Cape Town’s investment into community-led river restoration is helping improve water quality, reduce illegal dumping and restore biodiversity along the Soet River in Strand.
The Soet River Catchment Management Forum (CMF) is one of four CMFs that received grant funding from the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate as part of a broader initiative aimed at reducing water pollution and strengthening community participation in protecting rivers and urban waterways.
The City invested R622 000 into Catchment Management Forums, with the Soet River CMF actively improving the health of the Soet River since its establishment in June 2024.
One of the key interventions included the installation of a secure 9×6 metre litter storage cage on the bank of the Soet River at the corner of Boundary and Onverwacht roads. The facility was introduced to discourage illegal dumping into the river and provide residents with a designated disposal point.
The CMF distributed 200 educational pamphlets to nearby households encouraging responsible waste disposal and use of the litter cage. According to the City, community response has been positive, with increased use of the facility and greater awareness around river conservation.
Waste collected from the cage includes household refuse, furniture, building rubble and e-waste, with the City conducting regular waste removals. Informal waste pickers are also recovering recyclable materials from the site, creating additional recycling opportunities.
The project also introduced three River Wardens, supported by six EPWP workers deployed through the City, to oversee daily clean-up and maintenance activities. Together, the team removed approximately 5 000 bags of litter during a major clean-up campaign.
River Wardens are tasked with environmental awareness, encouraging responsible waste management, deterring illegal dumping and reporting offenders to law enforcement authorities.
Additional support came from Plastics SA, which donated thousands of yellow clean-up bags to support ongoing river restoration efforts.
On 30 April 2026, The Litterboom Project partnered with the CMF for a one-day clean-up operation at the Soet River culvert, removing approximately three tonnes of waste.
The forum has also launched a revegetation initiative along sections of the river adjacent to Onverwacht Road. Approximately 4 000 sedges and wetland plants are being introduced to improve biodiversity and naturally absorb pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphates from the river system.
Chairperson of the Soet River CMF, Dave Walker, said the project is already producing visible environmental improvements.
“The funding awarded to the Soet River CMF has allowed us to restore flow and improve water quality in a section of the river that was in desperate need of help. Bird life is returning and, last week, we heard frogs in that section of the river for the first time in many years,” said Walker.
The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, urged residents to play an active role in protecting waterways.
“The Soet River is not a waste removal system. Every item of waste thrown into the river ultimately becomes a problem for the ocean, marine life and our communities. We all have a role to play in protecting and preserving our waterways for future generations,” he said.
