Metro takes action to keep Centurion safe from floods
MMC Kholofelo Morodi says proactive river management, tree removal, and inter-municipal collaboration are helping Tshwane stay ahead of seasonal floods.
With the rainfall season fast approaching, the Tshwane Metro is stepping up its efforts to prevent flooding along the Hennops River and in the Centurion Lake’s catchment areas.
MMC for Corporate and Shared Services Kholofelo Morodi, who also serves as the political head for Region 4, said the city has implemented careful planning and proactive measures to safeguard residents and infrastructure.
“Following the severe flooding incident that affected the Centurion Hotel in December 2019, we have been working tirelessly to ensure such events are prevented in the future,” said Morodi.
After the severe flooding that affected the Centurion Hotel in 2019, the City implemented a desiltation plan that has already removed over 300,000m³ of silt and sand from Centurion Lake — successfully preventing further flooding in that area.@CityTshwane https://t.co/yKYyEy3e6H pic.twitter.com/B0N9CyKSeU
— Kholofelo Morodi (@kholofeloMorodi) October 16, 2025
She explained that central to these efforts has been the Hennops River/Centurion Lake Rehabilitation Task Team, which developed and implemented a desiltation plan to mitigate future flooding risks.
“Since September 2021, truckloads of silt and sand have been removed from Centurion Lake. This critical intervention has successfully prevented further flooding within the lake itself.”
Despite these efforts, Morodi acknowledged that flooding continues to occur both upstream and downstream, largely due to debris blockages at low-lying bridges along the Hennops River.
“Large trees, reeds, and accumulated waste have caused repeated blockages, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive riverine management approach that goes beyond desiltation alone,” she explained.
The task team expanded its focus in 2024 to include riverine management in partnership with private property developments.
Morodi noted that estates such as the Irene Country Club, Centurion Golf Estate, and River Falls Office Park have contributed by funding riverine management on their properties, while the metro provides technical guidance and environmental oversight.
“To date, 128 trees have been removed at Irene Country Club and 248 at Centurion Golf Estate, with the majority being alien or high-risk species identified for removal in line with the city’s environmental by-laws.”
She emphasised that seasonal flooding remains a challenge at low-lying bridges, with the last major flood recorded in February 2022.
“Most incidents since then have been caused by debris accumulation, reinforcing the need for sustained riverine maintenance,” she said.
Morodi said the metro will work closely with the MMC for Environment and Agriculture Management, Obakeng Ramabodu, to enhance co-ordination on riverine management and environmental compliance.
“As we recognise that some blockages and pollution originate upstream from neighbouring municipalities, the municipality will engage through the Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) framework with the cities of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni.”
Morodi stated that this collaborative approach will ensure sustainable and co-ordinated efforts to maintain clean and functional river systems across municipal boundaries.
“Ahead of the rainy season, Region 4 will intensify monitoring and cleaning of key low-lying bridges following heavy rainfall events to prevent damage and protect public safety,” she added.
As we continue on our proactive efforts to mitigate against the risk of flooding arpund the Centurion Hotel precinct, it’s important that as a City we engage with relevant stakeholders to bring solutions on the table.
The Hennops River flows this area, and businesses around are… pic.twitter.com/VRk1jMDS2J
— Kholofelo Morodi (@kholofeloMorodi) October 17, 2025
Bridges earmarked for increased attention include the M18 Irene bridge and bridges on Nellmapius Road, West Street, Lenchen South Avenue, Lenchen North Avenue, End Street, Witstinkhout Street, Blackwood Street, and Lyttelton Avenue.
Morodi praised the ongoing efforts of all departments, private stakeholders, and community partners contributing to this critical work.
“Through collaboration and consistency, Tshwane is building a more resilient and environmentally sustainable region.”
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
