Centurion floods cannot be eliminated but effect can be mitigated

Flooding in Centurion cannot be eliminated but government and property developers can take measures to mitigate its effect on communities.

This is according to an environmentalist and director of an organisation that assists with cleaning Hennops River, Fresh NGO, Williem Snyman.

Snyman said the floods in Centurion were a natural occurrence that can be mitigated but not eliminated.

He told Rekord that Centurion was built on a flat, wide, ancient floodplain of the Hennops River.

“In big floods there’s a single water level running right through Centurion, going over everything, from bridges and barricades.

“Litter traps would have little impact on the massive power of the water,” he said.

Snyman said that the reason Centurion was constantly experiencing floods during the heavy rain season was due to the maintenance of stormwater systems which were in terrible condition, polluted and overgrown with alien plants.

Flooding occurs due to “destruction of wetlands upstream, which should hold the water like a sponge to be released slowly”.

“Similarity rapid urban encroachment reduces the water holding capacity of the ground and vegetation, which makes the rainwater runoff much more rapid,” he said.

Snyman said the solution was in the restoration of catchment areas, wetlands and riverbanks adding that there should be an avoidance of widespread development of the river banks and buildings inside the flood lines, as has been the case on the Kaalspruit.

“Restoration of our rivers to their pristine state would make this ancient natural system function optimally and carry the stormwater safely away,” he said.

Hennops River activist Tarryn Johnstons said her organisation has been working tirelessly to clean out all the blockages in the stormwater drainage systems.

ALSO READ: Hennops river activist wins environmental prize

Johnston said the reason why the Hennops River has been stuck and created it to overflow was also largely to the blockage of drainage systems.

“It is very important to stay active, but we are good considering the amount of rain we had. This is really a positive thing for us because it shows the work we have been doing between ourselves and the municipality is definitely reducing the flooding risk,” said Johnston.

In addition, she said her organisation was trying to encourage other NGOs to do a similar job they were doing in their respective towns.

Tshwane emergency services spokesperson Charles Mabaso said the metro has put plans in place which will assist them to mitigate the extent of damage the floods might cause.

Mabaso said part of those plans was to monitor all known hotspots, saying that it will enable them to have a well-coordinated and integrated approach.

“Sharing safety tips with the community via different media platforms, public awareness campaigns and the issuing of early warning messages when disruptive rain is forecast by the SA weather service forms part of the planned measures to reduce the vulnerability of flood-prone areas, communities and households,” said Mabaso.

Mabaso said residents should dial the emergency toll-free number should they find themselves trapped in a flooding incident, adding that they should also avoid all low-lying bridges.

He advised residents to also monitor the weather by looking at signs of developing or approaching thunderstorms, such as towering clouds, darkening skies or flashes of lightning.

“If you hear thunder, even a distant rumble, seek safety immediately. Fully enclosed buildings with wiring and plumbing are the best shelter during a thunderstorm.

A hard-topped metal vehicle with the windows closed is also safe.

Stay inside until 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder. Sheds, picnic shelters, tents or covered porches do not protect you from lightning. Do not hide under a tree as it also does not protect you from lightning.”

Mabaso said should there be floods, residents living around the Hennops River, the service would immediately activate the flood incidents management plan for region 4.

ALSO READ: Mayor meets Centurion residents to quell sinkhole fears

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