Name of the Project
Sir Lowry’s Pass river upgrade.

Location
City of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.

Project Owner/s
City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate.

Project Description
To reduce flooding along the 12-km-long Sir Lowry’s Pass, the City of Cape Town has embarked on a major upgrade of the Sir Lowry Pass river. The region has concentrated downpours for brief periods, owing to the type of mountains that surround the river, leaving the river vulnerable to severe flooding.

The river has been divided into three regions, based on its vertical alignment:
• upper region (upper 1 km), which is distinguished by steep slopes because of the surrounding mountains;
• middle region (about 8 km), which flows through hills, fynbos, vineyards and Sir Lowry’s Pass Village; and
• lower region (about 3 km), which is the base flow channel below the N2 highway before entering False Bay.

The extensive upgrades entail berm construction, grade levelling, and rectification of the Sir Lowry’s river’s alignment between the N2 in the north and False Bay (Indian Ocean).

The construction of bridges; erosion-control measures, such as riprap, gabions, berms and small concrete structures; the creation of nonmotorised transport facility pathways; service provision; landscaping; and the demolition of various walls and structures, are all included in the upgrade.

By upgrading the area, the Gordons Bay community will be protected from future flooding, and significant tracts of undeveloped land will become available for residential development.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
R292-million.

Planned Start/End Date
The upgrade started in February 2023. The project is on track to be completed by 2026.

Latest Developments
The project is making good progress.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
City of Cape Town mayoral committee member for water and sanitation Councillor Zahid Badroodien, tel +27 72 639 5773 or zahid.badroodien@capetown.gov.za and a copy to media.account@capetown.gov.za.