Flash floods indicate pressure points as City prepares for seasonal rain
08 April 2025
Cape Town experienced heavy rainfall earlier today, which has resulted in the temporary flooding of low-lying roads in particular, and some canals and retention ponds filled to capacity. The City’s Urban Mobility Directorate dispatched teams to pressure points to assist with clearing stormwater infrastructure (drains) from litter and debris that flushed down rivers and canals; and in some areas, teams swept roads after the flooding had subsided. More rain is anticipated over the next 24 hours, however, this is not predicted to be as heavy as this morning. We urge residents and road users to please be vigilant, and to report incidents to the City so that we can assist.
‘We are in the middle of our annual stormwater infrastructure cleaning programme, and today’s heavy rainfall gave us a clear indication of the pressure points that need more attention. These are being mapped and will be attended to. I want to assure residents and road users that our teams will keep on clearing the stormwater infrastructure, such as drains and inlets as we are getting closer to winter.
‘Most residents would have noticed that flooding of roads usually subsides within less than an hour after the rain has stopped and our stormwater infrastructure has had the opportunity to deal with the large volumes of water that entered the system. It is similar to pulling a plug out of a full bath – it needs time to drain – our stormwater system works on the same principles.
‘I want to thank all the proactive Capetonians who have shown confidence in the City’s Transport Information Centre by logging calls to report various flooding incidents in their areas. We have recorded a high number of calls and the agents tried to assist as best they could,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Roberto Quintas.
A number of roadways across the city have been flooded and the Roads Infrastructure Management Department is clearing debris and unblocking drains as they occur
Downpours are expected to continue throughout the day and assessments on the ground are ongoing, as reports come in
The City has received reports of flooding along Elsieskraal River in Pinelands, Liesbeek River along the N2, Langa, Vygieskraal, Fish Hoek, Parow Industria, Table View and Tygervalley, to name a few.
Motorists are advised to exercise caution, steer clear of driving through flooded areas and avoid low water crossings. Roads may be closed on short notice, if needed, in the interest of safety and security.
Canals, retention and detention ponds and other stormwater related infrastructure usually fill up with water that then flows to rivers and the sea. This function is severely hampered when there are obstructions such as rubble, plastics and other foreign objects in the system – draining thus takes longer, which causes localised flooding
‘The City maintains the stormwater system throughout the year. Annual cleaning takes place by means of a winter preparedness programme where stormwater inlets, outlets, catchpits, canals and piped systems are cleaned before the winter season. In addition, hotspot areas are identified in all districts which are then inspected and cleaned regularly. Our teams are out there today dealing with these challenges,’ said Councillor Quintas.
As rain continues to pour down, residents are urged to report these incidents on 0800656463; email transport.info@capetown.gov.za or SMS 31373 (no more than 160 characters).
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
