Durban and several other cities in KwaZulu-Natal are grappling with severe flooding due to relentless rainfall, causing widespread damage and distress. Flash floods have displaced numerous families, while entire communities face significant property losses.
Over the past weekend, key roads in Durban were submerged, leaving vehicles trapped under floodwaters. Quarry Road in Springfield was particularly affected, with at least two cars completely submerged. In Lamontville, a blocked waterway has exacerbated the crisis following recent downpours, adding to the devastation that claimed six lives last week when floodwaters swept through Gwala Street.
The South African Weather Service has issued warnings for additional rainfall expected on Sunday and Monday across the province’s southern regions, heightening concerns about further flooding. In response, Rev. Thulasizwe Buthelezi, MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), has activated disaster management teams across KwaZulu-Natal and placed them on high alert. He urged residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate to higher ground and avoid unnecessary travel.
“We are deeply concerned about the impact of these severe weather conditions. The safety of our communities is our top priority. We urge residents to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families,” said Buthelezi.
Mayor Xaba, speaking at a media briefing held at the Durban City Hall on Tuesday, 4 March afternoon, acknowledged the extensive destruction caused by the floods, including damage to the city’s infrastructure and loss of life. “Flooding during heavy rains is closely tied to the capacity of stormwater systems and the debris carried by floodwaters. We continually urge both residents and businesses to dispose of waste properly to prevent blockages,” he explained
He noted that the stormwater systems in eThekwini Municipality are designed to handle a one-in-ten-year storm event at critical points. However, the increasing frequency of severe weather events necessitates a reassessment of infrastructure capacity and flood risk management.
“In response to these challenges, the city has launched various initiatives to mitigate flooding risks. One such initiative is the Sihlanzimvelo pilot programme, which maintains approximately 500km of streams in high-risk areas. Additionally, we are revising flood lines to incorporate projected climate-related increases in rainfall intensity,” Mayor Xaba said.
The city is also conducting detailed assessments of government-developed properties to formulate stormwater management plans tailored to high-risk areas.
“We are confident that these interventions will enhance the city’s resilience to extreme weather conditions,” Xaba added. “Technical teams have been appointed to assess the infrastructure and propose sustainable solutions.”
Cllr Imtiaz Syed, president of the Active Citizen Coalition, expressed frustration over the recurring flood crisis. “The damage has been extensive. The people of Durban are once again left to deal with the aftermath of this disaster without meaningful economic relief,” he said. “This repeated cycle of devastation is unsustainable and calls for urgent intervention.”
Syed pointed to aging infrastructure and blocked drainage systems as key contributors to urban flooding. “It is unacceptable that communities continue to face these risks without a comprehensive plan in place. The municipality must conduct an in-depth investigation into the state of urban drainage systems and provide clear timelines for maintenance and repairs.”
He also called for long-term infrastructure upgrades to improve urban resilience. “The residents of informal settlements are particularly vulnerable, living in areas with inadequate infrastructure and little access to basic services. The municipality must urgently develop relocation plans for these communities and engage them in disaster preparedness strategies.”
As Durban continues to endure repeated flooding, officials and community leaders stress the need for long-term planning, improved drainage systems, and proactive disaster management to prevent further devastation.
