The City of Cape Town has removed approximately 150 tonnes of solid waste from the Kleinvlei Canal during November and December 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal dumping and protect downstream river systems.
The clean-up, led by the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate, focused on heavily affected sections in Eerste River South, Kleinvlei and Dreamworld, areas known to be prone to persistent dumping. The waste collected included building rubble, plastic bottles and household refuse, underscoring the continued strain on the stormwater network and surrounding environment.
To curb pollution before it reaches the Kuils River, the City has installed and upgraded waste interceptors along the canal.
An interceptor first installed in Eerste River South during the 2024/2025 financial year was recently enhanced to improve durability and capacity, while a second interceptor has been installed further upstream. These upgrades were completed on 2 December 2025.
During the 2024/2025 financial year, the City spent about R841 000 on cleaning and maintenance work along the canal.
A further R1.1 million has been allocated for similar initiatives during the 2025/2026 financial year, including additional clean-ups planned ahead of winter in May 2026 as part of the City’s winter preparedness programme.
The Kleinvlei Canal is an artificial watercourse constructed in 1990 to drain parts of Blue Downs and Blackheath, later expanded to include runoff from Polkadraai Hill. It passes through several communities, including Forest Heights and Eerste River, before discharging into the Kuils River near Baden Powell Drive.
Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, has urged residents living along the canal to play their part.
“While these clean-up initiatives are ongoing, we urge residents to refrain from illegal dumping and to help protect the area by reporting these incidents,” he said.
The City says regular maintenance, including fortnightly interceptor clean-ups, will continue in an effort to reduce pollution and safeguard Cape Town’s waterways.
