Record 16 000 flood kits delivered to City informal settlements, other dwellings
24 July 2024
The City’s Human Settlements Directorate has issued more than 16 000 flood kits to dwellings in informal settlements and other types of housing such especially where water is coming through roofs. Work on the ground continues to assess and assist those impacted by the extraordinary stormy weather experienced across the metro in the past few weeks. More rain is expected over the weekend.
'Team Cape Town, what an incredible achievement! More than 16 000 flood kits issued to those who most need them. Unfortunately, the rains continue and we are on the ground, conducting our assessments and helping those in need. We have been able to help where we can with kits, comprising plastic sheeting and nails, relocations in some instances and milling material delivered to soak up the water where possible. With even more rainfall expected over the weekend, our teams are on standby to assist where possible.
'An important focus is on areas where the water will not dissipate over the next few weeks – this means looking at areas such as dams, wetlands and water catchment areas where people have settled. The City is on the ground advising residents not to settle on these types of land due to the health and safety risks. Often, when people settle in these areas, the land looks dry, but will likely flood. I have requested senior informal settlements management evaluate all high risk informal settlements in low lying areas and floodplains in order to urgently develop a relocation strategy detailing what will be required to move our residents out of these spaces. Initial assessments indicate that 179 settlements across the metro are located in areas close to waterbodies and/or below the flood line which makes them more vulnerable to flooding.
'Due to the centralisation of disaster relief and funding with the national ministry, the City carries on with assessments so that lists of those needing help can be sent to the national ministry. Importantly, the City continues to advocate for the disaster mandate and funding to be devolved to the City as a competent government so that the City can again provide more direct relief, in shorter spaces of time, as was the case until a few years ago,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member, Councillor Carl Pophaim.
More than 37 areas across the metro have been impacted to a greater or lesser extent including Khayelitsha, Lwandle in Strand, Nomzamo, Gugulethu, Masiphumelele, Macassar, Sir Lowry's Pass, Mfuleni, Tafelsig and Vygieskraal, Ocean View, among others.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
