Your say / Politics
‘The community and council need to work together to help solve drainage problems’
Bristol faces its share of challenges, one of which is drainage issues leading to pothole formation on its roadways.
The importance of proper drainage cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in preserving the integrity of the city’s infrastructure.
In this article, I will explore the causes of drainage problems, their correlation with potholes and the responsibilities undertaken by Bristol City Council in addressing these issues.
is needed now More than ever
A significant factor contributing to the formation of potholes is the lack of proper drainage.
When water is unable to efficiently escape from road surfaces, it can lead to the deterioration of the pavement over time.
This problem is particularly pronounced on low and flat surfaces, where water tends to accumulate.
The correlation between drainage issues and pothole formation underscores the need for proactive measures to maintain the city’s roads.
One common scenario is the presence of ditches that are not adequately deeper than the road’s surface.
For effective drainage, these ditches should be at least three feet deeper than the road, ensuring that water can flow away from the surface.
Maintenance crews play a vital role in identifying such challenges and addressing them promptly.
Ignoring drainage issues or attempting superficial repairs can exacerbate the problem, leading to more significant challenges in the long run.
Bristol City Council shoulders the responsibility for the cleansing of road gullies, a critical aspect of maintaining proper drainage.
Road gullies are essential components that help collect and channel rainwater away from the road surface.
The council has entrusted this crucial task to a contractor, operating under their explicit instructions.
The collaborative effort between the council and the contractor is vital in ensuring that road gullies are regularly cleaned and maintained to prevent drainage issues.
To tackle drainage problems effectively, a comprehensive approach is necessary.
This includes regular inspections of road gullies, ensuring they are clear of debris and blockages.
Additionally, maintenance crews must prioritise the identification and rectification of inadequate drainage features, such as shallow ditches, to promote efficient water runoff.
Public awareness plays a key role in maintaining the effectiveness of drainage systems.
Bristol residents can contribute by reporting drainage issues promptly and adhering to guidelines for responsible waste disposal to prevent blockages on Fix My Street.
Collaborative efforts between the community and authorities are essential to create a sustainable solution to drainage problems.
In addressing drainage problems in Bristol, a proactive approach is crucial to preventing pothole formation and preserving the city’s infrastructure.
By understanding the correlation between drainage issues and road degradation, coupled with the diligent efforts of Bristol City Council and the collaboration of the community, the city can strive towards a more resilient and well-maintained road network.
In my experience as a councillor reporting through the Fix My Street system is not effective most of the time, especially when it comes to reporting blocked gully/drainage.
Half of those in my ward of Cotham are blocked, lots had been reported by residents and myself, but few have been fixed.
Unfortunately, Bristol is one of the least responsive councils in the UK when judged on the average time between a problem being reported and being fixed.
This is an opinion piece by Mohamed Makawi, an aircraft engineer and Green councillor for Cotham
Main photo: Mohamed Makawi
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