Last week, Bela-Bela municipal officials agreed to a plan of action with regards to the waterlogged industrial area. This after the DA’s oversight revealed that due to heavy and consistent rainfall, businesses in the area are experiencing structural damage due to underground water.
Businesses have been left to their own devices to maintain and safeguard their properties, with financial implications most cannot afford.
The soil is overly saturated and municipal stormwater systems are overgrown or blocked, indicative of a lack of maintenance, which exacerbates the problem. (See photos here and here)
To mitigate further flood damage, aerial drones will be used to determine the affected areas and single out municipal infrastructure that require urgent attention.
Local businesses have also offered to partner with the municipality once the plan is underway.
The industrial area is a large contributor to the local economy and must be protected against preventable flooding.
The DA will monitor the situation and keep the stakeholders accountable and informed.