Too Much Water, But Not A Drop To Drink
Bona|March 2017

We investigate the impact of poor drainage systems in South Africa, and how it affects infrastructure and sustainability. 

Françoise Gallet
Too Much Water, But Not A Drop To Drink

Memories of the chaos caused by the flash flood that hit Johannesburg on 9 November 2016 are still fresh in the minds of many South Africans. The images of sunken cars, collapsed roofs and stranded motorists have left many with one question: are the city’s stormwater drainage systems being properly built and maintained? The answer is a complex yes and no, especially if you’re hoping for our country’s water resources to be sustainably managed, experts say.

ENGINEERING, ECONOMICS, WEATHER 

“Where they are properly designed and built, which is more or less always the case, South African roads are built for floods. But, it’s not possible to design for the maximum flood that can occur,” explains engineer Pine Pienaar.

It is accepted that severe weather outside of the norm is going to cause some flooding. To keep the socio- economic impact of any flood to a minimum, the roads are built on a risk-based principle. So, roads of key national importance are built in line with international standards. These include drainage pipes, culverts and bridges designed to pass floods with a return period of between 10 and 100 years (generally storms so big that they happen only once in a 10-year or 100-year period). Meanwhile, lower-order residential roads are generally designed for the power of the storm that is most likely to occur once every two to 10 years (a less severe weather event).

Hourly rainfall data from the OR Tambo International weather station for the massive rain we had on 9 November shows that the day’s rain was likely a 1-in-200-year event, explains Elsa de Jager, unit manager of climate information at the South African Weather Service.

THE ODD FLOODPLAIN

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 2017-Ausgabe von Bona.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 2017-Ausgabe von Bona.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS BONAAlle anzeigen
Damage At Work: Who Pays?
Bona

Damage At Work: Who Pays?

What happens when you damage company property or property that belongs to your employer? Are you liable for the costs?

time-read
5 Minuten  |
June 2020
Safety Tips When Driving With Kids
Bona

Safety Tips When Driving With Kids

The roads we drive on can be quite treacherous. Car safety is not only limited to you as a driver, but also your passengers including your children. Vuyi Mpofu gives us six safety tips that you must abide by.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
June 2020
The Impact Of The Coronavirus
Bona

The Impact Of The Coronavirus

When COVID-19 hit South Africa, it came as no surprise that the virus would impact vulnerable communities such as townships and rural areas the hardest. The frequently asked questions since then have been whether the government has given enough information and resources to the people in disadvantaged areas or not. Everson Luhanga investigates further.

time-read
5 Minuten  |
June 2020
Financially Surviving Covid-19
Bona

Financially Surviving Covid-19

Our finance guru, Sinesipho Maninjwa, shares advice on how you can navigate and survive the financial impact of the coronavirus.

time-read
9 Minuten  |
June 2020
All I Want Is A Baby
Bona

All I Want Is A Baby

Trying to conceive with no success, and undergoing fertility treatment can take its toll on your relationship. This is the reality for many couples, and yet it remains a taboo subject.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
June 2020
THE TRUTH ABOUT - feminine hygiene products
Bona

THE TRUTH ABOUT - feminine hygiene products

Despite numerous attempts by medical professionals to debunk the need for feminine hygiene products, numerous women still use them. Lethabo Nxumalo finds out why and if they are truly putting you at risk.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
June 2020
THREE GENERATIONS OF MTOBA women
Bona

THREE GENERATIONS OF MTOBA women

Linda Mtoba (27) is a mom, and she’s extremely happy about it. She chats to Amanda Mtuli about her pregnancy and what motherhood has taught her thus far. She also introduces us to her beautiful daughter, Bean. We are lucky to have the matriarch of the family, Linda’s mother Celiwe Mtoba (47), present during the interview. She lovingly gushes over her first grandchild while giving us insight into what it was like raising Linda.

time-read
9 Minuten  |
June 2020
THE OLDER SIBLING Blues
Bona

THE OLDER SIBLING Blues

Expecting the arrival of your bundle of joy may be exciting for you and your partner, but might not be so thrilling for your older child. Experts say kids sometimes struggle to accept the changes that a newborn brings. Fundiswa Nkwanyana spoke to some of them to help you prepare your firstborn for the new family member.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
June 2020
Owning THE SPOTLIGHT
Bona

Owning THE SPOTLIGHT

Film and TV star Fulu Mugovhani (29), currently graces our screens as Noli on the M-Net series, Still Breathing. The former Scandal! actress talks about getting into showbiz and lessons learnt on and off the stage.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
June 2020
Life After losing a child
Bona

Life After losing a child

A parent’s worst fear is the death of a child. And, when that fear becomes a reality, grief becomes unbearable and acceptance seems impossible. Four readers share intimate details of their journeys.

time-read
8 Minuten  |
June 2020