Cape Town Mayor officially reopens Adderley Street fountain – a reminder of our resilient spirit
23 July 2020
As part of the many measures that were introduced to save water during the height of the Cape Town drought a few years ago, a decision was taken to temporarily switch off this historic fountain.
Due to the length of the drought, the fountain unfortunately fell into a state of disrepair. Today, after more than three years of non-operation, Executive Mayor Dan Plato, along with Ward 115 Councillor, Dave Bryant and city officials involved in the rehabilitation project, switched on the refurbished fountain.
‘The Adderley Street Fountain is an iconic feature in the Cape Town CB, which is well-known and loved by Capetonians and visitors to our beautiful city. After a lengthy period of not being in use, we are pleased to once again see it being enjoyed. I am thankful to the officials who have worked to restore this landmark within the CBD. This fountain should serve as a reminder to everyone of what can be achieved when we work together to overcome hardships,’ said Executive Mayor Dan Plato.
The repairs to the Adderley Street fountain were initiated after Councillor Dave Bryant submitted a motion to sub-council 16. Over the last year, maintenance has been carried out to restore it to its former glory.
‘A long-term goal is being developed to make the fountain sustainable through the use of an underground spring water source. Currently potable water has been used to refill the fountain, which is recirculated through its pump system and in due course we intend to replace this with water from the underground springs. The Cape Town CBD prides itself on being the number one CBD in the country and with the current economic challenges presented by the COVID-19 restrictions, we must do all we can to make the CBD as attractive as possible for all stakeholders. I’m very proud to have motivated for these repairs via a motion I submitted last year,’ said Ward Councillor, Dave Bryant.
Many lessons have been learned from avoiding Day Zero. The reopening of this feature is a symbol of overcoming the worst of the drought, but we must continue with our newly-formed water-wise habits.
In the same way that four million Capetonians collectively came together and beat the drought, we need that same spirit of community through the wearing of masks, washing one’s hands regularly and practicing social distancing, to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.
Caption: Executive Mayor Dan Plato, Ward 115 Councillor Dave Bryant and Subcouncil 16 Chairperson Matthew Kempthorne at the switching on of the Adderley Street Fountain.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
