Klerksdorp Midweek, Klerksdorp - With the rainy season approaching, the threat of flooding should be front of mind for the municipality. Floods earlier this year caused lots of damage and disrupted services, which is why the Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa (IMESA) calls for storm water systems to be inspected.
They say an often overlooked contributor to flooding is the abuse of storm water systems. Storm water systems are designed to carry rainwater away from our streets, homes and businesses through underground pipes and surface drains. These systems are vital to prevent flooding during heavy rain. But in many South African towns and cities, these systems are being blocked and damaged, not by nature, but by human activity, the institute reports.
Municipal engineers are noting a worrying trend: people removing manhole covers and dumping all sorts of waste into stormwater drains. Builders’ rubble, tyres, clothing, toys, even large rocks - none of which should ever enter the system - are regularly found inside. “When these foreign objects block the pipes, rainwater has nowhere to go. As a result of this abuse, streets can turn into rivers. Homes get flooded. Infrastructure collapses. And the damage can cost billions to repair,” IMESA explains.
“Blocked storm water pipes often go unnoticed until a storm hits. Most municipalities don’t have the budget or manpower to check and clean the piped systems proactively, although all efforts are made to clean system inlets, such as catchpits and grids. As a result, problems are only discovered when the flooding starts. That means clean-up is reactive and expensive, and the damage is already done by the time help arrives.
“This is not just a technical or engineering issue. It’s a community one. When residents abuse stormwater drains as dump sites, the whole community suffers the consequences,” stresses IMESA.
Many new developments are being built without fully considering how they affect drainage. Paved surfaces like roads and rooftops don’t absorb water, they increase runoff, which puts even more pressure on stormwater systems.
“Add to this the growing impact of climate change, with storms becoming more intense and unpredictable, and it’s easy to see why local infrastructure is struggling to cope,” IMESA states.
Preventing flooding isn’t just the job of government. IMESA asserts that every resident has a role to play. “Don’t dump waste into drains or open manholes,” the institute advises all South Africans. “Report missing manhole covers or illegal dumping to your local authority. Keep gutters and street drains clear of leaves and debris. Spread awareness in your neighbourhood about the importance of protecting stormwater infrastructure. Simple actions by individuals can prevent blocked stormwater systems and protect homes and lives during heavy rain.
“As we face more extreme weather and increased pressure on our infrastructure, we must all do our part. Municipalities need to plan smarter and maintain systems better. Residents need to respect the infrastructure that protects them. With better planning, responsible behaviour, and strong community partnerships, we can reduce the risks and keep our cities safe and flowing,” IMESA concludes.
