Cape Town: Lourens River flood alleviation work moves ahead

Work on the Lourens River Flood Alleviation Project is progressing well, the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate said.

Earlier this week, the directorate hosted an information session with the residents of Strand, Somerset West, and the surrounding areas to update the community about the project’s progress.

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, etc.

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.