The Zandvlei has been closed for recreational purposes since 25 May 2021, a total of six weeks. This is an indication of the serious problems the Zandvlei is facing from sewerage spills and other sources of pollution, and a vindication of the SAVE THE ZANDVLEI petition.

In its response, the city did not address the question of the rubble weir and the system currently in use to open and close the mouth of the vlei, except to say that they would continue to use a bulldozer to shift tons of sand around.

No-one is asking for the rubble weir to be removed, but rather that it should be upgraded and modernised. It requires an adjustable electronic weir system that can more effectively control the level of the vlei and the in- and out-flow of sea water.

The city also said that they would consider “Dumping hotspots” in their plans currently being developed as part of PASAP (Pollution Abatement Strategy and Action Plan). SAVE THE ZANDVLEI’s reaction is that new reports plans are not necessary – there are endless reports going back many years. The dumping spots are known. What is needed now is ACTION from the city. 

What is the City of Cape Town going to do to stop continual seepage of sewage into the vlei?