Province prepares for winter

CONTINGENCY plans have been put in place in preparation for winter.

Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell said the main risks this winter were heavy rains and flooding, cold weather, informal settlement fires, electricity constraints and mudslides.

“All 30 municipalities in the province are preparing for the coming winter. Our municipalities have standard operating procedures and contingency plans in place to address incidents in their areas. These plans include emergency response, providing relief and arranging temporary shelter for affected communities,” he said.

Bredell said steps in place included an agreement with the SANDF to use helicopters for rescue operations, contingencies for the possibility of severe power shortages, and provision of 60 Fire and Rescue vehicles to municipalities.

Mayoral committee member for transport Felicity Purchase said this year’s programme was focusing on the maintenance of the city’s stormwater system.

“Winter is almost upon us. Cape Town has wet winters and we are doing all we can to prevent flooding of our streets and roads. However, we cannot do it on our own. Preparation for winter is a shared responsibility between the City of Cape Town and residents. Thus, we implore our residents to work with us by making sure their gutters are cleaned, trees are pruned and there are no obstructions in waterways around their home that could result in flooding or water damage,” she said.

Committee member for Human Settlements Malusi Booi said between May and September, the City issued more than 10 000 flood kits to reduce the impact of flooding. He advised residents in informal settlements to dig trenches around their dwellings and make sandbags.