Road users carefully drive on the last bit left of Stapleton road. This is a busy road which provides easy access into Pinetown and was damaged by reoccurring floods .
Image: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers.
The tragic death of Vanitha Jeawon underscores the critical state of infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), calling for immediate action and investment in flood management systems.
Professor Mohamed Mostafa, head of the civil engineering department at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, has highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure improvements in the province to mitigate flooding risks exacerbated by climate change.
“This tragic loss of life is yet another reminder of the urgent need to address the state of infrastructure in KZN. Flooding, exacerbated by ageing infrastructure, poor maintenance, and climate change, continues to pose a serious threat to road users and communities. Ageing infrastructure and insufficient maintenance significantly increase flood risks by reducing the capacity of roads, bridges, and storm-water systems to withstand extreme weather,” said Mostafa.
“Many of KZN’s storm-water networks were designed for historical rainfall patterns and are now insufficient to handle the increased volume of water associated with climate change. When culverts and drains are not regularly maintained, they become clogged with debris, reducing their ability to redirect storm-water and causing roads and bridges to become submerged,” he added.
He said additionally, pavements and bridges weakened over time due to water infiltration, leading to potholes, erosion, and even structural failures in extreme cases.
“Certain areas in KZN are consistently at higher risk due to a combination of geographical, infrastructural, and socio-economic factors. Durban and surrounding areas, including Pinetown, Isipingo, Umlazi, and Amanzimtoti, are highly urbanised regions that struggle with overloaded drainage networks, ageing road systems, and unregulated development in floodplains.
“Low-lying bridges, such as the one in Pinetown, are particularly vulnerable during heavy rains, as they are not designed to withstand extreme flash floods,” added Mostafa.
Addressing the challenges, he said, required a multi-faceted approach that included infrastructure investment, regulatory reforms, and public awareness campaigns.
“Upgrading drainage systems is a critical step, which involves expanding and modernising storm-water infrastructure through larger culverts, retention basins, and sustainable urban drainage solutions. Proactive maintenance of roads and drainage channels are equally important, ensuring that drains remain clear, pavements are rehabilitated, and bridge structures are reinforced to prevent failures.
“Smart infrastructure solutions, such as real-time flood monitoring systems equipped with sensors and AI-driven predictive models, can help manage water flow more effectively. Community education and emergency preparedness programs will help raise awareness about flood risks, early warning systems, and safe driving practices during extreme weather conditions.
“With climate change intensifying extreme weather, resilient infrastructure is essential to reduce the impact of flooding. The current state of infrastructure in many parts of KZN reflects years of underinvestment, climate stress, and rapid urbanisation. Many drainage and road systems were designed for a different climate era and are no longer adequate.
"Deferred maintenance and limited funding have left critical infrastructure projects delayed or incomplete. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events is accelerating the deterioration of roads, bridges, and drainage networks, while unregulated development in flood-prone areas has further compounded flood risks.
“This tragedy highlights the urgent need for action. A comprehensive strategy involving upgraded storm-water systems, climate-adaptive road designs, better maintenance practices, and stricter urban planning is essential to mitigate the growing risks posed by extreme weather. Collaboration between government agencies, engineers, researchers, and local communities will be key in building a safer, more resilient province,” added Mostafa.