RESIDENTS across Cape Town are already feeling the strain as the rainy season begins.
Shacks are flooding, furniture is soaked, families are battling to cope, and motorists are struggling to navigate wet roads after heavy rainfall over the weekend.
Nokuzola Dayimani (51) from Wallacedene, Kraaifontein, said water rushed into her shack after heavy rain began on Saturday, 18 April.
"The rainy season has started badly for me. Last year, it wasn't as bad, but it seems there's a blocked drain somewhere, and the water is now flowing straight into my shack. My furniture is all wet."
Nokuzola said she did not expect the damage and now does not know how she will recover.
In Philippi, a resident from Siyahlala informal settlement said this has been happening for years.
"I just wish the government would move us from this area. We've suffered enough. During election times, leaders promise us we will be moved, but nothing happens," she said.
Many residents said they're tired of empty promises while their homes flood every winter.
City officials said they're aware of the situation and are assessing the damage.
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Disaster Risk Management spokeswoman Sonica Lategan said: "Disaster Risk Management officials will be conducting assessments in the Mkhonto Square informal settlement in Nyanga, as well as Brown's Farm."
Lategan said reports have already come in about affected structures.
"Our Disaster Operations Centre received reports that structures in these areas have been affected by the heavy downpours," she said.
Flooding has also been reported in different parts of Cape Town.
"There has also been localised flooding in many parts of the metropole.
"Several roads in Parkwood have been affected," Lategan said.
The bad weather is expected to persist, and residents have been urged to stay safe.
"We ask the public to please exercise caution and to report emergencies," added Lategan.
