No easy solution for flooding dilemma

No easy solution for flooding dilemma

THE Kouga Municipality and Department of Environmental Affairs are working closely together to find solutions for the flood dilemma at Paradise Beach.

The recent heavy rains have left sections of Paradise Beach, including Johan Muller Boulevard, under water and have made it impossible for several residents to move their vehicles in or out of their properties.

Early attempts to drain the water were stopped by the Department of Environmental Affairs because the affected area is a wetland. According to the National Environmental Management Act (Nema), wetlands may not be drained.

The affected residential erven were set out in the early 1990s by the then Algoa District Council before Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) were introduced as essential planning tools for sustainable development.