A stormwater mitigation project has been completed in the Sewende Laan Informal Settlement in Strandfontein. The ward councillor, Elton Jansen, visited the recently completed site alongside community leaders and City officials to inspect the work.

Years of flooding

Residents of 7de Laan and the neighbouring Masicedani informal settlements have long experienced severe conditions during the rainy season and periodic storms. Homes were flooded due to the low levels at which structures were built and the absence of a stormwater system, Jansen said in a post on his WhatsApp channel.

The City, therefore, undertook a programme at Sewende Laan that was completed last week to address flooding, similar to the project that was completed at a neighbouring informal settlement, Masicedani.

Jansen said the City is better placed to implement these measures on City-owned land.

Another project is currently under way in Kampies Informal Settlement in the Philippi Horticultural Area, where services will be installed and residents will receive service plots.

Private land remains a challenge

Where informal settlements are located on private property, Jansen said efforts would continue to seek permission from private property owners to allow the City to improve living conditions for residents.