City clears thousands of stormwater drains

Celeste Ganga
03 September 2007

A major operation is underway to clear 150 000 stormwater catchpits across the entire Cape Metrolpole, as the City of Cape Town continues with flood alleviation measures.

“In addition, City workers and contractors continue to remove debris blocking the city’s stormwater system.This encompasses a 6035km network of stormwater pipes and culverts, 1200km of rivers, 140km of open channels and canals, and 680 detention ponds,” says Executive Director of Housing, Hans Smit.

Smit explains that even as we approach the end of the rainy season, they are still constantly improving their flood alleviation programme.

“Last months floods were caused by a combination of four consecutive cold fronts, the rising ground water table, and the blocking of critical outlets due to refuse and debris, “says Smit.

“Before the onset of winter, the City spent R76 million on the cleaning of the stormwater infrastructure, “ says Manager of catchment, stormwater and river management, Barry Wood.

Another key component of the City’s overall flood risk strategy is the Master Plan to upgrade 226 informal settlements, within the metropolitan area.

“Other long- term actions includes the technical assessment of all flood incidences; strict enforcement against land invasion in high risk areas; education on shack building; and the acquisition of suitable land for the relocation of people living in flood risk areas, “ says Director of Development Services, Noahmaan Hendericks.