Cape Town invests more than R85 million to prevent flooding during severe storms

Cape Town is investing heavily to minimise the damage of natural disasters, following repeated storms in the province in the last two months. The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate this week noted efforts to reduce flood risks and improve water quality by investing more than R85 million in 12 critical pre-winter readiness interventions across the metro. Intensive maintenance operations begin ahead of the rainy season, using various methods, including the removal of vegetation (such as invasive aquatic plants), silt, and litter using helping hands, along with dredging operations using excavators and bulldozers to remove accumulated sediment deposits and restore channel capacity.

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, said that illegal dumping into canals and rivers has severe consequences for communities. “Waste blocks stormwater infrastructure, increases flood risks for nearby homes and streets, and pollutes waterways and oceans downstream.” “Residents are urged to make use of refuse collection services and disposal facilities to help keep waterways clear and functional during winter,” Badroodien said. According to Badroodien, erosion protection works are currently underway at the Maitland Cemetery Canal.

This intervention is critical to prevent the stormwater channel from eroding and safeguarding the surrounding infrastructure, including graves nearby. Dredging works are in progress from Sandown to Link Road, and from Berkshire to Waterville in Bloubergstrand. The process of dredging includes the removal of sludge and overgrown vegetation to improve flow capacity and reduce flood crises, while rehabilitation of a lined concrete channel extends the lifespan of infrastructure.

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The removal of alien vegetation, the cutting, cleaning, and clearing of litter and sludge has taken place from the Eastern parts of Sandown to Parklands Main Road. Reed and litter removal is being undertaken along the Little Lotus Canal in Fisherman’s Walk, in Grassy Park. Badroodien said that this preventative maintenance helps keep the waterway clear and reduces the risk of flooding during the rainy season.

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