- The City of Cape Town has warned residents to prepare for heavy continuous rainfall this week, which could lead to rivers and canals reaching capacity and overflowing.
- Precautionary measures include using alternative routes and keeping stormwater drains free of debris to avoid flooding.
- Residents are also urged to report blocked stormwater infrastructure and illegal dumping to mitigate the impact of the heavy rains.
As another round of heavy continuous rainfall was expected to hit Cape Town this week, the public was advised that rivers and canals could fill to their capacity and even overflow.
At such times residents are expected to take necessary precautions, the City of Cape Town says, including using alternative routes where possible, until the rainfall subsides and the stormwater drainage system has had a chance to recover.
Last week on Tuesday 9 July, heavy rainfall led to various rivers and canals reaching full capacity and some even overflowing during the day. The heavy rainfall led to the Rietvlei Canal in Table View overflowing, leaving animals in distress.
Luckily, snake handler Davine Simpson and her son came to the rescue of several snakes hanging on the fence next to the R302 last week.
The City said in times of heavy rainfall within the central region the Diep River also tended to experience flooding in certain low-lying areas, which can affect neighbouring communities. This river originates in the Swartland area and flows into the Rietvlei in Table View, and ultimately into the Milnerton Lagoon. Flooding issues are also experienced along the Blinkwater Stream in Camps Bay.
“During the heavy rainfall experienced canals as well as retention ponds, detention ponds and other stormwater related infrastructure will fill with water and distribute the flow to rivers and the sea as they are intended to do,” Mayco Member for Urban Mobility Rob Quintas told TygerBurger. “The prolonged downpours, however, can and do overwhelm the systems, and draining can take longer, which causes localised flooding and the bursting of canals and rivers.”
Blocked stormwater infrastructure
He also emphasised that this situation is made far worse than it needs to be due to the continuous dumping of rubble, plastics and other foreign objects into these systems which are designed for the movement of stormwater only.
“Capetonians can help avoid or lessen the misery and danger experienced by flooding by reporting blocked stormwater infrastructure and by reporting illegal dumping. We encourage commuters to use alternative routes where possible in order to avoid possibly dangerous situations along our water bodies and canals.”
Mayco Member for Water and Sanitation Zahid Badroodien said the safety of residents was paramount, and he urged everyone to take heed of the precautionary advice and measures put in place.
“By working together and taking responsible action such as keeping waterways free of foreign objects we can help mitigate the impact of these heavy rains and ensure our communities remain safe.”
What to do
- Avoid roads surrounding canals and rivers, and consider using alternative routes where possible.
- Do not attempt to cross canals, rivers or fast-flowing water.
- Report emergencies to 021 480 7700.
- Dispose of refuse using the City’s Solid Waste services.
- Do not dump waste in rivers, canals, sewers and stormwater drains.
- Do not walk or drive in the flood waters.
- Keep gutters and drains free of debris.
Leading up to winter, various City departments have been proactively cleaning the stormwater and sewage infrastructure, to help keep the systems clear to reduce the impact of excessive stormwater entering the systems.
“It is imperative to note that during continuous rain when rivers and canals overflow stormwater cannot drain freely from the roads into the watercourses. As soon as there was a break in rain the flooding will slowly clear. City emergency teams will be on the ground responding to various incidents that occur and will monitor these closely.”
