Residents have been advised to beware of their safety and security in this heavy downpour season. The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC) received reports of flooding in informal settlements in Gugulethu, Wynberg, Valhalla Park, Philippi and Khayelitsha, Macassar, Sir Lowry’s Pass Village and Lwandle. The DRMC teams in collaboration with the City’s Informal Settlement Management Department have since been doing assessments in these areas and beyond.
Residents have been requested to ensure that there are no loose items lying around their properties that could cause any damage. They have also been advised to check for overhanging tree branches and any other hazards that could potentially harm anyone.
Members of the public are reminded to contact the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cell phone to report any emergencies related to the inclement weather.
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On the roads, the City’s Traffic Service recorded 13 motor vehicle accidents by mid-morning on Monday 28 June 2021, due to the heavy downpours, as well as roads flooded in a number of areas including Bellville, Ottery, Athlone, Woodstock, Plattekloof and Panorama.
“We remind motorists to exercise caution when driving on the roads during these weather conditions. The most basic safety precautions are to drive slower and keep a safe following distance. Avoid pools of water in the road and if you have to drive through it, reduce speed dramatically to avoid aqua- plaining which could have serious consequences. It is also worth giving yourself more time to reach your destination by leaving earlier, so that you don’t feel compelled to rush. The wet weather is set to continue for most of the week, and we really want to avoid unnecessary incidents on the roads,” said Alderman JP Smith.
The City’s Safety and Security Directorate has been kept busy since the latest cold front made landfall, with several assessments related to localised flooding underway, and just over a dozen motor vehicle accidents recorded in the recent past.
