The City of Cape Town has hauled a staggering 150 tonnes of solid waste from the Kleinvlei Canal over the past two months, as part of an ongoing battle against illegal dumping in the area.
The massive clean-up operation, conducted during November and December 2025, targeted sections of the canal that have become dumping hotspots – particularly around Eerste River South, Kleinvlei and Dreamworld.
The City is doubling down on its efforts to keep the waterway clean, with a further R1.1 million set aside for continued cleaning and maintenance initiatives in the area during the current financial year. Workers removed everything from building rubble and plastic bottles to household refuse – a stark reminder of how pollution continues to impact the stormwater network and surrounding environment.
Tackle problem at source
To tackle the problem at source, the City has been installing and upgrading waste interceptors designed to catch litter and debris before it flows downstream into the Kuils River system. The first waste interceptor was installed in Eerste River South during the 2024/2025 financial year. This interceptor received major upgrades on 2 December 2025 to improve both its durability and capacity. A second interceptor has also been installed further upstream.
Built in 1990, the Kleinvlei Canal is an entirely artificial watercourse designed to drain the eastern parts of the Blue Downs development area and Blackheath. The canal winds its way through Kleinvlei, Blue Downs, Eerste River, Forest Heights and Dreamworld before discharging into the Kuils River just upstream of Baden Powell Drive. Two years after construction, runoff from Polkadraai Hill was also diverted into the canal via a subsidiary channel.
Hefty price tag
The City’s commitment to keeping the canal clean comes with a hefty price tag. During the 2024/2025 financial year, approximately R841 000 was spent on clean-up and maintenance initiatives. This has increased to R1.1 million for the 2025/2026 financial year.
“While these clean-up initiatives are ongoing, we urge residents living along the canal to refrain from illegal dumping and to help protect the area by reporting these incidents,” said the City’s Mayco Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien.
