The Zandvlei Catchment Management Forum (CMF), one of four CMFs that received grant funding from the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate, has completed a range of restoration work along the Westlake River and its tributary streams in Orchard Village, Lakeside.

In the 2025/2026 financial year, the City invested R622 000 in four CMFs to support practical projects that improve the health of local waterways and catchments. 

The Zandvlei CMF used its funding to clear invasive alien vegetation and litter along the Westlake River near the Camargue bridge and at the tributary stream confluence in Kerner Park. The work also included restoring indigenous riparian vegetation, improving habitat and supporting water quality.

Other interventions included:

• Reshaping and widening the stream confluence area in Kerner Park in preparation for a pond/wetland feature,
• Removing reed roots and other invasive material to prevent regrowth on the Westlake River,
• Constructing a pathway linking the Camargue complex to the riverbank, and
• Installing fencing to protect newly planted areas.

Reintroducing indigenous vegetation was a key component of the project. Approximately 25 aloes and other donated plants were initially planted, followed by a further 200 to 250 plants during community planting days on 23 May and 20 June 2026. Many of these plants were propagated by Fynbos Life and were selected to suit the vegetation type naturally occurring in the area. 

‘Healthy rivers and catchments are an important part of protecting our water resources. The work undertaken by the Zandvlei Catchment Management Forum shows how local organisations and communities can take practical action to restore degraded areas, protect biodiversity and improve the condition of our waterways. This is the kind of local stewardship we need to see more of across our catchments,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Alderman Zahid Badroodien.

‘This project has been an opportunity to bring together CoCT and stakeholders within the catchment to do work that positively impacts ecosystem rehabilitation, improves water quality and increases biodiversity in the catchment,’ said Jennifer Louw, chairperson of the Zandvlei CMF.

Residents are encouraged to join the efforts of the Zandvlei CMF, by emailing: catchmentforum@zandvlei.org.