The online article “Soet River canal: ‘Swarms’ spark health concerns” refers. I’m compelled to share my ongoing concerns as a resident adjacent to the Soet River canal.
Despite repeated engagement with the City of Cape Town in my capacity as chairperson of the Savanna Mews Homeowners’ Association, the canal’s worsening state remains unaddressed.
In February 2024, I contacted Councillor Chantal Cerfontein via WhatsApp to address this issue and inquire about planned interventions. Unfortunately, the response was inadequate and failed to reflect the urgency required. This is not a minor inconvenience; it poses a significant health and environmental hazard to our community.
Furthermore, at the beginning of this year, I engaged with various City departments regarding this matter, with varying degrees of response.
The deteriorating condition of the Soet River canal is causing significant distress and valid concerns among residents. The following points, reflecting our collective urgency, should form the basis for further investigation and advocacy with the City:
Health and quality of life impacts:
The unbearable mosquito infestation poses severe health risks, forcing residents to rely on unsustainable and costly solutions like air conditioning, fans, and chemical sprays. The overpowering stench from the canal, coupled with the mosquito problem, makes it impossible to open windows and doors during hot weather.
Ineffective cleanup efforts:
The City’s clean-up efforts were inadequate, leaving waste and sludge along the canal, which exacerbated the pest problem and risked re-entry into the waterway. The absence of follow-up to remove the remaining debris demonstrates a lack of accountability.
Proposed sustainable solutions:
- implement frequent and proactive canal cleaning and maintenance;
- use environmentally friendly mosquito control agents, such as Bti; and
- establish a dedicated, weekly maintenance team for ongoing canal upkeep, even after long-term solutions are implemented.
Perceived inequity and systemic issues:
Residents perceive unequal treatment compared to affluent suburbs, highlighting systemic issues in municipal service delivery.
Accountability and responsibility:
The City must take full responsibility for the continuous and frequent upkeep of a canal they built.
Broader urban decay concerns:
The canal issue is indicative of a wider pattern of neglect in the Helderberg, including deteriorating sewerage systems and increasing pollution.
These points underscore the urgent need for the City to address the Soet River canal issue comprehensively and equitably.
We acknowledge the City’s ongoing work on the Trappies sewerage system and other service upgrades in the area. While we appreciate these efforts, which should have been implemented years ago, the residents surrounding the Soet River canal continue to be neglected.
It is unacceptable to expect our community to endure these conditions indefinitely while awaiting the City’s prioritisation. We fulfil our tax obligations and participate in elections with the expectation of receiving the promised services. The current situation, a direct result of neglect and delayed action, is untenable.
Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee member for Water and Sanitation, mentioned the SRCMF and forum meetings in the article. We would gladly attend these meetings if the event schedule could be made available to us.
N. de Kock, Email
Chantal Cerfontein, Subcouncil 8 chairperson and Ward 85 councillor, responds: “The maintenance team has provided the following update on ongoing and upcoming pre-winter cleaning initiatives:
- ACJ Phakade School: Work is scheduled to commence Monday 7 April on completion of the current project.
- Soet River main section (Helios Avenue to Broadway Boulevard): Clearing was completed on Wednesday 12 March.
- Silt trap clearing: Currently underway, with an expected completion date in mid-April.
- Reed clearing (above sewerpipe crossing): Scheduled for completion on Friday 4 April.
- Broadlands Road canal (Lwandle): Cleaning scheduled to start in the second week of April, contingent on smooth employment processes.
*Photos of the completed cleanup efforts referred to here, are available on request.
Furthermore, the construction of litter interceptors for the Soet River was scheduled to start on Sunday 31 March.
The next forum meeting is scheduled to be held at the Strand council chambers on Thursday 10 April, from 16:00 to 17:30.
