Work on the R44.5 million Lourens River Flood Alleviation Project is progressing well ahead of the upcoming winter rains.
As per the City of Cape Town (CoCT), current upgrades and maintenance are focused on a 6km stretch between Hathersage Farm and Beach Road. The work includes the development of new flood mitigation measures and the restoration of pre-existing measures and river infrastructure.
Also read: Treasury approves R114m relief funding for September 2023 flood damage
The Lourens River catchment, which covers an area of 130 square metres originating from the Diepgat Ravine, is prone to severe flooding due to the Helderberg Basin’s mountainous surroundings, local rain patterns and exposed mountain slopes.
The 2013 and 2023 floods impacted communities living in Somerset West and Strand, as it flows through Somerset West before entering False Bay in Strand.
It was declared a Protected Natural Environment in 1997, making it one of only five rivers with such protection status in South Africa.
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‘The success of the major infrastructure projects undertaken by the Water and Sanitation Directorate depends critically on public meetings and interactions of this kind,’ says CoCT councillor and Mayco member for water and sanitation, Zahid Badroodien.
‘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.’
The scope of the work includes:
- The construction and rehabilitation of new and 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
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Picture: City of Cape Town
