Blomvlei Canal repairs near completion
22 July 2025
More than R2,7 million has been invested by the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate into the structural rehabilitation of a section of the Blomvlei Canal in Belgravia. The project is now in its final stages and is expected to be completed by mid-August 2025.
The City’s Catchment Stormwater and River Management (CSRM) Branch initiated repair works following the collapse of the canal wall during inclement weather in July 2024.
Originally constructed several decades ago, the concrete structure of the canal has deteriorated over time. The intense weather in July 2024 led to the collapse of a section of the wall, necessitating urgent remedial action.
Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, recently visited the site to inspect progress.
‘Investing in infrastructure like the Blomvlei Canal is essential to building a more resilient city. These repairs will strengthen the canal’s structure and enhance its capacity to manage stormwater during severe weather events,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
The Blomvlei Canal is a key urban drainage corridor within Cape Town’s Salt River catchment. It starts in Hanover Park and flows through Penlyn Estate, Rylands, Athlone and Bridgetown, before joining the Vygieskraal River. Finally, it drains into the Black River, which ultimately flows into the Salt River.
The canal drains from densely built-up urban areas and plays a vital role in managing runoff and reducing flood risks.
The repairs started in June 2025 with the following scope of work:
• Clearing and grubbing the affected area
• Diverting water from the work zone
• Demolishing damaged sections of the canal wall and concrete floor
• Excavating along the canal structure
• Installing subsoil drainage systems
• Reconstructing the reinforced concrete wall
‘The City would like to apologise to the residents along the canal who have been affected by the collapse and the consequential flooding that may have taken place during heavy rain periods. We are grateful for your patience in allowing the City to mobilise the necessary resources to attend to this collapse,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
Caption 1: City teams are undertaking structural repairs to a section of the Blomvlei Canal in Belgravia, to improve stormwater flow and reduce flood risk.
Caption 2: Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, on site with Luqmaan Abdulla (City Catchment Planner for the Salt River catchment), during an inspection of the ongoing repair works.
Caption 3: Oversight inspection on the progress of the Blomvlei Canal repair project in Belgravia. From left: Bronwin Claasen (City Project Manager); Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien; Yusuf Sonday (City-appointed contractor); Luqmaan Abdulla (City Catchment Planner for the Salt River catchment); and Faisal Slarmie (City-appointed contractor).
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
