Following a recent site visit, the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has confirmed that its R430 million Sir Lowry’s Pass River Upgrade project, currently under way in Gordon’s Bay and Strand, is on track for completion at the end of 2027. 

The major infrastructure project, which began in February 2023, is nearing 82% completion, with contractors making steady progress on the remaining works.

The project aims to reduce the risk of flooding in Gordon’s Bay and surrounding areas by increasing the river’s capacity to manage stormwater. This involves reshaping sections of the river channel and constructing specialised structures to control water flow. It will also strengthen the City’s resilience to climate change and support future downstream developments, including the Vlakteplaas Stormwater and Environmental Upgrade planned by the City’s Human Settlements Directorate.

The benefits of the upgrade are already becoming evident, with notable improvements in flooding conditions observed along Dennehof Road in Gordon’s Bay and at Fairview Golf Estate, both of which have experienced flooding in previous years.
 
These improvements are associated with work completed along the river between the N2 highway and the Gordon’s Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant, as well as the construction of a concrete diversion canal between the treatment plant and St Andrews Drive Bridge.

Once completed, the upgrade will provide improved stormwater management capacity, helping to reduce flood risks to surrounding communities and infrastructure while supporting future development in the area.
 
The remaining work includes completing two drop structures, the final sections of the alluvial canal, and the Western and Diversion Canals. The project is scheduled for completion at the end of 2027.