In an ongoing effort to tackle river pollution and prevent toxic debris from washing onto local beaches, a new waste interceptor litter fence has been deployed along the Soet River on Broadway Boulevard in Strand.

The local installation forms part of a major R2.5 million expansion by the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate, which has seen seven new waste-trapping systems installed across the metro during the 2025/26 financial year.

This expands the city-wide network to 27 active interceptors designed to stop floating refuse in its tracks before it reaches sensitive coastal marine environments.

The Soet River, which flows through Strand toward the sea, has long been vulnerable to illegal dumping and urban litter runoff. The newly installed litter fence works by capturing floating plastic, household refuse, and discarded debris upstream along Broadway Boulevard.

The deployment in Strand has not been without its obstacles. The newly established Soet River interceptor had to undergo immediate upgrade and restoration work after falling victim to local vandalism shortly after installation.

Inspecting the site alongside municipal officials Sivuyile Mkalali and Ntombikhona Precious Kuboni, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, stressed that community stewardship is vital to keeping the Soet River clean.

“Waste interceptors help us remove litter from our waterways, but addressing the challenges at source to prevent waste from entering our rivers in the first place remains essential,” said Badroodien.

We appeal to residents to dispose of their waste responsibly. Anyone who witnesses tampering and vandalism of the installations is encouraged to report it, so that we can maintain these systems and protect our natural environment.

The interceptor program originally launched during the 2024/25 financial year and has since been elevated to a key focus under the City’s Mayoral Priority Programme.

To prevent blockages and maintain flow capacity, City teams clean and service the Soet River litter fence and its sister installations at least twice a week, as well as before and after heavy rainfall events.

While the Strand installation serves as the anchor for the Eastern region, six additional interceptors were rolled out across the metro, including Jakkalsvlei (Bhunga Avenue footbridge) and Bokmakierie (3rd Avenue), Black River (Sally Little Golf Course / M5), Langa Silt Trap (two grids), and Milky Way Pond in Joe Slovo.

Residents witnessing illegal dumping, river pollution, or vandalism to the Soet River litter fence are urged to contact the City immediately online at www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests.

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