Oudtshoorn, 10 March 2025 – The Oudtshoorn Municipality has announced the suspension of all activities within the Grobbelaars River system, including the Flood Damage River Clearance Project, effective Friday, 28 February 2025. This decision brings a temporary halt to the earthmoving and vegetation clearing efforts that began in December 2024, aimed at tackling flooding and blockages with the support of private property owners. The pause comes as the municipality awaits further regulatory approvals to continue this critical work.
The initiative, approved by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEADP) in mid-August 2024, allowed the Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality to address flood damage by clearing debris and repairing infrastructure, with initial efforts kicking off near Albert Street. This project made significant progress in mitigating flood risks. Although originally slated to conclude by 28 February 2025, the municipality has requested an extension to continue addressing remaining blockages, with approval still pending.
The Executive Mayor, Alderman Johan Allers, emphasized the importance of this project, which is part of his “Ek help Ook Project”, noting the multiple safety concerns posed by the overgrown river. “The current state of the river has become a haven for homeless individuals and undesirable elements, creating safety risks for residents. We want to beautify the cleared areas so that the community can enjoy them and walk safely along the river,” he said. “These plans are now stalled, heightening community concerns and delaying much-needed improvements.”
Despite the progress made in clearing key areas of the Grobbelaars River, several challenges remain, including restricted access to certain sections, dense overgrowth, and obstructions caused by human activity and illegal dumping. The municipality has been working closely with private property owners, environmental authorities, and community stakeholders to navigate these challenges, but additional time and resources are essential to fully realize the project’s objectives.
The municipality remains committed to seeing this project through to completion and mitigating future risks to both the community and critical infrastructure. Further updates regarding the extension request and next steps will be provided in due course.
In the interim, public notices remain in effect, requiring property owners to remove fencing near low-water bridges and cease any construction activities within 32 meters of the riverbank. Ongoing inspections will ensure compliance with these regulations. The municipality is awaiting clarity from Environmental Affairs on the investigation and permit extension and urges patience as it navigates these procedural delays.
“We’ve made significant strides in clearing the Grobbelaars River, but the suspension complicates our efforts,” Mayor Allers stated. “We’re addressing safety, flood risks, and the ongoing investigation with urgency, committed to protecting our community with the continued support of private stakeholders and official guidance. We need a safe, enjoyable river, but resolution on this project is critical to prevent flooding.”
Complaints were officially lodged with the Department of Environmental Affairs and are currently under investigation, Allers confirmed. The scope of the investigation — potentially related to environmental compliance, illegal dumping, or unauthorized infill work — has yet to be clarified, and the identities of the complainants remain unconfirmed.