How Cape Town is Aiming to Weather the Storms this Winter

Whatever the weather, Cape Town is prepared!

The City of Cape Town is implementing a comprehensive management plan to deal with the inevitable affects of the forthcoming winter storms.

According to the South African Weather Service, the Western Cape region can expect, apart from cold fronts, short sharp periods of rainfall this winter.

Mid-term predictions indicate normal rainfall patterns up until July. Mid-July to August could see higher than normal rainfall. This will probably result in extreme weather conditions with possible local flooding.

Various City of Cape Town departments are co-ordinating and implementing their plans to manage flooding and storm damage in the coming months.

According to Barry Wood, the City’s Manager for Catchment, Stormwater and River Management, most of Cape Town’s 3,2 million residents live on the Cape Flats which is prone to flooding due to its flat topography, limited natural watercourses and high water tables.

“Although the City of Cape Town makes every effort to prepare for winter rains, it is difficult to prevent flooding in low-lying informal settlements,” says Cllr Elizabeth Thompson, Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Roads and Stormwater.

Apart from corrective actions during flooding, the City’s plan provides for the pro-active cleaning and upgrading of stormwater systems and drains, regular inspections of retention ponds and watercourses, a public education programme and a disaster management plan.

“This year the City will continue its public education programme to warn residents of the dangers of settling in retention ponds, wetlands and other flood prone areas. We have already embarked on a city-wide stormwater cleaning programme as part of our risk reduction measures,” says Cllr Thompson.

There are 180 000 gullies, 7 500 kilometres of pipelines and 800 retention ponds spread across the metropole.

The pro-active cleaning work is well underway. This includes the removal of silt and other debris from the underground systems and stormwater catchpits.

In addition, all critical stormwater outlets in ponds, rivers and canals will be inspected regularly and cleaned as and when required.

“The recent fire on Devil’s Peak has denuded the slopes of vegetation, thus increasing the likelihood of mudslides in the area directly below. The City and South African National Parks have implemented mitigating measures to respond appropriately to the resultant emergencies,” Thompson said.

Apart from cleaning drainage facilities below the burnt areas, gabion weirs are being built in stream courses to intercept debris and slow the flow of water down the slopes.

The municipality has also allocated R18,4 million rand of the Solid Waste Department’s budget for a cleaning service to minimize stormwater blockages.

The Solid Waste Department will run three cycles from April until August with 616 temporary casual jobs being created to implement the programme.

“As part of the City’s public education programme, residents are given practical tips on how to raise floor levels, divert flood waters, as well as reduce health hazards associated with stagnant water. A trilingual brochure is being distributed to residents in high-risk flood areas,” says Thompson.

The City’s disaster risk management plan is driven by a Disaster Co-ordinating Team (DCT) whereby a multi-disciplinary rapid response team executes contingency plans. It also acts as a central information point to communicate swiftly with the public during emergencies.

Various emergency shelters have been identified to help minimise the disruption of lives and community activities. People will be encouraged to first try and find alternative accommodation with neighbours, friends or families before being housed in community facilities.

Together with NGOs, various City services will provide blankets, food and basic necessities to flood victims. The City will provide specific information with regard to health issues, the registration of victims and emergency shelters.

“Despite the City’s contingency plans, we acknowledge that flooding and mudslides may still occur due to variable climatic conditions. This is an occurrence which cannot be completely prevented as rainfall often exceeds the design capacity of the stormwater system,” Thompson added.

Flooding, blocked drains and service disruptions can be reported to the City’s all hours Technical Operations Centre at 0860 103 054.

In the event of a life or property threatening emergency, dial 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone.

The City of Cape Town is getting ready for a heavy winter and so should you. Learn how to equip your home and reduce your flooding risk during adverse weather.

The City of Cape Town is getting ready for a heavy winter and so should you.

Learn how to equip your home and reduce your flooding risk during adverse weather.

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