Kloof Road repairs scheduled for 2025 amid environmental processes

Tags

---

22-11-2024
Read : 184 times
Cape Town Etc
Source

The City of Cape Town has confirmed plans to begin repair work on a critical section of Kloof Road in late 2025, following extensive environmental and geotechnical assessments, reports Cape {town} Etc.

The road, linking Kloof Nek Road to Round House Road, has been closed since September 2023 after a Level-9 storm caused severe damage to the embankment, rendering it unsafe for use.

Kloof Road serves as a key access route between the City Bowl and the Atlantic Seaboard suburbs, including Camps Bay and Sea Point. Its closure has led to significant disruptions, but city officials emphasize that stringent statutory and environmental requirements must be fulfilled before repairs can commence.

Progress and Challenges

Over the past year, the City’s Urban Mobility Directorate has worked to lay the groundwork for the repairs. A geotechnical investigation was completed in May 2024, followed by the development of a concept design in August 2024. However, additional storm damage during the winter of 2024 necessitated further adjustments to the design.

The site presents unique challenges due to its location within Table Mountain National Park, steep terrain, and environmental sensitivity. Approvals are required under the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) and the National Water Act, alongside consent from SANParks, the landowner.

‘Given that the road is located in a national park and the environmental sensitivity of the natural area, the City is by law required to obtain approvals from a number of state departments before we can touch this site,’ said  Rob Quintas, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility. ‘A critical part of this process is also to allow the public the opportunity to comment on the environmental impact the work may have.’

Environmental Considerations

The basic environmental impact assessment (EIA), initiated in 2024, is expected to take nine to 12 months. Specialist studies are examining the potential effects on fynbos, freshwater ecosystems, and local fauna, including butterflies. The City is also seeking a Water Use Licence to address concerns related to nearby watercourses.

‘We are committed to due diligence and compliance with the National Environmental Management Act,’  Quintas added. ‘There are no shortcuts here, and I want to thank residents for their understanding and patience.’

Timeline and Next Steps

The repair work, estimated to take at least 10 months once approvals are secured, includes stabilizing the slope, rehabilitating the road, and addressing stormwater infrastructure. The City aims to start construction by late 2025 but acknowledges that unforeseen delays could push this timeline further.

‘Safe to say, the road is likely to remain closed for another 24 months at least,’ said Quintas.

Public Engagement

The City hosted a public information day on 21 November 2024 to update residents on the progress and challenges. While the closure continues to inconvenience commuters, officials emphasized their commitment to keeping the public informed throughout the process.

In the meantime, alternate routes remain in use as the City collaborates with SANParks and other stakeholders to ensure the eventual reopening of Kloof Road is both safe and sustainable.