Cape Town: Flood risk in parts of Constantia has been reduced following the completion of proactive maintenance along the Grootboschkloof River, in preparation for the rainy season.
Reportedly, the Water and Sanitation Directorate of the City of Cape Town undertook the maintenance work from January to March 2026, to improve flow capacity and reduce the likelihood of blockages during periods of heavy rain.
The project formed part of various activities that targeted at preparing waterways for winter. Furthermore, R900,000 was invested in clearing and rehabilitating the river channel, that includes:
- Removing alien vegetation from site
- Removing silt at certain points
- Removing roots at certain points
- Cutting and removing fallen trees and large branches
- Unblocking outlets
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Water and Sanitation – Councillor Zahid Badroodien stated that the proactive maintenance along rivers like Grootboschkloof plays a critical role in reducing flood risk and ensures that waterways can cope with increased winter flows.
Badroodien added that by clearing blockages and improving flow capacity ahead of the rainy season, they are helping to protect surrounding communities and infrastructure.
Further upstream and more proactive maintenance is taking place along the Spaanschemat River, which meets the Grootboschkloof River near the M3, that is valued at R670,000.
Notably, the Grootboschkloof River extends approximately 1.5 km from Nova Constantia Road to its confluence with the Spaanschemat River, flowing through public open space and greenbelt areas.
The Grootboschkloof River is a picturesque riverine trail located within the Constantia Greenbelt in Cape Town, South Africa. It features a well-functioning ecosystem with tall trees, wetlands and fynbos. It is often explored via a 4.4 km walking trail that supports diverse birdlife like Malachite Sunbirds.
It is situated in the leafy suburb of Constantia, part of the Cape Town greenbelt network. A popular, shaded walking path ere is often used for hiking, known as the Grootboskloof trail.
The area is characterized by reeds, thick trees, and a stream, which provides a rich habitat for birds, including raptors like the Black Sparrowhawk and Forest Buzzard. Nearby trails include the Alphen Trail, Diep River Trail, and Klaasenbosch Trail. The trail is a natural green space that is frequently used for nature walks.