The team is a joint effort between the City of Cape Town, Provincial Government and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
The Major Flooding and Storms Plan includes the unblocking of stormwater drains, the upgrading of stormwater systems, regular inspections of retention ponds, a public education programme and an emergency plan to handle possible disasters. The City has also signed an agreement with the Trauma Centre to assist victims of storms or floods with psychological assessment and support.
"The City has pro-actively identified and mapped high flood risk areas. We have introduced special flood risk reduction measures, such as
improved drainage and preventative maintenance of existing stormwater systems by Roads and Stormwater teams," says Councillor Dumisani Ximbi,
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.
"Our ongoing public education programme in partnership with environmental training provides residents with practical tips on how to raise floor levels, channel flood waters, as well as reduce health hazards associated with standing water," he says.
The City's emergency plan is co-ordinated at a Joint Operations Centre (JOC) where a multi-disciplinary rapid response team manages and
executes contingency plans. It also acts as a central information point to inform the public on the situation at hand through fast and effective
communication during emergencies.
"Once the SA Weather Service issues a severe weather warning, the City will immediately communicate the news directly to the areas at risk.
"We have also identified various emergency shelters to help minimise 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.
"Community halls do not offer privacy and the already traumatised flood victims' dignity may suffer. This will therefore be a last resort"Councillor Ximbi says.
The City's emergency plan provides for the response team to, together with identified NGOs, disseminate blankets, food and basic necessities to alleviate the trauma usually experienced by flood victims and to provide for the immediate, basic needs of affected communities. It also provides specific information with regard to health issues, the registration of victims and emergency shelters.
After the devastating summer fires on various parts of Table Mountain, the City have also implemented precautionary measures to address possible mudslides, in partnership with South African National Parks.
Experts have examined and evaluated the high risk slopes and have proposed various measures, such as special rock filled gabion weirs and silt curtains in certain areas to intercept debris and minimize run off down the slopes.
"Despite the City's preparedness, we would like to point out that flooding and mudslides may still occur due to the variable climatic conditions," he says.
Due to the very nature of flooding, it cannot be completely prevented as rainfall often exceeds the design capacity of the stormwater system.
To report flooding: or blocked drains please phone the all hours Roads and Stormwater number at 086-010-3054. In the event of a life- or property threatening emergency, contact 107 from a Telkom phone or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone.
Issued by:
Jan Kruger
Media Liaison Officer
Tel: 021 400 1292
Cell: 084 300 0630
Communication and Marketing
City Of Cape Town
Email: media@capetown.gov.za
Tel: 021 400 2201
Fax: 021 957 0023
Media Queries:
Johan Minnie
Disaster Risk Management Centre
Tel: 021 590 1706
Cell: 084 220 0074
Executive Support Officer: Councillor Ximbi
Tel: 021 400 1291
Cell: 084 200 2275
