The City of Cape Town has declared war on blocked stormwater drains and illegal dumping. This with winter a scant couple of weeks away. Residents have also been asked to do the right thing this winter and to help the City prepare for the coming cold and wet months. This co-operation will help to minimise the impact of winter storms, mitigate flooding of the roads and neighbourhoods and ensure safer roads for all.
The City of Cape Town has declared war
The City’s Urban Mobility Directorate has announced the start of its Preparing for Winter initiative, where its workers will go toe-to-toe against the pressing issues of illegal dumping, blocked stormwater drains and water damming on roads.
“While we are doing all we can, I’m calling on Capetonians to help us prepare for winter,” said the Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas.
He says city workers have started to clear our stormwater infrastructure across Cape Town.
Residents have also been asked to do the right thing
Quintas says blocked inlets cause roads to flood and flooded roads can often result in the flooding of houses in low-lying areas.
He added, “Without the cooperation of our residents, our efforts are in vain.”
Residents can join in efforts to mitigate flooding. They can promptly report instances of illegal dumping and blocked stormwater drains. The City will then take action to clear these obstructions. This will help to prevent potential flooding disasters.
Useful tips
Do not dump any objects into the stormwater infrastructure
Do not decant water onto roads and
Report potholes as soon as possible so that Roads Infrastructure Management teams can do the necessary repairs.
At the same time, the illegal dumping of waste in stormwater infrastructure can lead to blockages, causing water to accumulate and overflow onto roads. This also damages infrastructure and poses hazards to motorists and pedestrians.
How to report blocked stormwater infrastructure and potholes:
· Use the City of Cape Town app
· Phone the City’s customer call centre on 0860 103 089
· Or, log a service request on www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests
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