There is an urgent need for a proactive and resilient approach to infrastructure maintenance in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), particularly in light of recurring floods that have exposed significant vulnerabilities in the region’s roads, bridges, and water systems.

This is according to Consulting Engineers South Africa’s (CESA) President, David Leukes, during the industry body’s recent branch visit to KZN, where he presented under the theme: “Collaborating for the Future We Want: Mobilising for Sustainable Development.”

“Across the country –  and more especially here in KZN –  the recurring floods over the past several years have underscored the urgent need for a more proactive and resilient approach to infrastructure maintenance, embedded within a comprehensive life-cycle framework,” said Leukes.

“Much of our infrastructure was designed for historical weather patterns and is now overwhelmed by the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, which continue to be exacerbated by climate change.”

He warned that ageing infrastructure and deferred maintenance have significantly increased vulnerability, noting that blocked culverts, eroded pavements, and low-lying bridges – such as those in Pinetown – have failed under pressure during recent flooding episodes.

“Clogged stormwater systems and outdated bridge designs cannot cope with the current volumes of water, and in many cases, this has led to catastrophic damage. We, as a nation, are still struggling to gain control over the situation and implement effective mitigation measures,” he added.

CESA KZN Branch Chairperson Sagren Narasimulu echoed these concerns: “Our province faces significant infrastructure challenges that demand our expertise. The increasing frequency and severity of flooding events have placed enormous strain on our infrastructure. A 2024 report by the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs revealed that flood damage in recent years has cost our province billions. This underscores the urgent need for resilient, future-proof solutions.”

Narasimulu further highlighted that the challenge extends beyond flood damage. “The maintenance and upgrading of our transport networks – roads, bridges, and ports – are critical to keeping KZN connected and supporting economic growth. The question we must ask is: Are we doing enough to ensure that our infrastructure is built to withstand evolving climate challenges?”

Leukes emphasised that by adopting a life-cycle approach, government and stakeholders can build an interconnected ecosystem where each infrastructure project contributes to long-term sustainability. “We need to rethink how we design, build, and maintain our systems – not as isolated projects, but as part of a cohesive, climate-adaptive strategy,” he explained.

He also stressed the importance of collaboration between government, the private sector, and communities to improve disaster preparedness and response. “Clear communication channels and well-coordinated action plans are essential to minimising damage and accelerating recovery efforts,” he said.

Narasimulu added that systemic inefficiencies also hamper progress. “Procurement bottlenecks remain a major hurdle, affecting project timelines, budgets, and ultimately, the quality of service delivery. These inefficiencies do not just impact engineers; they affect every business and community relying on well-maintained infrastructure.”

Leukes further noted that skills development is an integral part of this effort. “Addressing KZN’s ageing water infrastructure, for example, requires a concerted focus on enhancing the technical capabilities of our water professionals – from leak detection and treatment optimisation to the deployment of smart technologies in water management.”

CESA CEO Chris Campbell emphasised that resilient infrastructure is not just an engineering imperative – it is a national priority.

“The time for piecemeal solutions is over. What we need is a coordinated, long-term commitment to infrastructure planning, funding, and maintenance. This is how we protect lives, livelihoods, and the economic potential of provinces like KZN. CESA and its members stand ready to support all spheres of government with the technical expertise, project oversight, and professional integrity needed to build a future-ready South Africa.”