- Residents of Karbonkelberg in Hangberg have raised concerns about flooding caused by a concrete walkway constructed by the City three years ago.
- Ward 74 councillor Rob Quintas has initiated an investigation into the flooding, attributing it possibly to rising underground water.
- Resident have voiced frustrations over the conditions and are urging the City to address the issue with permanent solutions rather than temporary measures.
In response to grievances voiced by Karbonkelberg residents in Hangberg, Ward 74 councillor Rob Quintas said the City has launched an investigation into conditions causing flooding following the construction of a concrete walkway on the hill.
Last week, People’s Post investigated conditions endured by residents like Deidre Strauss and her neighbour Yusra Mohamme. It was reported that the City built a concrete walkway or road between the informal dwellings on Karbonkelberg three years ago. Along with rainy conditions, residents say they suffer under the wet, mouldy and flooded conditions that cause damage and misery.
Quintas says, City staff visited the site last week and conducted an initial investigation, “which led to the conclusion that more investigations are required.”
This appears to be underground water that is rising to the surface, he noted.
“Further investigation will determine the exact nature of this problem. Our urban mobility and human settlement departments are working on this. Feedback will be available in due course.”
Before this walkway was built, however, residents said a stream used to run through the settlement into the ocean.
“We’re not sure why the road needed to be built because we didn’t mind the stream. It never flooded the settlement and made us feel surrounded by nature,” Strauss previously stated.
Mohammed, on the other hand, argued that residents are tired of the City’s temporary relief measure in providing plastic sails and sandbags to block flooding water.
“The City should stop offering us these temporary measures – come and fix the problem.”
