Mop-up operations are underway across parts of the Western Cape following heavy rainfall that caused flooding and disruption over the weekend.
In Dunoon, the City of Cape Town says flooding impacts were worsened in the Silverleaf Street area due to illegal structures built over key stormwater and sewer infrastructure.
Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility Rob Quintas, speaking to VOC News while assessing the area, said most parts of Dunoon had remained dry despite the rainfall.
“So, the Dunoon instance is one example of various heavy rainfall-related flooding incidents we saw across the city,” Quintas said.
“I was there yesterday morning and was quite pleased to see that the majority of Dunoon was dry, with no pooling water, considering the amount of rainfall.”
However, he said Silverleaf Street remains a major concern due to informal structures built directly over essential infrastructure.
“There are about 40 or so structures that have been built illegally on what used to be a sports field, on top of a massive stormwater pipeline as well as a sewer pipeline,” he said.
“It becomes quite a complex matter because human settlement relocation is always an emotive issue.”
Quintas added that while the area had largely drained following the rainfall, further heavy rain could still worsen conditions, with clean-up and dredging efforts currently underway.
Meanwhile, mop-up operations are continuing across several flood-affected areas in the province.
Gift of the Givers spokesperson Ali Sablay says teams are focused on restoring essential services and supporting affected residents.
“The focus is on restoring access, sanitation, and essential services while monitoring further weather risks,” Sablay said.
“Communities in low-lying and high-risk areas have been hardest hit, with displaced residents of informal settlements receiving temporary assistance as recovery efforts continue.”
Photo: Screenshot
