Development of stormwater and flood alleviation infrastructure

The City of Mbombela is poised to face adverse consequences as a result of climate change. These repercussions include a heightened frequency of heatwaves and extreme temperature fluctuations, an increased occurrence of droughts, elevated humidity levels, greater variability in rainfall patterns, more intense rainfall occurrences, and a heightened susceptibility to diseases. 

Within the Mbombela Municipal area, numerous settlements, such as those in the Mataffin area, Kanyamazane, and Tekwane catchments, currently face the harsh effects of flooding. These flood events are becoming more severe and frequent due to shifting climate conditions. They result in the loss of livelihoods, damage to property, adverse effects on public health, and the deterioration of the city's infrastructure. 

The rapid expansion of informal settlements in the region exacerbates stormwater-related issues. This exacerbation hampers the City of Mbombela's ability to effectively address these challenges and predict their occurrence. It also undermines the city's infrastructure development efforts, including the formalization of urban areas. 

 To tackle these issues, it is imperative to implement infrastructure solutions that not only alleviate the impact of flooding sustainably but also proactively address the developmental and environmental factors contributing to the escalating effects of these flooding incidents.