Chairman’s comment

KZN FLOODS

Building back better

Plans are under way to repair and restore damaged water and sanitation infrastructure caused by the recent floods in KwaZulu-Natal. While emergency measures have been put in place to restore services, and current systems remain vulnerable, we cannot rush into replacing this infrastructure with its exact substitute.

By Dan Naidoo, chairman, WISA

We need to rethink how we plan and build infrastructure. There must be a focus on climate-resilient infrastructure.

Due to climate change, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is likely to experience further flooding events in the future. Already, the province is no stranger to floods. A similar weather system caused a mudslide in Durban and other parts of KZN in April 2019, with 180 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours. Around 70 people were killed during those floods. Back in 1987, 900 mm of rain fell in just four days, leaving over 300 people dead in Durban.

During the 1987 flood, many river crossings were destroyed and pipelines were washed away. As a result, some pipelines were then placed underneath riverbeds. The same type of thinking needs to be applied (on a broader scale) when rebuilding infrastructure now. Using technology now

Today, there is technology available that can give better foresight and accurate information. Data is more readily available and it is easier to do a detailed analysis on proposed infrastructure designs. It makes little sense to continue with more traditional methods of design and construction without utilising refined methods and innovative materials of construction.

Technology can be used for early warning systems; it can be used to give real-time information on streams, rivers and dams, and assist with disaster management and better management of existing systems. During the recent flood, many streams became raging rivers. By using data collected on these streams and other related infrastructure, we can plan our responses better and review options for the future.

Data can be used to make an environment safe, identify vulnerable areas, determine where development should be encouraged or discouraged, and plan for a better future outcome when there is another flood or similar events that render humans and infrastructure vulnerable. It can help to improve stormwater management and design resilient infrastructure.

I am not proposing that we adopt technology for the sake of it. Technology needs to serve a purpose, there must be a clear need, it must create a return on investment and ultimately improve the lives of people.

The massive devastation faced by KZN provides an opportunity to build from the bottom up; we can build infrastructure differently – infrastructure that is safer, smarter and more resilient. We need to rebuild with a sense of greater care for people, property and the environment. We must rebuild infrastructure that will benefit the vulnerable and future generations.