Luthando Tyhalibongo, City of Cape Town spokesperson
The City wishes to provide clarity on the informal settlement works in Karbonkelberg informal settlement, Hangberg.
The City carried out and completed an informal settlement upgrade in October 2022, which included the installation of stormwater, water and sewer system infrastructure.
Rainfall on the slopes of Hangberg above the Salamander Road causes considerable erosion of soil and plant material and on occasion rocks and stones.
The City’s human settlements directorate saw the opportunity to improve and formalise the stormwater capture and conveyance in underground stormwater infrastructure, to reduce the uncontrolled discharge onto the properties and roads on the downslope.
The work has greatly improved the safety in this region.
The pre-existing stormwater cut-off channel, which was an earthen trench (old sloot) had a dual purpose of serving as a firebreak. However, it was previously used to dispose of solid waste and sewage by the community residing in the area above the open channel.
The upgrade works therefore improve the health and safety in the area as well as assist with reducing flooding during the winter months.
It is important to note that prior to the commencement of the upgrade project, extensive public meetings were held with the community to inform them about the project’s intentions and interventions.
Throughout the duration of the project, all complaints raised through the community liaison officer were dealt with in terms of the practicality of the complaint, based on engineering principles and benefit to the community, as far as accommodating concerns.
Interventions in so far as upgrading the informal structures and the immediate surrounds, other than accommodating the surface water run-off, could not be accommodated.
The City’s informal settlements department will continue to assist those informal dwellings affected by seasonal flooding due to their location on a case-by-case basis.
The City takes grievances of all residents seriously. We have an open-door policy and urge all residents to approach us in good faith about their concerns.
