TO MITIGATE the devastating effects of heavy rainfall, eThekwini Municipality has launched a series of flood-prevention initiatives.

Also read: Rains batter the South Coast

Mayor Cyril Xaba, along with national and provincial human settlements ministers, Thembi Simelane and Siboniso Duma, announced these efforts during a visit to flood-stricken areas on March 4. Among these initiatives is the Sihlanzimvelo pilot programme where the city maintains about 500km of streams in high-risk areas and revises the flood lines to incorporate the projected climate impact of a 15% increase in rainfall intensity. The city also encourages people who live in high-risk areas to relocate.

The repeated heavy rains have caused flooding and damage in Amanzimtoti, KwaMakhutha, Isipingo Beach, and Dakota Beach. Mayor Xaba said the Department of Human Settlements and the eThekwini Municipality are searching for suitable land to build houses for displaced families and those most vulnerable during severe weather.

He also said the stormwater systems are designed to cope with a one in 10-year storm event flow at critical points.

Also read: Heavy rain and flood warning for the metro

“Therefore, the recurring floods need to be scrutinised against the existing capacity of infrastructure built in terms of the required level of service to understand the risk related to exceedance of the built capacity. Given the increasing frequency and magnitude of such catastrophic events caused by flooding in the eThekwini area, the city has embarked on many initiatives to reduce the risk of flooding and its impact on people’s lives and infrastructure,” said Xaba.

He further asked all residents to dispose of waste in the correct manner so that it does not end up clogging drains.

“We are confident that these interventions will further climate-proof new development in the city. Technical teams are currently being appointed to conduct a detailed assessment to identify possible solutions to government-developed properties,” he said, adding that the assessment will enable the city to produce stormwater management plans for these high-risk areas.

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