A number of Cape Town’s rivers and wetlands in Ward 71 will be restored as part of the City’s Liveable Urban Waterways (LUW) Programme. The project is designed to rehabilitate damaged water systems and improve public green spaces across the city.
Ward 71 Councillor Carolynne Franklin recently shared her enthusiasm for the roll-out in her ward, where rivers such as the Westlake Upper and Lower, Keyser, Grootboschkloof, Spaanschemat and Prinskasteel will benefit from dedicated funding. The LUW Programme, she says, is a ‘vehicle for transformative change and a catalyst for intensive rehabilitation.’
The project forms part of the City’s long-term planning to become a water-sensitive city by 2040. With over 2 000 kilometres of rivers and thousands of wetlands across Cape Town, many water systems have experienced pollution, overgrowth of invasive species and poor water flow.
In Ward 71, riverbanks along the Keyser River will be reshaped and native vegetation restored. The Grootboschkloof and Spaanschemat rivers are also part of the focus. Alongside the environmental work, the LUW Programme includes improvements to footpaths, stormwater management, park areas and an outdoor learning space near Westlake Primary School.
Franklin, who serves on both the Section 80 Advisory Committee to the Mayor and the City’s Spatial Planning and Environment Portfolio Committee, called the initiative a step forward. She thanked the Sand River Catchment Forum volunteers and city officials for their involvement and noted the importance of collective participation.
The LUW Programme is expected to span a ten-year period and aims to improve ecological health, support biodiversity and provide safe, accessible green areas for residents.
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Picture: Carolynne Franklin / Facebook
