City getting ready

As winter sets in across Cape Town, the City's departments and local wards have swung into action to prevent and manage the seasonal challenges of flooding, cold weather, and increased demand on shelters.

- NAMHLA MONAKALI

At the heart of these efforts is the City's Winter Readiness Task Team, coordinated by the Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC), which began preparations as early as February.

Charlotte Powell, spokesperson for the DRMC, confirmed that the task team includes several departments, all working together to mitigate winter-related risks. “Each year, the City constitutes a winter readiness task team coordinated by the Disaster Risk Management Centre,” said Powell.

The programme includes clearing stormwater channels, identifying high-risk informal areas, resettling communities where necessary, and supporting shelters dealing with higher demand during the cold months.

In Ward 74, which includes parts of Hout Bay and surrounds, Councillor Rob Quintas affirmed that preparations are underway and aligned with the broader city strategy. “All wards across Cape Town are included in the City’s Road Infrastructure Management (RIM) Department's annual winter preparation programme,” he said.