Community Perceptions of Municipal Stormwater Management in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal: Evaluating Progress and Challenges

Moosa, Basiiraa and Gumbo, Trynos and Mphambukeli, Thulisile and Simelane, Thokozani (2026) Community Perceptions of Municipal Stormwater Management in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal: Evaluating Progress and Challenges. EVERYBODY PLANS ... SOMETIMES. Cherish Heritage, Plan Now, Create a Better Future! Proceedings of REAL CORP 2026, 31st International Conference on Urban Development, Regional Planning and Information Society. pp. 259-268. ISSN 2521-3938

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Abstract

In Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, inadequate maintenance and limited capacity of municipal stormwater drainage systems have been repeatedly linked to urban flooding, causing significant property damage, health risks, and public dissatisfaction, particularly in the wake of extreme rainfall events such as the 2022 floods. This study investigates community perceptions and responses to municipal stormwater drainage management in urban and peri-urban areas of the eThekwini region, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In 2024, 200 residents participated in structured surveys, with quantitative data analysed using descriptive and correlation statistics and qualitative responses examined through thematic analysis. Results indicate that public satisfaction is closely linked to perceived municipal effectiveness in maintaining drainage infrastructure and mitigating flooding. Communities reported persistent concerns regarding system performance, delayed interventions, and associated health and safety risks, reflecting limited confidence in municipal progress. The findings align with frameworks of urban resilience and participatory governance, emphasising the importance of responsive and inclusive management strategies. The study concludes by recommending targeted municipal engagement, enhanced monitoring and maintenance, and community education to improve trust, resilience, and adaptive capacity in the face of rapid urbanisation and climate-related flood risks.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Community Perception, Municipal Governance, Stormwater Management , Urban Resilience, Urban Flooding
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering
Depositing User:	The CORP Team
Date Deposited:	09 Apr 2026 20:52
Last Modified:	09 Apr 2026 20:52
URI:	http://repository.corp.at/id/eprint/1398

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