A number of significant information points were discussed at the latest meeting of the Lourens River Catchment Management Forum, which was held at the Strand Council Chambers on Thursday 27 June.
The forum, which was formed a year ago, continues to strengthen the relationships between civil society, the City of Cape Town and contractors when it comes to matters affecting the Lourens River, said chairperson Steven Louw.
A report on the latest developments surrounding the City’s flood alleviation project was discussed, where project manager O’Ryan Africa mentioned that the earthworks in the vicinity of Victoria Park was 95% complete.
The landscape rehabilitation will follow, and all earthworks and excavations are complete between the N2 highway and Sergeant Street in Somerset West.
Africa said that at least 550 cubic metres of dirt was removed from under the N2 thus far, and that excavation works have also begun at the Andries Pretorius Street bridge.
“The flood alleviation project is overall 34% complete and rehabilitation plans are looking good. There is already more capacity in the river where works have begun and works will commence at Kay’s Caravan Park in September,” he said.
The R44,5 million Lourens River Flood Alleviation Project is being phased in stages and currently focuses on the upgrade and maintenance of a portion of the Lourens River spanning a distance of 6 km between Hathersage Farm and Beach Road.
This phase encompasses the development of new flood mitigation measures, as well as the restoration of pre-existing measures and river infrastructure.
Concerns relating to the rehabilitation work along the Lourens River were also brought up, where it was mentioned that replanting of trees and plants would take place as part of the landscaping works which follows the earthworks.
Some of the trees are being replaced as part of the project include the assegai and rooiels, among species that will “upgrade” the environment.
The Geelsloot stormwater alleviation project was among matters that required clarity, as there were different views of whether the Geelsloot was a tributary of the Lourens River or not. Feedback on this matter is expected at the next meeting.
A proposed development of two blocks of apartments consisting of 39 units on Erf 9013 in Morgenster Road was also raised as a matter of concern, particularly as the forum expressed frustration that they were not informed of a rezoning application despite it being in such close proximity to the Lourens River.
Representatives of the City explained that the matter had not yet reached the department that liaises with the forum and that communication between other departments would be required to ensure that such notices reach the forum as and when they are applied for.
The application for rezoning is currently in the commenting phase until Monday 8 July.
Feedback on various matters will be provided at the next meeting.
