Temporary suspension of work at the Bayside Canal
06 February 2025
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate remains committed to the timely completion of the multi-million rand Bayside Canal upgrade in Milnerton. Work on-site has been suspended temporarily due to a contractual dispute however, efforts are under way to resolve the matter promptly and resume construction.
The project, which commenced in November 2023, is a key initiative to address critical challenges in the area. Rapid development within the catchment has increased stormwater flow during peak periods, necessitating an upgrade to the canal’s capacity. The upgrade also aims to combat pollution from various stormwater channels that have a detrimental impact on the Rietvlei.
The appointed civil contractor formally notified the City of their decision to suspend operations at the end of November 2024, due to contractual matters. Despite this recent setback, the project had already progressed beyond the halfway mark before the suspension.
The remaining scope of work includes the construction of the upgraded stormwater canal to the primary sedimentation ponds, and the bypass canal connecting the secondary treatment channel to the Rietvlei.
‘Upgrading the Bayside Canal in Milnerton represents one of the City’s critical investments in improving water quality in the Rietvlei and its surrounding areas. While legal processes are under way to address the temporary suspension of the project, the City wants to reassure residents that we remain committed to ensuring that work resumes with minimal delays,’ said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.
End Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
