The first big winter rainfall that occurred earlier in the week has caused much flooding, especially in flood-prone areas where residents have settled in dams, catchment areas, wetlands and floodplains. City teams continue to assist flood-affected residents to enable relief where possible.
- The City’s Informal Settlements Management Department continues to assess all areas and is providing materials, where it is possible to do so
- Fresh water and temporary toilets are being provided, according to notifications received
- All of the City’s water pumps are still active in remaining affected areas
There are still nine localised flood-affected areas, and City teams are doing all they can to pump water in those areas and to help residents with the mop up. Several of these areas are located in stormwater catchment ponds or wetlands, making it very difficult to make headway in pumping water out.
‘The City’s Flooding and Storms Task Team has been working for many months to reduce winter risks. The task team ensures various departmental plans are in place and at the ready to assist residents in the event of flooding or other weather-related damages during winter. More than 100 City teams continue to work in all high risk areas. We are ensuring that flood-affected areas have access to clean water by deploying water tankers as well as temporary ablution facilities according to notifications received. That said, I know that residents living in areas where the water has not subsided yet are really struggling, and conditions are unpleasant. As more areas are resolved, pumps can be focused on those remaining in water. I really thank residents for their fortitude,’ said Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis.
A number of departments are involved in the task teams, including the Disaster Risk Management Centre, Urban Waste, Social Development and Early Childhood Development, Community Services, Urban Mobility, the Public Emergency Communication Centre, Traffic Service, Fire and Rescue Service, Development Services, Electricity, Human Settlements, and Health, Recreation and Parks.
City departments:
- Identify at-risk informal settlements and implement flood-mitigation measures and remain on the ground to spread education and awareness of the dangers of settling in dams, ponds, retention ponds, catchment areas and other inappropriate areas.
- Ensures ongoing education and awareness programmes around flood and fire awareness, this includes practical tips on how to raise floor levels, divert flood waters and reduce the health hazards associated with stagnant water.
- Ensures cleaning critical stormwater infrastructure in high flood-risk areas and removing invasive aquatic and terrestrial plants along key river corridors.
- Ensures an arrangement is in place with the South African Social Service Agency to provide humanitarian aid to residents in distress and discomfort as a result of flooding and storm damage.
Emergencies can be reported to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialing 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone.