South Belfast residents and politicians have expressed disappointment after flooding close to flood alleviation works.
Following heavy rainfall on Monday, June 19, the Lockview Road area of Stranmillis flooded, causing damage to some property in the area.
It comes after a tidal flood alleviation scheme has been installed in the area, along with the removal of a large hedgerow.
Read more: Lagan Gateway Project: Belfast councillor says phase 2 path 'needlessly close to the river'
South Belfast Alliance representatives have said they have been contacted by frustrated local residents following the flooding and have called for urgent action to be taken to address the issue.
MLA Paula Bradshaw said: “I was disappointed to hear of the flooding in Lockview Road, especially after the significant work carried out in flood alleviation works.
“The water levels rose quite significantly in the early hours of Monday morning, just a foot short of entering properties and putting cars at risk. It appears that the problem is with blocked drains and a lack of maintenance on the street from the Department for Infrastructure. Residents have informed me of their anxiety with the extreme weather continuing during the week.
“I have reported the incidents reported to Waterline and the Department, asking them to take urgent action to protect this area from further rainfall.”
Local councillor Emmet McDonough-Brown echoed the concerns and said that more needs to be done to ensure drainage systems and other infrastructure are well maintained in order to stop issues like flooding which can prove costly if the public suffers damages.
He said: “Whilst reducing upkeep can save money, ultimately, failing to clean gullies or repair potholes can result in damage to vehicles. It is counterproductive to implement cost-saving exercises that result in increased public liability payouts. Recent figures show that over £800,000 was paid in damages over a two-year period between 2020 and 2022.
“It is not good enough and constituents should not have to suffer from flooding, especially when it is so easily preventable.”
A DfI spokesperson said: “A recent incident of localised flooding occurred on Lockview Road, Belfast following a series of heavy thunderstorms over a short period of time. While water receded quickly the Department undertook an inspection of the road drainage system on 21 June and cleaned and jetted storm water gullies. While most were found to be operating satisfactorily, four gullies were not running effectively. Some remedial work has been programmed on these gullies and will be completed as soon as the resources are available.
"The Department will also be contacting NIWater to request that the main storm sewer is inspected to ensure it is running freely and clear of any debris.
"The flooding incident was unconnected to work on Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme (BTFAS). The Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme (BTFAS) is designed to reduce the impacts of tidal flooding caused by high tide levels pushing sea water up the tidal reach of the River Lagan and overtopping the banks causing flooding to adjacent properties and infrastructure. The scheme is not designed to address the threat of surface water flooding from intense rainstorms overwhelming existing drainage infrastructure.
"DfI will continue to monitor this location during periods of heavy rainfall to ensure that the planned remedial work is effective.”
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