The recent flooding in the Western Cape has exposed critical gaps in infrastructure planning, prompting calls for a fundamental shift in how the province prepares for extreme weather.
Weather-related disasters have increased fivefold globally over the past 50 years, with economic losses rising sevenfold, according to the World Meteorological Organisation. As climate experts warn that a strengthening El Niño could bring more severe weather in the coming months, the province faces mounting pressure to move beyond recovery and focus on long-term resilience.
The floods damaged roads, isolated communities and disrupted businesses across the region. But they also revealed that much of the infrastructure held up better than expected, proving that sound engineering and maintenance work.
Petra Devereux, executive director of the Master Builders Association Western Cape, said the focus must shift from simply repairing damage to building infrastructure that can withstand future shocks.
“Extreme weather can no longer be treated as an exception. It must be built into long-term planning, infrastructure investment and development decisions,” Devereux said.
Climate models suggest the Western Cape will face greater variability in future, including intense rainfall, flooding, stronger storms, droughts and prolonged heat. These events place pressure not only on public infrastructure but also on homes, businesses, transport networks and vulnerable communities.
Planning ahead pays off
Devereux said resilience is not determined by how infrastructure performs during a disaster, but by decisions made years before. While South Africa has robust building regulations, the challenge lies in consistent implementation, maintenance and updating planning assumptions to match changing climate conditions.
Chandré Abrahams, chairman of the MBAWC marketing committee, said climate resilience must become central to planning and development approvals.
“Recent floods demonstrated the strength of much of the built environment but also highlighted the need for future-focused planning and infrastructure that can keep pace with changing climate realities,” Abrahams said.
Investing in resilient infrastructure and climate-smart design is almost always cheaper than disaster recovery and repairs, according to Devereux.
The association recommends that flood-risk mapping should inform development decisions, while stormwater systems and drainage networks require ongoing maintenance and upgrades. Building design must incorporate resilient materials, effective drainage, flood mitigation and energy efficiency.
Homeowners and businesses can take practical steps such as maintaining roofs, gutters and drainage systems, improving waterproofing, managing stormwater runoff, reviewing insurance cover and developing emergency response plans.
The MBAWC encourages property owners seeking guidance on repairs or resilience upgrades to engage with qualified professionals.
The question facing the Western Cape is no longer whether further climate challenges will occur, but whether the province is preparing for them now.
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