150 tonnes of waste removed from Kleinvlei Canal
22 January 2026
The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate removed approximately 150 tonnes of solid waste from the Kleinvlei Canal during November and December 2025. A further R1,1 million will be invested in continued cleaning and maintenance initiatives in the area.
Sections of the Kleinvlei Canal, particularly in Eerste River South, Kleinvlei and Dreamworld, are prone to illegal dumping. In response, the City has implemented regular clean-up operations and installed waste interceptors to prevent litter and debris from flowing downstream into the Kuils River system.
The waste removed included building rubble, plastic bottles and household refuse, highlighting the ongoing impact of pollution on the stormwater network and surrounding environment.
A waste interceptor was first installed in Eerste River South during the 2024/2025 financial year. This interceptor has since been upgraded to improve durability and capacity, while an additional interceptor has been installed further upstream. These upgrades were completed on 2 December 2025.
More about the Kleinvlei Canal
The Kleinvlei Canal is an entirely artificial watercourse, built in 1990 to drain the eastern parts of the Blue Downs development area and Blackheath. The canal discharges into the Kuils River just upstream of Baden Powell Drive. In 1992, runoff from Polkadraai Hill was also diverted into the canal via a subsidiary channel.
The canal passes through Kleinvlei, Blue Downs, Eerste River, Forest Heights and Dreamworld.
During the 2024/2025 financial year, the City spent approximately R841 000 on clean-up and maintenance initiatives in the Kleinvlei Canal.
A further R1,1 million has been allocated for similar clean-up operations during the 2025/2026 financial year.
Completed and planned activities for the remainder of the financial year
- R1,1 million: Install and enhance waste interceptors. One new waste interceptor installed and enhancements made to an existing interceptor.
Completed in October 2025
- R722 000: Clean-up. Removal of litter and rubble in and around the stormwater canal. Completed in November 2025
- Fortnightly interceptor clean-ups. Regular removal of litter build-up from existing interceptors.
Ongoing
- Additional clean-ups ahead of winter. To be conducted within the approved budget as part of the City’s winter preparedness programme.
Upcoming in May 2026
‘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 Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
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Published by:
Media Office, City of Cape Town
