How Cape Town Plans to Weather the Storms this Winter

Whatever the weather, Cape Town is prepared for the storms this winter.

With long range weather forecasts indicating the possibility of above normal rainfall for the coming winter months, the City of Cape Town has started implementing a plan to deal with the inevitable effects of the forthcoming winter storms.

Various City departments such as Roads and Stormwater, Disaster Risk Management and Housing are co-coordinating their plans and mitigation measures to manage flooding and minimize possible storm damage in the coming months. Due to last year’s wet winter season, ground water is currently at elevated levels which could increase the possibility of flooding, especially in informal areas.

According to Carlton Fillis, Senior Forecaster at the South African Weather Service,the forecastappears to be particularly optimistic for higher than normal rainfall over the Western coastal areas with the likelihood increasing into winter. Despite the positive prospects for higher than normal rainfall the seasonal outlook does not suggest extreme conditions concerning either excessively high or excessively low rainfall risks.

Stormwater infrastructure maintenance programme

The City proactively embarked on a programme of rehabilitative maintenance and improvements to stormwater infrastructure in the 2009/10 summer in preparation for this winter. The focus is now on preparing the City’s response capability to meet any flooding events.

Due to preventative measures taken by City departments the number of buildings and structures affected decreased from 22 323 in 2008 to 11 507 in 2009. Just over 70 000 residents were affected in 2009 as opposed to 75 256 in 2008.

The City’s budget allocation for pro-active cleaning of stormwater facilities by means of contracted services totals R46 million and the reactive maintenance work, such as response to flood incidents, undertaken by the Roads and Stormwater Department totals approximately R41 million.  

“Although Cape Town makes every effort to prepare for winter rains, it is difficult to prevent flooding in low-lying informal settlements,” says Councillor Elizabeth Thompson, Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Roads and Major Projects.

Flood relief developments for high risk areas

As an outcome of last year’s winter a number of Temporary Relocation Areas have been identified where families living in high risk areas could be relocated.

This week service providers will begin site preparation and installation of underground services on four sites in Khayelitsha and Mfuleni. The sites will be able to accommodate 1500 units, and recipients will be identified from flood-prone areas in Mfuleni and Khayelitsha respectively.

 “This year the City will continue its public education programme to warn residents of the dangers of settling in retention ponds, wetlands and other flood prone areas. We have already embarked on a city-wide stormwater cleaning programme as part of our risk reduction measures,” says Thompson.

The City has also allocated R18, 4 million of the Solid Waste Department’s budget for a cleaning service to minimize stormwater blockages. The Solid Waste Department has started with three cycles from April until August with 616 temporary casual jobs being created to implement the programme.

Here's what to do in case of heavy flooding

“Despite contingency plans, we acknowledge that flooding and mudslides may still occur due to variable climatic conditions. This is an annual occurrence which cannot be completely prevented as rainfall may exceed the design capacity of the stormwater system,” Thompson added.

In the event of severe flooding various emergency shelters have been identified to help minimize the disruption of lives and community activities. People will be encouraged to first try and find alternative accommodation with neighbours, friends or families before being housed in community facilities.

Together with NGOs, various City services will provide blankets, food and basic necessities to flood victims. The City will provide specific information with regard to health issues, the registration of victims and emergency shelters.

Flooding, blocked drains and service disruptions can be reported to the City’s all hours Technical Operations Centre at 0860 103 054. Residents can also SMS 31373.

In the event of a life- or property threatening emergency, contact 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone.

-----

Cape Town occassioanlly puts on a spectacular lightning display. Take a look at this gallery of a thunderstorm.

To stay informed with what is happening in and around Cape Town in stormy or fair weather, subscribe to our Editor’s Picks Newsletter.