Environmental green light for Sand and Langevlei Canals confluence project
17 July 2025
A major milestone has been reached for the rehabilitation of the Sand and Langevlei Canals confluence, with environmental authorisation now granted. This approval paves the way for the project to move ahead, bringing multiple ecological and community benefits to the Zandvlei catchment. Residents and registered Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) are encouraged to review the decision document issued by the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning.
Following the submission of the Basic Assessment Report (BAR) in March 2025 to the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has received the go-ahead for the project to proceed. All requirements have been met as listed in the environmental authorisation issued on 27 June 2025, in compliance with the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of1998) (“NEMA”) and the Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) Regulations, 2014 (as amended).
‘This positive development is a major step towards the project becoming a reality. It will result in multifaceted benefits, including reducing the silt and litter load entering Zandvlei. This will create a renewed wetland area with improved water quality, and an enhanced aquatic biodiversity habitat.
‘Equally important, is the reduced flood risk benefit within the catchment, which will provide residents with a safe, green open space to enjoy,’ said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.
The project involves the removal, dredging, excavation, infilling or depositing of material exceeding 10m³ from the watercourse, at the Sand and Langevlei Canals confluence.
Prior to the submission of the BAR, extensive consultation with the community was undertaken. These engagements identified practical concerns of relevance to the community. At the same time, through the community engagement and written submissions, suggestions to further enhance this project were made. The aim of these suggestions is to balance the objectives of this project with the realities of the community in order to deliver a project for all to enjoy, notwithstanding the benefits to the environment as well.
The full EA is available for viewing on the following platform:
Lukhozi website: www.lukhozi.co.za
In line with the National Appeal Regulations, 2025, registered I&APs may appeal the decision, should they wish to do so. The appeal period is currently open and will close on 24 July 2025.
Appeals and supporting documents must be submitted to the Appeal Administrator using one of the following methods:
Email: DEADP.Appeals@westerncape.gov.za
By hand: For attention: Mr. Marius Venter
Room 809, 8th Floor Utilitas Building, 1 Dorp Street, CAPE TOWN, 8001
Note: You are also requested to submit an electronic copy (Microsoft Word format) of the appeal, responding statement and any supporting documents to the Appeal Administrator via email or to the address listed above.
A prescribed appeal form, responding statement form as well as assistance regarding the appeal processes are obtainable from the relevant website of the appeal authority at http://www.westerncape.gov.za/eadp or via the office of the Minister at Tel: (021) 483 3721 or email: DEADP.Appeals@westerncape.gov.za.
For any queries, please contact:
Lukhozi Consulting Engineers (Pty) Ltd
ATT: Natalie Ritsch
Office 301, 3rd Floor, Tijgerpark 3,
Willie van Schoor Drive, Bellville,
7530
Tel: 021 686 2550
For more information on the project, visit: capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/Plans in place for the rehabilitation of the Sand and Langevlei Canals Confluence
End
Published by:
Media Office, City of Cape Town
