The City of Cape Town’s Human Settlements Directorate issued more than 10 000 flood kits to residents amid the unprecedented levels of rain experienced across the metro since last week.
Also read: Footage: Elsies River knee-deep in water after morning rains
The City’s MMC for human settlements, Carl Pophaim, says the need for help continues to rise due to the scale and severity of the recent storms.
‘And with even more rainfall expected over the next few days, our teams are on standby to assist further.’
‘Our assessments continue but the sheer volume of residents impacted is an important factor. A key focus is on areas where the water will not lessen over the next few weeks – this means looking at areas such as dams, wetlands and water catchment areas where people have settled.’
‘The City is on the ground advising residents not to settle on these types of land due to the health and safety risks. Often, in summer the land looks dry, but will likely flood,’ he adds.
About 37 areas across the metro have been impacted by the inclement weather, including Khayelitsha, Lwandle in Strand, Nomzamo, Gugulethu, Masiphumelele, Macassar, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Mfuleni, Tafelsig, Vygieskraal and Ocean View, among others.
Pophaim says the City no longer has the reach it used to have (to assist residents with material relief) due to funding cuts and the centralisation of disaster mandates.
‘Due to the centralisation of disaster relief and funding with the national ministry, the City carries on to do assessments so that lists of those needing help can be sent to the national ministry.’
‘Importantly, the City continues to advocate for the disaster mandate and funding to be devolved to the City as a competent government so that the City can again provide more direct relief, in shorter spaces of time, as was the case until a few years ago.’
Senior informal settlements management has been instructed to evaluate all high-risk informal settlements in low-lying areas and floodplains to develop relocation strategies.
‘As Team Cape Town we can get through this difficult time, together,’ says Pophaim. ‘Thank you to our teams for their hard work and commitment. We encourage Capetonians to make use of the donation facilities and to support relief organisations.’
Storm-related Donation Drop-off points:
- Goodwood Fire Station
- Lakeside Fire Station
- Ottery Fire Station
- Roeland Street Fire Station
- Sir Lowry’s Pass Fire Station
- Strand Fire Station
Contact the Disaster Risk Management Centre donations line directly at 021 597 5042 (8am – 6pm).
Email: [email protected].
Emergencies can be reported to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.
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Picture: Ziyaad Douglas / Gallo Images