In an effort to reduce flooding, the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has invested more than R292 million into a major upgrade of the Sir Lowry’s Pass River.
Significant work has been completed since the project began last February. It’s on schedule, to be complete in 2026.
Originating at an elevation of around 1 200 m above sea level in the Hottentots Holland Mountain Nature Reserve, the river is about 12 km long. It has been divided into three regions based on its vertical alignment: upper region (about 1 km), middle region (about 8 km) and lower region (about 3 km).
As a result of the type of mountains surrounding the river, the region has concentrated downpours for brief periods, leaving it vulnerable to severe flooding.
The extensive upgrades entail berm construction, grade levelling and the rectification of the river’s alignment between the N2 in the north and False Bay. The work will open land up for development and drastically lower the risk of flooding.
The construction of bridges and erosion control measures, the creation of non-motorised transport facility pathways, service provision, landscaping and the demolition of structures are included in the upgrade.
Through the project Gordon’s Bay will be protected from future flooding and tracts of undeveloped land will become available for housing.
According to Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee member for Water and Sanitation, similar flood alleviation projects, like the Lourens, Geelsloot, Macassar rivers and Soet River Detention Ponds projects are underway in the Helderberg.
