Over 4 700 potholes fixed; 3 500 catchpits cleared within three months
07 May 2026
The City encourages residents and road users to report blocked stormwater drains ahead of the heavy winter rains. The latest weather forecast predicts cold, windy conditions and heavy rainfall over the next few days. These conditions may lead to localised flooding of roads and low-lying areas, as well as disruptions to traffic, especially where stormwater infrastructure is blocked.
The City’s Road Infrastructure Management (RIM) teams have been undertaking proactive maintenance across Cape Town as part of our efforts to prepare for the wet winter months. This is over and above the 8 321 service requests that the teams have attended to in the first three months of the year.
Since 1 January to 30 March 2026, RIM teams have:
- Cleared 3 561 stormwater drains and catchpits
- Repaired 4 751 potholes
‘These numbers only reflect the work that the RIM teams have done where residents have reported service requests to the City. In addition, these teams have also been attending to proactive maintenance as we are heading into winter when ongoing rainfall and water on road surfaces cause potholes and other seasonal road abrasions,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas.
The City has been implementing proactive measures ahead of the 2026 winter season
- Expanded maintenance: Increased cleaning of stormwater networks to clear discarded rubbish
- Targeted upgrades: Focus on infrastructure in known flood-prone zones
- Early warnings: Close monitoring in partnership with the South African Weather Service
What to anticipate during heavy downpours
The City’s stormwater infrastructure is designed to drain rainwater away over a period of time. It is not designed to make water disappear instantly during a heavy downpour.
‘Localised flooding may happen during heavy rainfall as it takes a while for the system to divert the water away from roads. It is only considered a fault or a system failure if the water does not drain away after the rain has subsided. Residents in low-lying areas or those situated near water bodies are naturally more susceptible to localised flooding during intense weather events. Illegal buildings are also at risk, especially if they have been built in detention ponds,’ said Councillor Quintas.
After heavy rains, the runoff should drain out, with the exception of areas where structures have been built illegally over bulk stormwater and sewerage infrastructure. When this happens, the RIM maintenance teams cannot access the systems to clear these.
Illegal dumping
Illegal dumping and littering are also major causes of flooding.
‘Our Road Infrastructure Management teams recently pulled mattresses and wheelie bins from a stormwater system, among other wildly inappropriate objects and materials. These objects cause massive blockages, which lead to flooding as the water cannot drain away.
‘The City remains committed to protecting residents through engineering solutions and community partnerships. We ask residents to assist by disposing of waste responsibly to keep our drains clear and to report blockages. Working together we can keep Cape Town moving,’ said Councillor Quintas.
Report
For blocked stormwater and flooding:
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
