As part of the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate’s Winter Readiness Programme (pre-clean-up before winter rains), the City’s catchment, stormwater and river management (CSRM) department started conducting clean-up operations at the Macassar Canal earlier this week. This work is envisaged to be completed in the next two weeks.
Labour-intensive teams attended to excess debris, vegetation, and silt within the canal that may have restricted the flow of water.
With an annual budget of R75 million and an approved additional R25 million in the 2023-’24 financial year for the cleaning of canals City-wide, this extra funding allows for improved cleaning frequency to critical areas with an emphasis on flood alleviation.
The frequency of the cleaning of canals is dependent on the availability of resources (budget) and prohibited cleaning periods due to the breeding season of certain faunal species (between October and January). A flood risk analysis also informs the frequency of cleaning.
“Some canals are hotspots for illegal dumping, with people continuing to dump all sorts of waste in and around the canals,” said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee member for water and sanitation. “I want to encourage residents who live within proximity of our canals to be the champions of keeping the canals clean by reporting any illegal dumping. Do not use our canals as bins. Let’s all work together to keep our communities, including our waterways, clean.”
- The City launched a 24-hour toll-free number (0800 110077) to report tip-offs about illegal dumping activity. Those convicted of illegal dumping could be fined up to R5 000, have their vehicle impounded or face a two-year prison sentence. In addition, for every report that leads to a fine and conviction the City is offering a reward of R1 000 up to R5 000, depending on the offence.
