HEAVY overnight rains left several Cape Town roads flooded on Tuesday, 5 August.
In the morning, traffic chaos and delays for motorists across the city were the order of the day.
Frustrated drivers reported being stuck for hours on their way to work as roads were waterlogged and had to be closed.
Nokwanda Moyikwa, who was travelling from Mfuleni to Epping, said Klipfontein Road was flooded near New Begginings, forcing drivers to use narrow paths between informal dwellings to get through.
"Everyone wanted to go, taxis, scholar transport, people heading to work. It was just chaos. I'm glad I managed to get to work on time," said Nokwanda.
City of Cape Town Traffic Services spokeswoman Maxine Bezuidenhout confirmed that multiple roads were affected, including the N1 incoming interchange before Koeberg Road, where the right lane had to be closed due to flooding. Govan Mbeki Road in Philippi was also submerged in both directions near the Fezeka municipal offices.
Another major disruption was on Baden Powell Drive in Monwabisi, where a single lane toward the N2 was closed due to water overflow.
Bezuidenhout urged motorists to exercise caution.
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"Please, allow for extra travel time or use alternative routes where possible, until water levels subside. Drive with headlights on, reduce speed to prevent aquaplaning, and increase following distance," she said.
She also appealed to the public to report any road obstructions or safety threats by calling the Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.
The impact of the flooding extended beyond the roads.
Residents in informal settlements were hard hit, with some reporting water flooding into homes overnight.
In Mfuleni's Covid-19 informal area, resident Busisiwe Nteleko had a sleepless night.
"It has been tough. We had to lift the fridge onto bricks because water was flooding into my shack. It's been a rough few months. I'm glad the rainy season is almost over," she said.
City authorities have not yet confirmed how long it will take for roads to fully clear up and advised residents to remain cautious and stay updated through official channels.
