To remove waste from the city’s waterbodies, the Water and Sanitation Directorate has invested R3 million into the installation of 20 waste interceptors in polluted rivers and waterways.
This initiative, which was part of the 2024/25 Mayoral Priority Programme, met its annual target with installations completed across all regions of the city.
Waste interceptors are simple but effective systems, designed to trap floating litter and debris before it enters larger waterbodies or reaches the ocean. They are an affordable and adaptable solution for litter abatement, tailored to hold specific volumes of typical types of waste found in each location.
‘These waste interceptors are a game changer in the constant interventions driven by the City, to reduce water pollution in rivers and preserve our natural ecosystems,’ said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.
Waterways where new installations are located
Eastern region:
1. Four in the Soet River at Savanna Mews, Broadway Boulevard, Greenways Estate and Lower Gordon’s Bay Road,
2. One at the Klein Canal, Eerste River.
3. One at the Sir Lowry’s Pass River, Sir Lowry’s Pass Village.
Northern region:
1. One at the Bonteheuwel Canal along the N2.
2. One at the Spoordam Pond in Railway Road, Peerless Park North.
3. One in the Kuils River, upstream of the Bottelary Road.
4. One at the Amandel Dam in Majik Forest, Durbanville.
Central region:
1. One at the Bayside Canal in Table View.
2. One at the Sati River in Sati Road, Milnerton.
3. One at the Milnerton Riding Club, Milnerton.
4. One at the Jakkalsvlei Canal, Langa.
Southern region:
1. Two in the Bokmanspruit River at Flamingo Drive, Kommetjie, and Slangkop Road, Ocean View.
2. One in the Big Lotus River at the Intersection of Govan Mbeki Road and Duinefontein Road, Gugulethu.
3. One at the Big Lotus Canal in Springfield Road, Philippi.
4. One at the Vygekraal River in at the intersection of Jakes Gerwel Drive and Klipfontein Road.
5. One at the Little Lotus River in Fifth Avenue, Lotus River.
Clearing and maintenance schedule
All interceptors are maintained regularly, based on a routine schedule. Cleaning takes place at least twice per week, as well as before and after rainfall events.
‘Our appeal to residents is to help safeguard these systems, for us to be able to sustain the remarkable impact that this intervention is already having. If you witness any tampering or vandalism, please report it to Law Enforcement or log a service request through the City’s channels. We remain committed to improving water quality in our rivers and waterways. The installation of these waste interceptors will significantly enhance our ability to extract solid waste from the waterways, ensuring the long-term protection of our ecosystems,’ said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.
Report vandalism via landline: 107; cellphone: 021 480 7700 or online: www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests
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