The City of Cape Town is investing R87.5 million to upgrade the Bayside Canal, a project aimed at improving stormwater management and the water quality of the Rietvlei. The upgrade is a response to increased development in the area, which has led to greater stormwater flow and the pollution of the Rietvlei.
Key Points:
- R87.5 million Bayside Canal upgrade project
- Aims to improve water quality in the Rietvlei
- Includes lining side slopes, floating litter booms, sedimentation ponds, and reed beds
- Project demonstrates City’s commitment to water-sensitive practices
The project, which began in November 2023, is expected to be completed by mid-June 2025. The improvements include lining the canal’s side slopes, installing floating litter booms, constructing sedimentation ponds and reed beds for water treatment, and creating a bypass channel. Additionally, the project will provide access for future maintenance.
Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, expressed optimism about the upgrade’s potential to prevent flooding and enhance the stormwater quality flowing into the Rietvlei. He emphasized the City’s commitment to becoming more water-sensitive and improving the health of its waterways.
The Bayside Canal upgrade project is part of the City’s R131 million investment in river and waterways infrastructure upgrades for the 2023/24 financial year. Environmental considerations have been prioritized throughout the project, including efforts to protect the Rietvlei ecosystem and endangered plant species.
