Lourens River Flood Alleviation Project progressing well ahead of winter rains
13 March 2024
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate hosted an information session with the residents of Strand, Somerset West, and the surrounding areas to update the community about the progress of the R44,5 million Lourens River Flood Alleviation Project.
The directorate, with the Lourens River Catchment Management Forum, presented an update on the work being done as part of the Lourens River Flood Alleviation Project.
Since 2001, the City has invested in a number of initiatives already implemented at Lourens River. Riverbanks have been reconstructed, alien vegetation clearing is ongoing, and replanting of indigenous vegetation has taken priority.
This phase of the work focuses on the upgrade and maintenance of a portion of the Lourens River spanning a distance of 6km between Hathersage Farm and Beach Road. This phase encompasses the development of new flood mitigation measures, as well as the restoration of pre-existing measures and river infrastructure, spanning a distance of 6km.
The scope of work in this phase includes:
- The construction and rehabilitation of new as well as of existing gabion baskets or mattresses along the river. These act as protective barriers against erosion and help to maintain the stability of soil and structures in areas prone to erosion or instability
- Building earth berms and erosion-preventing blocks, as well as concrete/brick retaining walls
- Refurbishment of the existing stormwater pump station
- Relining existing concrete pipes with HDPE pipe
The Lourens River catchment covers an area of 130km2 originating from the Diepgat Ravine, which flows through Somerset West before entering False Bay in Strand.
The full length of the Lourens River was declared a Protected Natural Environment in 1997, making it one of only five rivers with such protection status in South Africa.
Unfortunately, the river is prone to severe flooding due to the Helderberg Basin's mountainous surroundings, local rain patterns and exposed mountain slopes. This was particularly evident during the 2013 and 2023 floods, which affected communities living in Somerset West and Strand tremendously.
'The success of the major infrastructure projects undertaken by the Water and Sanitation Directorate depends critically on public meetings and interactions of this kind. The Lourens River Flood Alleviation Project is a top priority for the City as it aims to mitigate against the impact of flooding for the safety of residents and businesses in areas of Strand and Somerset West.
'Care is taken to ensure work is completed in a sustainable manner with minimum impact to the natural environment,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
