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Langevlei and Sand River Canals Ready for Winter

On 16 April 2025, the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate began critical pre-winter maintenance of the Langevlei and Sand River canals in Retreat. These interventions form part of the City’s ongoing efforts to reduce flood risks and improve water quality during the rainy season.

The Sand River canal spans over a 5,4km distance, flowing from Little Princessvlei in Heathfield, while the Langevlei canal extends about 3,6km from downstream of Main Road in Bergvliet. The two canals eventually converge and flow into the upper reaches of Zandvlei in Muizenberg.

To ensure the efficient flow of water and prevent blockages, the City’s Catchment Stormwater and River Management (CSRM) branch conducts routine cleaning of these canals, particularly in the months ahead of winter.

‘Through the City’s proactive and ongoing river maintenance programme, we aim to improve the quality of inland water bodies and prepare Cape Town’s waterways for the winter rains,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

During the 2024/2025 financial year, CSRM carried out the following maintenance initiatives:

  • 10 October 2024 – 6 November 2024: Cleared litter and vegetation within the canals. A total of 20 locals were employed for each canal.
  • 18 November 2024 – 13 December 2024: Further litter and vegetation removed within the canals. A total of 20 locals were employed for each canal.
  • 24 January 2025 – 24 February 2025: Continued clearing litter and vegetation within the canals. A total of 20 locals were employed for each canal.
  • 16 April 2025 – 13 May 2025: Final pre-winter cleaning. A total of 20 locals were employed for Langevlei and 40 for Sand River Canals.

Current work focuses on hand-clearing litter and vegetation to:

  • Improve the hydraulic flow of water,
  • Prevent blockages and reduce the risk of flooding,
  • Enhance the overall water quality, and
  • Create cleaner, more attractive public spaces.
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