Question
I am flooded by runoff emanating from my neighbour’s yard which is located above my house. What can I do?
Answer
Legally the higher property could be required to institute some stormwater management to reduce the rate of runoff from the property. The higher lying property should not concentrate his stormwater runoff onto the lower property. However, low laying properties must also accept and allow for the natural stormwater runoffs from a higher property as per regulation R of SANS 10400.
The complainant can request assistance from the Building Inspectorate to help resolve the problem.
Question
My walls are damp because of ground water. What should I do?
Answer
Groundwater is a naturally occurring phenomenon which may require the installation of subsoil drains to divert groundwater away from the affected sections of the building. The complainant may possibly need to employ a qualified geotechnical person to provide advice on how to resolve the problem. If the groundwater problem is not limited to recent storms then it is possible that it may be a leaking water connection or in extreme cases a leak from the municipal watermain which should be investigated.
Question
The river is eroding my yard and my house is at risk of falling into the river. What should I do, and which department should I contact? Or
The River is flowing within my property and is causing erosion. Can you assist me?
Answer
Please provide us with your contact details and address and we will assign a technician to do a site visit and assess the damage and its causes. Generally, the issue of a stream running through a private property is the responsibility of the owner or developer to deal with. However, if municipal services such as a council sewer or stormwater line are affected, then the municipality would need to safeguard those services.
Question
There is a storm water pipe within my yard and the river is now eroding the yard, I worry that the pipe will now fall into the stream as it is no longer supported.
Answer
Please provide us with your contact details and address and we will assign a technician to do a site visit and assess the damage and attend to the municipal service.
Generally, the issue of a stream running through a private property is the responsibility of the owner or developer to deal with. However, if municipal services such as a council sewer or stormwater line are affected, then the municipality would need to safeguard those services.
Question
Does your Department handle the sewer as well?
Answer
No, This Unit is only responsible for stormwater maintenance and provision and not sewer. The Water and Sanitation Unit handles sewer issues and they can be contacted on one of the numbers below:
Helpline: 031-311 8804
Question?
Whom do we contact?
Answer
Engineering Services Centre: 0801 313 013 (Toll free)
Water Account queries.
Email: eservices@dmws.durban.gov.za
Sms no: 0837073013
Fax no: 031 3118220
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Enquiries: Tel no :031- 311 7338
Email: Karen.Ronne@durban.gov.za
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