AS THE first rain of the incoming winter made landfall across the Western Cape on Tuesday, the City of Cape Town has reported floods all around the Mother City.
Flooding was reported in Bishop Lavis, Southfield, Table View, Wynberg, and Parow, with homes and vehicles bearing the brunt.
The City of Cape Town’s spokesperson for Disaster Risk Management, Charlotte Powell, said its Disaster Operations Centre (DOC) received reports of roadways that are blocked and flooding incidents in Southfield and Vygieskraal, where the canals are overflowing.
She said the stormwater department is attending to the incidents.
The Daily Voice received complaints from residents on the Cape Flats, slamming the City for not proactively readying for the winter months.
Timothy Prins of Southfield: “Our whole house is flooded because the council didn’t come and unblock the canal after last winter flooded again. Someone must be accountable for this.”
Bishop Lavis’ Mishkah Abrahams directed her complaint at Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
She reported: “There is, as usual, significant flooding of the main road on 35th Avenue, Bishop Lavis, as well as Lavis Drive and Mars Road.
“This also is affecting the residential drains that the community has complained about for almost two weeks now, that are blocked and overflowing.”
The City of Cape Town has also shared some essential tips with residents:
Clean gutters: Regularly clear debris from gutters to ensure proper water flow.
Prune trees: Trim branches and remove any overhanging limbs that could cause blockages during heavy rain.
Clear waterways: Ensure that there are no obstructions in nearby waterways or drainage systems that could lead to flooding or water damage.
Report potholes: Notify the municipality of any potholes as soon as they appear to facilitate timely repairs and avoid further damage to road structures.
Maintain drainage systems: Regularly clear drainage channels to prevent blockages.
Elevate structures: Raise the floor level of homes where possible, so that it sits higher than the surrounding ground.
Create sandbags: Prepare sandbags to use as temporary barriers against flooding.
Dig trenches: Construct trenches around your home to direct water away from the structure.
Waterproof structures: Ensure roofs are watertight, gutters are clear, and dead branches or debris are removed to reduce potential rainfall damage.
Report issues: Immediately report blocked drains, drainage intakes, and instances of illegal dumping, as these can exacerbate flooding conditions.
