Cape Town unpacks impacts of the storm, as it affected the roads and stormwater system. Since the last week, the roads and stormwater teams of the city have worked around the clock to alleviate the flooding which is caused by the unprecedented amount of rainfall.
Reportedly, Cape Town is suffering with the flooding situation since Sunday, July 07, 2024. Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Urban Mobility – Councillor Rob Quintas accompanied the teams in the regions of Dunoon, Elsies River, Khayelitsha, Ravensmead, Uitsig and Cravenby.
However, this week also, to see first-hand what residents were experiencing and the extent of the damages caused by the flooding the Councillor accompanied the teams of the regions again.
Quintas stated that the storm town has faced this week and the volume and intensity of the rain is what has caused the damage across the metro. He added that, this was exacerbated by the continued unlawful dumping and illegal building over city infrastructure.
Moreover, the low-lying areas are experiencing flooding as the ponds, canals and other drainage is so full due to the ongoing rainfall that the water can’t move through the system. Hence, water accumulates in the roadway, as it functions as a conduit for water during such events. With the current heavy downpours and outlet channels with stormwater ponds which are overtopping and the runoff has been so excessive due to which properties in some areas were flooded this week.
Councillor for Urban Mobility highlighted that ‘Mop up operations’ continued across the metro and the localised flooding cases have either been resolved or are being managed.
“I know a lot of work was under way in Macassar, Hanover Park, Gugulethu, Lotus River and various locations between Bishops Court and Rondebosch East this morning. In our informal settlements, I am aware that the teams assisted with milling and sand in Barcelona, Kanana and Vygieskraal amongst others today,” said Quintas.
He added that the residents and teams working on the ground have faced great challenges during the rain events this week and he thanked everyone for their efforts and the resilience displayed while facing these dire circumstances.