City workers have been doing maintenance along the Spaanschemat River to prevent flooding during the wet winter months. Picture: Supplied
City staff have been doing maintenance along the Spaanschemat River in Constantia to prevent flooding during the wet winter months.
The river runs for 5km from Silverhurst Drive to the M3 in Constantia, winding through both public and private land.
“This project forms part of the City's proactive river maintenance programme, which plans to improve inland water quality as one of the City's mayoral priority programmes, as well as for flood alleviation ahead of winter rainfall. The City invested R700 000 into this much-needed work in the Spaanschemat River, which is expected to conclude by the end of June,” said mayoral committee member for water and sanitation Zahid Badroodien.
According to the City, the work includes collection and clearing of litter, unblocking outlets and mini silt traps, trimming of alien invasive plants and exposure of stormwater infrastructure such as pipes, gabions and headwalls on the boundaries of the river. Much of this is done by hand.
Machinery will then be used to dredge silt, ensuring a smoother flow of water to reduce flood risks and property damage.
The project also aims to restore the natural habitat, fostering the return of fauna and flora to the greenbelt area.