FLOODING IMPACT IN THE LANGEBERG MUNICIPAL AREA

Extent of Flooding

The recent flooding during July 2024 has significantly impacted several regions in the Western Cape.

The most affected areas within the Langeberg Municipal area include McGregor and all farms and houses on both sides of the Breede River. These areas have experienced extensive waterlogging and damage to infrastructure.

The Breede River pump station at Viljoensdrift that supply raw water to the Ashton Water Treatment Plant as well as to Montagu, has sustained extensive damage. Major work is required to reinstate this pump station. It is estimated that it will take at least three weeks for this pump station to be operational again. Further repairs will be required to ensure the pumpstation is fully restored. This has a direct impact on the water supply to Ashton and Montagu. The supply from CBR will be used to supply water to Ashton and Montagu if the storage dam in Ashton and Montagu runs low. All efforts are being made to ensure an uninterrupted water supply to Ashton and Montagu.

There was also damage to the Breede River raw water pump station at Bonnievale, which got flooded, as well as sewer pump station 7. Both pump stations are back in operation, but some detailed repairs still need to be done.

Evacuation and Relief Efforts

To date, approximately three people have been safely evacuated from the low-lying areas at the McGregor Bridge. There was no need for temporary shelters, as the evacuated residents were taken to family. Disaster management teams provided food parcels and blankets before moving the residents to their families.

Challenges and Future Plans

The recovery operations have faced several challenges, including difficult weather conditions and accessibility issues due to damaged infrastructure, which caused electricity outages to McGregor and parts of Robertson and surrounding areas. The biggest challenge is the repair cost and ensuring that infrastructure is protected against future flooding events. In terms of future plans, measures must be investigated to prevent damage to raw water pump stations next to the Breede River.

There are comprehensive long-term plans being developed to prevent and mitigate future flooding. These include the enhancement of drainage systems, the construction of flood barriers, and the implementation of advanced weather monitoring and early warning systems.

Additionally, we are focusing on sustainable land use planning and the restoration of natural watercourses to improve resilience against future floods.

Community education and preparedness programs are also being introduced to ensure that residents are better equipped to respond to potential flooding events in the future.

Electrical infrastructure will be strengthened and, where possible, moved from areas with a high risk of flooding. All repair works planned will take into consideration measures to prevent future flooding. Implementation is, however, dependent on the availability of funding.

Yours faithfully,

DP LUBBE

MUNICIPAL MANAGER