The metal litter grate was successful in holding back litter from entering the Zandvlei during this week’s heavy rains.
The Zandvlei Trust, a non-profit organisation, based in the Western Cape, said the net was first installed by a resident -Michael Ryder, when authorities failed to effectively address the problem.
The trust has taken over from Ryder.
The Trust said “the metal grids are meant to protect the nylon nets from the worst of the winter flood deluge, which could include tree trunks, old car engines, builder’s rubble, fridges, sofas, and the occasional dead animal.”
The Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve, situated in Muizenberg, Cape Town, is a 300-hectare refuge for endangered fish and birds.
The Estuary drains into the northern point of False Bay with its mouth adjacent to the Muizenberg Beach.
Kyran Wright, Zandvlei Nature Reserve’s area manager, Kyran Wright’s team helped deliver the second grate this week, which will be installed soon.
This week, when rain dragged litter down the Langvlei-Sand River canal, the nets rescued the vlei and the beaches.
Picture: Zandvlei Trust