial year with a capital expenditure budget of about R5-million.
“This phase will focus on the repair of the underground channel, which will require a high level of safety due to the nature of trapped gases from the waste water in the lower-lying structure,” says Cllr Makhuba.
The JRA is in the process of appointing contractors for this phase. As part of the Expanded Public Works Programme, 40 local labourers were employed and four emerging sub-contractors hired for the duration of the project. The main contractor is headed by a woman.
“As we celebrate Environment Month in June, it’s important for us to understand the impact of waste water and greenhouse gases on the environment. The importance of systemic adaptation to climate change must be emphasised to ensure the preparedness of the City’s infrastructure in creating safe, resilient and sustainable human settlements.
“The City of Johannesburg’s five pillars of administration align to the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals. As a City, we are implementing mitigation measures in our infrastructure projects to combat climate change and its impacts.
“The structural rehabilitation of Robinson Canal ensures sustainable management of storm water with risk mitigation measures in place to reduce impact and harm to biodiversity and the surrounding community,” says Cllr Makhuba.
“As a City, we are focused on building and preserving our stormwater infrastructure and ensuring sustainable industrialisation through education and transformation processes that align to lower carbon emissions, safe disposal of grey water and industrial waste water.”