‘The focus this year is clearing out the stormwater systems, which includes the cleaning of gullies; catch pits; pipes and ponds, especially in flood prone areas. Our Roads and Infrastructure depots across the city are also in the process of increasing their capacity by engaging additional labour in the form of EPWP workers to assist in reaching as many of these areas ahead of the heavy rains,’ says the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Alderman Felicity Purchase.
 

The Roads and Infrastructure teams use a combination of hand cleaning and mechanical cleaning and are targeting the worst affected areas where there is extensive illegal dumping and blocking of drains occurring, first.

‘We urge that residents keep the drains and channels in front of their homes clear where possible, especially in sandy and leafy areas. Just doing this will greatly assist our teams on the ground. The public should continue to report cases of blocked drains by calling the 24-hour call centre and very importantly report any illegal dumping they may witness,’ says Alderman Purchase.

The City encourages residents to please continue reporting these via the following channels:

• Phone the Transport Information Centre on 080 065 6463. This is a 24/7 information centre;
• Send an email to Transport.Info@capetown.gov.za; or
• Call the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089 to report flooding, blocked drains and service disruptions.