Integrated solutions to build resilience to flooding within eThekwini Municipality in South Africa

Abstract

Flooding has become one of the most urgent climate-related threats to cities, especially in African coastal cities like eThekwini Municipality, South Africa. In this study, the intention is to investigate how climate change, urbanization, and governance issues affected flood-related risk and resilience. A spatial analysis approach was used, with consideration of secondary data (rainfall, GIS and municipal data) and a comparative approach with other cities around the world, as flood risk is inherently place-based, very poorly documented at the local level, and best compared to cities that have already addressed similar drivers. This method verified the increased intensity of rain and lack of infrastructure and overreliance by informal settlements as major issues. Irrespective of the fact that the Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) has managed to save the lives of several people, there are still gaps that exist in terms of green infrastructure applications and integration, community participation and recovery plans in the event of a flood. Hence, the findings explicate that now is the time to employ integrated solutions, incorporating technological innovation, nature-based solutions, and participatory governance to build resilience to flooding within eThekwini and to guarantee fair response to future climate pressures.