Inclement weather hits informal settlements hard

 CITY officials were last night conducting assessments in a number of the informal settlements affected by the inclement weather, which resulted in some areas being severely flooded on Wednesday. 

By the afternoon,  about 269 structures had been impacted in Vygieskraal  affecting around 600 people.

In Voël Street, Belgravia, 55 structures have been flooded. Reports of  localised flooding were also received  in Parkwood, Bonnytoun,  Lotus Park, Klipfontein Rd/ Barcelona, Phola Park, Imizamo Yethu, Hangberg and Overcome Heights.

The City’s recreation and Parks Department was activated to attend  to fallen trees and debris in a number of areas including Blue Downs, Constantia, Blackheath, Sunningdale and Bellville. 

Disaster Risk Management spokesperson, Sonica Lategan said  the Mustadafin Foundation and Islamic Relief were assisting affected residents in Vygieskraal and Belgravia.

“All incidents reported are assessed so that the necessary assistance can be activated, including soft relief from the City’s NGO partners where needed. Residents who want to assist humanitarian relief efforts are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items like rice, maize meal, tinned fish, tinned beans and baby formula, as well as personal hygiene items.” 

Urban Mobility mayco member Rob Quintas said: “‘The sheer volume of ongoing rainfall is causing vleis, rivers and canals to reach capacity. This causes water to back up in the stormwater system and onto our roads which then act as water conduits. Low-lying areas, areas below steep mountainous terrain and areas near canals and other water bodies will experience localised flooding whilst rainfall remains heavy.”  

 Motorists have been advised to exercise caution, steer clear of driving through flooded areas and avoid low-water crossings. 

The City has designated  fire stations in Constantia, Goodwood, Hout Bay, Lakeside, Roeland Street, Strand and Wynberg as  drop off points.

Cape Times