These fora will focus on improving environmental water quality and river management, finding solutions to urban pollution ending up in watercourses, and promoting community engagement in the City’s water management. By bringing together stakeholders from various sectors (including government, private sector, businesses, and local communities) CMFs aim to foster collaboration to identify and resolve interconnected factors impacting rivers coursing through agricultural, urban, and natural landscapes across the city.
As is customary, these CMFs will soon embark on their first river walks along with Councillor Zahid Badroodien, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, to identify priorities for implementation.
‘The establishment of these fora marks a significant step forward in our strategic commitment to preserving and enhancing Cape Town’s water resources. I look forward to meeting the newly appointed chairpersons and office bearers in each forum, who will spearhead community initiatives and work closely with the City to tackle critical issues,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
Existing Catchment Management Fora include:
· Hout Bay
· Sand River
· Wildevoelvlei
· Lourens River
The newly established Catchment Management Fora include:
· Zeekoevlei CMF, established on 8 June 2024
· Soet River CMF, inaugural meeting held on 24 June 2024
· Diep River CMF, established on 28 June 2024
‘Everyone is invited to participate in the established catchment fora and contribute in their own way. The primary objective is to minimise pollution and ensure that we restore each catchment to its natural state, for our benefit and for future generations,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
