Significant flood alleviation work has recently been completed in Cwmaman – which has strengthened the infrastructure at the Nant Aman Fach to help reduce the risk of flooding to nearby properties during storm events.
The Cwmaman Flood Alleviation Scheme (Phase 2) got underway during autumn 2023, and has been designed to reduce the risk of flooding to around 78 properties across Glanaman Road and Brynhyfryd. The scheme has intended to maximise the capacity of the existing flood alleviation network, with the Nant Aman Fach running adjacent to the two residential streets.
The scheme has improved an existing wall that sits between the watercourse and social club, and built a new wall between the watercourse and Glanaman Road/Brynhyfryd. In addition, carriageway improvements will better manage overland flows of water if the riverbank ever overtops during extreme rainfall. The water would be more efficiently directed to the existing drainage system.
The scheme has been completed on schedule this spring, with the final resurfacing of the road taking place in the week commencing April 22.
The scheme has been delivered with a contribution from Welsh Government’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Capital Programme, providing 85% of the overall investment. The remaining match funding was contributed by the Council’s ongoing Highways and Transportation Capital Programme.
Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Investment, said: “Important work in Cwmaman is now complete, to reduce the flood risk in the community as a proactive response to the increased risk of extreme weather brought by climate change. Work has included repairing a wall next to the watercourse, building a new wall, and road improvements to better direct flows of water. It represents an investment of more than half-a-million pounds for the community.
“We continue to welcome the support from Welsh Government to deliver such flood alleviation work across the County Borough. In 2023/24, we benefitted from £4.8m funding across the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management and Small Scale Works Grant programmes. For the year ahead (2024/25), we’ve submitted funding bids for 15 large flood alleviation schemes and 14 small-scale schemes, valued at £4m and £1.11m respectively – and a total of £1.18m is set aside for Council match funding in our new capital programme.
“Last year, we also undertook extensive consultations with the public on two future flood alleviation schemes that are being planned for Treorchy and Pentre, both of which are progressing into the design stage. The schemes are led by evidence gathered in previous storm events, as well as projections based on climate change – and will represent a major investment for both communities.
“I’m pleased that the important scheme in Cwmaman has recently concluded, and has been delivered on time. It has been designed to alleviate the flood risk to 78 residential properties that are located near to the Nant Aman Fach, and I’d like to thank the community for their cooperation as the improvements were delivered.”
