Kuils River and Khayelitsha Wetland undergo proactive maintenance to prevent flooding | Kuils River and Khayelitsha Wetland undergo proactive maintenance to prevent flooding | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Critical%20Water%20Shortages%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p>Last month the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate began maintenance work in Kuils River and Khayelitsha to help prevent flooding ahead of winter rain.<br></p> | <p>The Kuils River rises east of Kanonkop in Durbanville and is a major tributary to the Eerste River. It is approximately 30km long and runs through many areas such as Kuils River, Mfuleni, Khayelitsha and Sandvlei, where it converges with Eerste River. The Eerste River then flows through Kramat and Macassar into the Indian Ocean in Macassar.<br></p><p>The maintenance work taking place at the Khayelitsha Wetland, particularly along the 1,2km section from the N2 to Spine Road in the Kuils River, is targeted at addressing the recurring issue of flooding that has impacted the surrounding communities of Qandu Qandu Informal Settlement, BM Section and the Greenpoint.</p><p> <span><figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/City%20maintains%20the%20Kuils%20River%20and%20Khayelitsha%20Wetland%20ahead%20of%20the%20rainy%20season%202.jpg" alt="" style="width:882px;" /></figure></span>This project, which began in March and is scheduled to conclude by the end of April 2024, has been prioritised following instances of severe flooding experienced during winter months in 2023.<br></p><p>The current phase of work involves dredging the river to remove silt and deepen its bed, as well as constructing sand berms along its banks.<br></p><p>With a cost of R450 000, this phase of maintenance builds upon similar efforts undertaken by the City during the 2021/2022 financial year. The ultimate goal is to safeguard residents against heavy rains and alleviate the impact of flooding, which often necessitates the relocation of affected households.<br></p><p>'The significance of this project extends beyond immediate flood prevention, as it also plays a crucial role in enabling future development in the area. Continuous assessments will be conducted to determine if further maintenance work is necessary, underscoring the City's commitment to addressing the community's needs and ensuring long-term resilience against flooding,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien. <br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2024-04-11T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#c1e12656-7d70-488e-897e-6465b138e2f4;L0|#0c1e12656-7d70-488e-897e-6465b138e2f4|River management;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#3fd75d1e-cabe-4e47-98ce-a252608cba9a;L0|#03fd75d1e-cabe-4e47-98ce-a252608cba9a|River;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | Media Office, City of Cape Town | 0 |