Community perceptions of municipal stormwater management in Durban KwaZulu-Natal: evaluating progress and challenges

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, emphasizing 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 urbanization and climate-related flood risks