The first of the heavy winter rains experienced last week resulted in several minor flooding incidents all over the Helderberg, but an easing of the rain into the weekend helped keep any serious incidents at bay.
With more rains predicted for the coming week, authorities continue to keep a close eye on the situation.
The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre reported receiving requests for flood relief kits from Lwandle and Macassar last Wednesday (25 June), where several homes were reportedly flooded and sustained damage.
Ward 109 councillor Peter Helfrich stated that by last Thursday no significant flooding incidents were reported in his ward.
“However, there have been minor localised flooding issues in certain parts of a few streets, which our teams are addressing as they are brought to our attention by residents. Significant preparation has been carried out by our City teams ahead of the rainy season, and these efforts are proving effective in managing the situation. I will continue updating [the community] as I receive further reports from our teams. I want to assure our residents that both our teams and I will remain active on the ground, ready to offer any assistance needed.”
Flooding was reported along Faure Marine Drive, impacting the stretch between Broadlands and Onverwacht roads in both Strand and Gordon’s Bay as well as Reunion Drive from the N2 to Somerset Links circle in Somerset West. Parts of Beach Road in Strand was also temporarily under water.
Numerous rockfalls, including some large boulders, were reported between Rooi Els and Gordon’s Bay on the R44.
In Strand, Gordon’s Bay and Somerset West overflowing stormwater and sewage pipes were reported. Many of these incidents were quickly contained and are being monitored by City services.
While pleased that there have been no major floods so far, due to the subcouncil’s winter readiness programme, Subcouncil 8 chairperson Councillor Chantel Cerfontein highlighted ongoing challenges. “Mxolisi Street in Asanda Village, where ACJ Phakade Primary School is located, is a constant problem,” she stated.
“Even though the City cleaned and unblocked all the drains, the illegal waste and foreign objects inside [the stormwater] systems remain an issue. We even replaced all manhole covers and re-tarred the road and surrounds. The problem is the people, and no matter how much education and awareness is done, they are relentless in seeing the City fail.”
Cerfontein also mentioned that a contractor is in place to address issues on De Kock Street, but noted that work is dependent on weather conditions.
Ward 83 councillor Carl Punt said: “The positive impact of the Lourens River Upgrade Project can already be seen with the minimal flooding incidents along its banks.”
Both councillors emphasised the issue of flooding can only be properly assessed after the rain has subsided and if water fails to drain through the stormwater infrastructure. Low-lying areas near canals and other water bodies are likely to experience localised flooding due to the sheer volume of water in the system.
Lisa Starr of the Helderberg Ocean Awareness Movement said the litter cage installed at the Soet River in Nomzamo caught 600 bags of waste after the rains, saving it from heading down to the ocean. “We will never accomplish 100% entrapment as the water rises and it flows fast. There’s also lots more waste along the river after the cage, through Broadlands and Southfork,” she pointed out.
“I visited the mouth and it wasn,t clean as the root of the river is long. But there’s 600 bags on the way to landfill that were prevented from moving further down.”
Significant rains are anticipated from tomorrow (Thursday 3 July) through the weekend, when moderate rainfall is expected with a forecast of just under 6โmm. Highs will be around 16ยฐC. The heaviest rainfall is forecast for Friday 4 and Saturday 5 July, with 24โmm of precipitation expected on each day.
๏ฎFor any non-emergency City services, use the online platforms or call 0860 103 089. For emergencies, contact the Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.
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