Nondumiso Mciteka, principal communications officer for the Department of Water and Sanitation:
Recent flooding across the country has shown us how unpredictable the weather can be.
Heavy rainfall filled dams to capacity, damaged infrastructure, flooded roads, left people homeless and even claimed lives.
Although the department is satisfied with the fact that the dams are filled to capacity, it is important that people be reminded of the dangers posed by floods.
Generally, floods take hours or even days to develop – but, as in recent cases, flash floods can come quickly with little to no warning.
Members of the public are therefore encouraged not to participate in any activities that might endanger their lives and livelihoods, such as swimming in dams and crossing low-lying bridges. Residents are also discouraged from constructing their homes on low-lying areas, below the flood line or in close proximity to rivers or streams.
During flooding, the municipality plays an integral role in not only the upkeep of local stormwater drainage systems, but also the dissemination of information to the community.
Water is a precious and a scarce commodity – one that can be dangerous if not treated with the necessary respect.
