Residents in Somerset West and Strand have raised the alarm over the “hazardous” aftermath of canal-dredging operations in their neighbourhoods.

While the projects were intended to mitigate flooding, locals claim the remaining piles of rotting vegetation and silt have turned their streets into a health hazard and security risk.

The complaints centre on two primary locations: the Melcksloot in Helderzicht and Boundary Road in Strand.

Residents report that while the canals themselves are being cleared, the dredged material – a mix of reeds, organic matter and silt – is being left to rot on the banks, giving rise to a foul stench and attracting pests.

Responding to these concerns, Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee member for Water and Sanitation, clarified that the projects are in progress with a final completion date set for Tuesday 30 June.

The primary objective of the work is to “restore the hydraulic capacity of the system to improve stormwater conveyance and reduce the risk of flooding,” Badroodien explained.

Regarding the piles of debris currently lining the streets in Strand and banks of the canal in Somerset West, he said the placement was a necessary part of the process.

“Material needs to have an acceptable moisture content before being disposed of at a landfill site,” Badroodien said. “Where material is temporarily placed on site it forms part of a phased project-implementation approach and is managed accordingly.”

The delay in removing the stockpiles has sparked more than just complaints about odours. In Strand, residents along Boundary Road have noted that the debris blocks pavement access and creates potential concealment areas for criminal elements.

In Helderzicht residents have not only bemoaned the eyesore and safety risk posed by the heaped debris, but have also voiced serious concerns about the inadequate cleaning of the Melcksloot.

The poor maintenance has resulted in ineffective stormwater drainage, with insufficient removal of reeds and overgrown trees still blocking the natural flow.

Additionally, residents question the reliability of the contracted worker, who is allegedly not consistently present on-site to conduct the required work.

Residents are particularly frustrated with a cement canal section of the Melcksloot that remains uncleaned and contains stagnant, green-tinged water suggesting possible contamination.

Despite these matters being raised with council previously, residents claim their concerns have been ignored with no visible improvements made.

Badroodien assured residents the removal of these stockpiles are part of the active scope of work, which will eventually restore visibility and accessibility.

Asked specifically about the concrete canal with stagnant water and waste materials that had been left uncleaned as the process continues, Badroodien replied that the area formed part of the broader maintenance programme and will be “addressed in line with the project schedule prior to completion of the works”.

The City of Cape Town’s health department issued a stern warning regarding the health risks associated with the current state of the sites.

It is essential to avoid all contact with water that appears polluted or is known to be contaminated. Contact with contaminated water or debris may pose health risks, including gastrointestinal infections with symptoms such as severe diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps and fever as well as skin rashes and eye infections.

The health department urged caregivers to monitor children for signs of dehydration or lethargy and to seek medical attention at facilities such as the Somerset West, Gordon’s Bay or Ikhwezi CDCs.

The City confirmed that weekly monitoring is being conducted to oversee quality control.

While the timeline for full site restoration extends to June, the City maintains that lessons from these maintenance cycles are being used to improve future coordination between excavation and removal phases.

Residents experiencing ongoing issues or who wish to log a formal complaint can use the following channels: call centre on 0860 103 089; WhatsApp on 060 018 1505; SMS (Water Faults) to 31373; email water@capetown.gov.za or visit www.capetown.gov.za to log a service request.

The City also encourages residents to contact their local ward councillor or subcouncil manager to escalate persistent concerns.