More than R1,2 million has been recently invested by the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate, into the upgrade of the Bloemvlei Canal in Kewtown. This project is in its final stages of completion and is expected to be concluded by the end of July 2024.

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Routine inspection and maintenance of the Bloemvlei Canal is undertaken at least four times a year, to clear overgrown vegetation, litter and to assess the condition of the infrastructure. As a result, the need for more extensive improvements was identified. A project which started at the end of May 2024 is currently under way, including the following priorities:

· Site clearance (vegetation and litter waste);

· Protection of existing services (sewer and electricity) beneath the canal and along the open watercourse;

· Reshaping of unsafe, steep embankments;

· Demolition and replacement of collapsing concrete canal walls;

· Installation of rip-rap stone along the riverbed;

· Installation of rock-filled gabions along the embankments for erosion protection;

· Installation of subsoil drains

These upgrades will protect the canal from erosion and reduce flood risk, especially as the surrounding areas are prone to flooding.

The installation of 45 meters of gabions will help filter stormwater from Hanover Park, Penlyn Estate, Rylands and Silvertown, improving water quality as the canal meets the Vygekraal River in Kewtown.

‘As part of the canal upgrade, 10 local labourers were employed. Unfortunately there have been challenges, including attempts to rob and extort money from the contractor during their initial setup.

‘With the support of local Ward Councillor Rashid Adams (Ward 49), 24-hour security was deployed to manage the safety risks on site.

‘Given the high volumes of foot traffic along the embankments, the success of this project is crucial for public safety. One of our key objectives is to ensure that the embankments are well-stabilised to prevent collapse,’ said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.

Supplied by: City of Cape Town