GOOD Statement by Marius van Stade, GOOD Stellenbosch Municipality Councillor:
The GOOD Party Stellenbosch is calling on the Stellenbosch Municipality to urgently address a growing stormwater infrastructure crisis affecting residents of Lindida, Idas Valley.
The problem stems from uncontrolled stormwater runoff from the Idas Valley Nature Area, which flows into a narrow water ditch behind homes on Bartlett Rise Street. A recent oversight visit revealed deep trenches and serious erosion on the nature area’s slopes, clear evidence of high-volume water flow. Alarmingly, much of this water is being absorbed into the clay-rich soil rather than draining away, saturating the ground beneath nearby homes.
Residents have reported escalating damage. One homeowner confirmed that his floor has already subsided, presumably due to prolonged water infiltration and weakening of the soil base.
GOOD has submitted formal inquiries to Municipal Manager Geraldine Mettler and MMC for Infrastructure Reginald Pheiffer, urging immediate intervention.
The party has called for:
- A full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA),
- A comprehensive investigation into intervention options, and
- Urgent upgrades to the existing water ditch to improve stormwater diversion and drainage.
These actions are critical to protect both municipal and private infrastructure, and to safeguard the wellbeing of affected families.
The GOOD Party believes that responsible urban planning, responsive governance, and direct engagement with impacted communities are essential to preventing further damage and restoring safety in Idas Valley.
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