The Drakenstein Municipality has denied all claims that major flooding took place in the Paarl-Wellington Valley due to \u201cpoorly planned\u201d developments, and \u201cinadequate\u201d municipal stormwater system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The devastating floods of last week caused millions of rands\u2019 damage and disruption to not only residents and businesses, but also for agricultural producers and their crops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The municipality has now lashed back at fingers being pointed at their planning procedures and systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFirstly, the municipality wants to make it clear that we do not approve any housing developments under the 1:50 year flood line, due to the risk involved,\u201d said Mayor Conrad Poole. \u201cThe Municipality requires that a detailed flood line study be undertaken by a professional consultant with regards to all new developments situated along water courses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the establishment of the Val de Vie Estate, which was severely threatened by the rising waters of the Berg River, these are exactly the steps that were taken, the Mayor said in a statement. \u201cAs a result only two out of 2 200 houses in the lifestyle estate had to be evacuated,\u201d Ryk Neethling, Brand & Marketing Director, Val de Vie Group, confirmed, \u201cand this was due to blocked gutters or stormwater pipes caused by construction crews in the vicinity of the houses. Most of the estate\u2019s farmland and paddocks are below the 100- and 50-year flood lines and this is mostly what was under water in the images that circulated in the media.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drakenstein Municipality can assure residents, businesses as well as potential investors and developers that all building-plan applications are subjected to strict approval processes. Any plan that does not meet its stringent requirements will be rejected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secondly, the municipality can guarantee the Drakenstein community that the municipal stormwater system has been precisely designed, is cleaned regularly and well-maintained. The public\u2019s constant illegal dumping and littering in stormwater drains does, however, occasionally block the system and prevents it from draining and expelling run-off stormwater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat is why we urge communities to play their part, and refrain from dumping illegally and littering in stormwater drains,\u201d said Poole. \u201cWe also call on residents to clear the gutters and downpipes of their homes from leaves and debris, to assist the flow of stormwater and to prevent obstructions and flooding. It is imperative to check that drains are open to avoid objects from blocking the flow of water from properties.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The municipality continues its proactive efforts to remove illegal dumping, litter and any other possible obstructions that could block the flow of stormwater and exacerbate flooding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The excessive water levels of the Berg River and the release of large volumes of water from dams contributed significantly to the recent floods.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Drakenstein Municipality has denied all claims that major flooding took place in the Paarl-Wellington Valley due to \u201cpoorly planned\u201d developments, and \u201cinadequate\u201d municipal stormwater 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