Bayside Canal upgrades in Milnerton: City prepares to restart construction
The current state of the Bayside Canal upgrade site in Milnerton.
Image: Supplied
Plans are afoot for the completion of the multi-million rand Bayside Canal upgrade in Milnerton, after work on site was temporarily suspended in November due to a contractual dispute with the contractor.
The City's Water and Sanitation Directorate this week said efforts are under way to resolve the matter and resume construction, as it works to reach a negotiated, amicable settlement of the dispute.
To date, approximately 55% of the project has been completed.
"It is important that public funds are used responsibly and for this reason, the negotiations are being dealt with as quickly and thoughtfully as possible," said Water and Sanitation mayco member, Zahid Badroodien.
"This is one of the City's crucial investments, which will contribute to improved water quality within Rietvlei and surrounds.
"Given ongoing development in the catchment, the upgrade is essential to accommodate increased stormwater flow during peak rainfall and to tackle the significant litter and pollution that enters Rietvlei via the stormwater system."
In the interim, the City has taken steps to mitigate flood risks in the area.
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Following heavy rainfall on April 8, which led to flooding along Blaauwberg Road, the canal adjacent to the road and approximately 30 metres of the Bayside Canal were cleared to improve stormwater flow ahead of the winter season.
Additional works were also undertaken during the suspension period.
On April 24, the contractor removed the temporary berm and bypass trench, in line with contractual obligations, to assist with drainage.
The City conducted an inspection on April 27 where it was determined that the water level at the control weir was at about 2.1m and 0.9m in the Rietvlei.
A slight drop in water levels since April 8 suggests a blockage between the lower section of the proposed bypass canal and Rietvlei.
"To address this, the City will, through its repair and maintenance contractors survey the existing flow channel to determine current water levels and the location of the obstruction, deploy a long-boom excavator to clear the blockage and stockpile the excavated material adjacent to the channel. Once work starts again, the stormwater canal to the primary sedimentation ponds and the bypass canal from the secondary treatment channel to the Rietvlei will be constructed," the City said. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.
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