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GEORGE NEWS - Amid the current torrential rains and sporadic flooding in George, there’s a positive infrastructure story to share.

The George Municipality has upgraded stormwater infrastructure by relocating and installing a new culvert along Merriman Street, through Palgrave Street, and towards Newton Street. 

A major detention pond has also been constructed between Hope and Newton Streets to manage significant storm events, along with a smaller pond at the end of Hope Street to capture overland flow.

This system is designed to reduce flooding risks to nearby properties. 

The detention pond temporarily stores excess rainwater and releases it in a controlled manner through a smaller outlet culvert (visible on the right), which channels water safely beneath the railway line towards an outlet structure adjacent to Ring Road.

 Number 2 Hope Street during the November 2021 flood (photo taken from the top of the embankment at the back of the property). The owners were advised by a town planner that the municipality should never have allowed any development on the plot. 

By slowing down and managing the flow, the new infrastructure helps prevent blockages and protects homes from flooding during heavy rainfall.

VIDEO: Melissa du Plooy, Group Editors

Previously:  Flooding in Hope Street, near the intersection with Union Street in 2021.

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