City assesses flooding pressure points in Bonteheuwel and Bishop Lavis

02 July 2025

Yesterday, 1 July 2025, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas, accompanied the City’s Road Infrastructure Management Department on a visit to Bishop Lavis and Bonteheuwel to see some of the damage caused by last week’s heavy storms and to unpack why these areas are most affected by winter flooding each year.

‘Yesterday we were in Bishop Lavis and Bonteheuwel, walking through these areas to see the damage caused by last week’s storms. Bishop Lavis and Bonteheuwel have been flagged as red zones due to the ongoing challenges our teams face, not just from the weather, but also due to the security threat to our depot teams in these areas that makes it difficult for them to gain access and do the work needed to reduce flooding.

‘Despite the challenges we face, our depot teams remain committed. They’re on the ground, working hard to clear blocked stormwater drains and help prevent water from building up in the streets and around the homes.

‘I urge residents to please assist them by reporting blocked stormwater drains or illegal dumping, especially if it’s near stormwater infrastructure, we need our residents to be our eyes and ears on the ground so that we can attend to the issue as soon as possible. Every small action helps. Let’s work together to keep Bishop Lavis and Bonteheuwel safer this winter,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas.

Illegal dumping continues to clog up the stormwater system in these areas and causes water to overflow, which adds to the damage during heavy rains. When the system is blocked, streets get flooded, and homes as well.

All areas, including Bishop Lavis and Bonteheuwel are included in the City’s annual Winter Readiness Programme, implemented by the Road Infrastructure Management Department. This includes both proactive and reactive maintenance and cleaning of the stormwater system such as stormwater drains and inlets across the metro. The programme focuses on keeping communities safe, especially those most at risk.

The City’s Urban Mobility Directorate closely monitored the conditions last week and were able to assess the pressure points that need to be addressed.

Residents are advised to contact the City’s Transport Information Centre (TIC) if standing water remains long after the rain has stopped, or drainage is clearly impaired. The contact details for the TIC are as follows:

•        Phone: 0800 65 64 63
•        Email: transport.info@capetown.gov.za
•        SMS: 31373 (160 characters max)

The City thanks residents for their patience and cooperation as our teams respond to these weather-related challenges.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office