City to roll out flooding readiness plan
INFORMAL settlements located in wetlands or near ponds and natural watercourses could face possible relocation as part of the City of Cape Town’s winter preparedness plans.
Yesterday the City of Cape Town announced that its flooding and storms task team had completed this year’s annual flood risk assessment.
Mayco member for Safety and Security and Social Services JP Smith said although the Mother City was facing drought and winter rainfall patterns couldn’t be predicted with certainty, flooding was a known hazard.
“The risks are increased when such conditions coincide with the spring tide, as was the case in June 2017, resulting in storm damage including structural collapses, power outages and uprooted trees in various areas of the metropole,” he said.
Smith said to mitigate the impact of such harsh weather conditions, the City had identified at least 29 informal settlements, most situated along the N2 and in Khayelitsha, which were considered high-risk because of their location.
“Some of these are situated in wetlands, ponds and natural watercourses and will need to be relocated to higher ground,” he said.
Isiqalo informal settlement residents, who have been victims of flooding for many years, said they were willing to relocate if basic services were provided in the area they would be moved to.
Nokuthula Sondle, an Isiqalo resident, said she has been living on the wetland for three years.
“We fear the winter season and are always anxious of the possible damage we would sustain from it. Each year our furniture gets damaged, beds are soaked and even our clothing and cupboards get damaged. This is not life,” she said.
She said she had no problem with moving.
“If the City wants to move us to a better place where we won’t experience it (flooding), then we are game for it.
“As long as the new place will have electricity, water and toilets – that is all that we are asking for,” said Sondle.
Smith said parts the N1, N2 and R300 highways had also been identified as flood risks. He said roadworks to mitigate these risks were under way.
He said relevant departments were working to address the risks and performing general maintenance such as cleaning of stormwater and river systems, pruning of trees and shrubs and public education and awareness drives.
“We have no clear sense yet of how wet it will be this winter.
“Given our desperate need for rain to counter the crippling drought, we are obviously hoping for above-average rainfall, but that comes with its own challenges.
“We will also engage with the SA Social Security Agency to ensure the quickest possible turnaround times in instances where disaster relief is required,” said Smith.