Bantry Bay cave clean-up fills 2 400 bags

26 August 2024

Last week, the City’s Coastal Management Branch conducted a major clean-up operation at the Bantry Bay caves, including a section of the rocky coastline along Victoria Road. The litter collected over four days filled nearly 2 400 municipal bags. 

The City's Coastal Conservation team started sweeping the area from the northern end of Clifton to the southern end of Bantry Bay on 19 August 2024, and by 22 August 2024 collected enough litter to fill 2 356 municipal bags. The team consisted of 15 people who swept the stretch from 09:30 to 14:30 over the four days.

The Coastal Management Branch coordinated the operation and provided the labour in partnership with the Shark Spotters and the Coastal Conservation crew. Further assistance came from the Urban Waste Management Directorate which collected the bags at several pick-up points, and Law Enforcement officials for ensuring the safety and security of those collecting litter.

'The clean-up operation was quite challenging given the rocky and steep terrain, weather, and changing tides. It was also a mission getting the bags to the collection points from down below where the litter was collected. Mostly, the litter ended up in this area through currents and wave movement, strong north westerly winds that are synonymous with Cape Town's winters, beachgoers, and cave dwellers.

'I want to encourage visitors and residents to please use the bins provided, or take your litter home with you. We also appreciate the efforts of all of those who randomly pick up litter along our coastline while they are out for a walk and enjoying the outdoors. Keeping Cape Town beautiful and green, and free of litter, is a collective effort,' said the City's Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews. 

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office