Blinkwater stream maintenance continues
The Blinkwater Stream rehabilitation project, which started in March 2024, was allocated funding from the City to the value of R747 632,40.
The Blinkwater stream starts from Table Mountain and merges into a single stream at Hely Hutchinson Avenue, where it flows down to Camps Bay Beach, which is adjacent to the tidal pool.
The stream, which is around 1,46 km long, has high winter flow rates since it has several Table Mountain tributary sources according to the City.
Chris Willemse, the chairman of the Camps Bay and Clifton Ratepayers Association says that the work is still in progress.
“It (rehabilitation) was necessary to ensure that the bridge to the lower part of the Little Glen doesn’t get blocked again, as it did in the floods of September 2023, and which caused massive damage to a house in Blinkwater road,” Mr Willemse said,
“The lining of the concrete channel from Blinkwater Road to the Link street tunnel under Victoria road was also in dire need of renewal, which is part of this contract,” he added.
The current rehabilitation project aims to repair the damaged concrete-lined channel and implement preventive measures, including the installation of two silt basins upstream to trap large boulders and prevent similar future damage. The scope of work includes:
- Installation of 200mm UPVC pipes which will assist with the necessary stormwater diversion.
- Relining the concrete channel in order to stop water infiltration through the channel.
- Construction of silt basins to trap big boulders upstream.
- Installation of dragon teeth which will help with trapping boulders and debris without impacting the current flow rate of the river.
- Relocation of the sewer and electrical services to prevent any future blockages.
Mayoral committee member for water and sanitation, Zahid Badroodien says the contractor is on site and that work is anticipated to be complete by June 30.
“This is one of the several projects of this nature currently under way across the City, which was prioritised by the Water and Sanitation Directorate ahead of the winter season and forms part of our holistic winter readiness plan,” said Dr Badroodien.