Residents are concerned about the aquatic species in Princess Vlei and that the recreational area around the vlei has been “poorly managed”.
Heathfield resident Brian Dutlow said a boom designed to contain floating debris had been broken since December, causing plastic and other debris from the Diep River to flood into the vlei when it rained.
“As the winter rain has begun, the impact on the vlei is devastating. It is home to many aquatic species,” Mr Dutlow said.
Bridget Pitt, spokesperson for the Princess Vlei Forum (PVF), said despite efforts by various stakeholders including the Princess Vlei Forum, the ward councillor Kevin Southgate and City officials, it continues to be under-resourced and consequently poorly managed.
“After the planned shopping mall was scrapped, the City of Cape Town undertook to restore and rehabilitate the area in partnership with the PVF. Much has been invested in the site, and there have been notable improvements.
“Thanks to our councillor, ward funding enabled an upgrade to the braai area and a children’s park, and the City is in the process of rolling out a walkway around the vlei, funded by the Department of Social Development. The PVF has invested millions in donor funding to restore the biodiversity and provide a dynamic education programme to local school learners.
“However, until the area is declared a protected area and is under management by the City’s Biodiversity Branch, management problems will persist,” said Ms Pitt.
Ms Pitt said: “The PVF brings hundreds of school learners to the site every year, who benefit greatly from observing and learning about the natural ecosystems, flora and fauna. This is also a highly valued recreational area. This is a hugely valuable community asset, and the communities around the Greater Princess Vlei Conservation Area (GPVCA) are being failed by poor management. We are of the opinion that until GPVCA is managed as a Natural Protected Area under the Biodiversity Branch, there will be ongoing problems with neglect and under-resourcing. We encourage all interested and affected community members to raise their concerns regarding Princess Vlei with councillor Southgate who can take these issues up with the City,” said Ms Pitt.
Zahid Badroodien, the City’s Mayoral committee member for water and sanitation, said teams have been on-site throughout June carrying out the necessary work.
“The City is aware of the broken boom, with repair work scheduled for next week. Various City departments conduct regular maintenance and cleaning of all its rivers. As such, the Little Princess Vlei and the rivers upstream are cleaned regularly and maintained. Water quality samples are taken for testing from the Little Princess Vlei’s tributary streams (Diep River and Mocke River), at the inlet of the vlei and at the outlet,” Mr Badroodien said.
“There are also alien vegetation clearing programmes that take place each year and the City’s weed harvesters, among other measures.
“The City appeals to residents to do their part to keep canals and waterways clean, and prevent pollution from ending up in streams. City campaigns, such as Bin it, Don’t Block it; visits to schools and beaches from the City’s anti-litter mascot, Bingo; and anti-pollution messaging across the city are just some of the City’s measures to encourage residents to join in the fight against dumping,” said Mr Badroodien.