Sir Lowry’s Pass River ready for rain runoff

With winter rains upon us, critical pre-season maintenance at the Sir Lowry’s Pass River in Gordon’s Bay has been completed.

This vital intervention, part of year-round efforts by the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate, significantly reduces flood risks and boosts water quality, preparing the area for the current wet season.

The Sir Lowry’s Pass River originates at an elevation of around 1 200 m above sea level in the Hottentots Holland Mountain Nature Reserve.

The river is approximately 12 km long. The City’s Catchment Stormwater and River Management (CSRM) branch recently conducted a cleaning-up of this river, among several others, to ensure efficient flow of water and prevent blockages.

On Friday 13 June, the project was concluded at a cost of R150 000.

“Working to clear the Sir Lowry’s Pass River has been crucial for this season, while the R214 million Sir Lowry’s Pass River upgrade project is underway,” says Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee member for Water and Sanitation.

“The long-term upgrades are designed to significantly advance the river’s flood risk for the future. For now the City will continue to conduct a proactive and ongoing river maintenance programme.”

Badroodien adds that the project includes the removal of alien vegetation, litter and debris along key sections of the river. “Special attention was given to clearing vegetation around the head-wall structure to allow for proper inspection and maintenance access.”

In addition, mechanical plant clearing was undertaken to remove accumulated silt from the riverbed to improve stormwater flow and reduce the risk of localised flooding. All cuttings and debris will be disposed of at a legal dumping site.

“Through ongoing and planned maintenance our aim is to improve the quality of all inland water bodies,” Badroodien says. “It also allows us to be best prepared to manage higher water volumes along the City’s waterways, as the rainy winter season progresses.”

During the 2024-’25 financial year CSRM carried out eight maintenance initiatives in the Sir Lowry’s Pass River at a total cost of R900 000.

Aside from improving river health and flow capacity, the programme also supported local economic development by creating 60 temporary job opportunities.