On the first scheduled day of free-flowing, two-way traffic in Kalk Bay after years of roadworks, flooding hit Main Road.
|||Cape Town - On the first scheduled day of free-flowing, two-way traffic in Kalk Bay after years of roadworks, the worst flooding on the Main Road in years saw pedestrians stranded and traffic held up.
Since 2008, roadworks have been a cause of frustration for businesses and residents. But the City of Cape Town said the rehabilitation of the road and drainage system was necessary.
Businesspeople have complained that the stop-and-go system and associated delays had discouraged tourists and commuters from visiting the area.
During Monday night’s storm, water seeped into many shops, while the Cape to Cuba restaurant below Main Road was inaccessible to customers.
Brendon Fortuin, district manager for infrastructure in the area, attributed the flooding to “high-tide debris” which had blocked stormwater outlets.
“The stormwater system along this section of the Main Road discharges into the sea at several points. During high tide, debris such as seaweed, sand and rocks can wash into the outlet pipes, resulting in blockages and periodic flooding of the Main Road.
“This is not related to the recent upgrading works on the Main Road.”
Brett Herron, mayoral committee member for roads, transport and stormwater, said: “This plug was removed at low tide on Wednesday and the system is now clear. Further work is planned soon at the system outlet to prevent boulders from being washed in by wave action. This will reduce the risk of the road ponding in future. (Ponding) should not occur once the further work is completed.”
But, Cape to Cuba owner Beona van Vuuren, who says she has witnessed weather conditions in Kalk Bay for 23 years, accused the city of trying to divert attention from the drainage system.
“Never in my life have I seen such extensive flooding due to tide-related blockages,” she said, and referred to the way the road upgrade had “repelled” visitors from the area.
Tuesday was supposed to be the first day of free-flowing, two-way traffic since the summer holidays, yet the flooding led to delays and diversions that had turned a 15-minute journey into an hour, according to Cape to Cuba manager Judy Voerman.
Commuters to and from the south peninsula had further trouble when a culvert on the Main Road in Lakeside collapsed, leading to a road closure and further diversions.
Heavy rains led to flooding of 12 roads, mostly in the southern suburbs, on Tuesday morning. Storm winds meant electricity lines in Wetton, Claremont, Wynberg and Meadowridge came down.
Sir Lowry’s Pass Village resident Arend Fortuin woke in the early hours when the gale blew his new wood-and-iron bungalow apart. He, his partner Charlotte Martins and their son Johnray Martins, 15, were asleep at about 3am when it happened.
“I looked up and saw we were out in the open,” Martins said.
Martins said the shelter had been given to the family by his employer, but it was not built properly. Neighbours arrived early to assist the family. Their clothing and bedding were soaked.
* A gust ripped off about 20 roofs in Moorreesburg, but no injuries were reported. The area’s Fire and Rescue chief, Jacques Smith, said they were out for most of the day helping residents repair their homes.
“It was raining and a there was a huge gust of wind that came through and took off about 15 or 20 roofs. We had a bit of bad weather but it was not a major disaster.”
Cape Argus