As we celebrate spring, the Centurion Lake rehabilitation project is in full swing, with the aim of completing critical work ahead of the approaching rainy summer season. This winter rehabilitation programme is designed to tackle long-standing issues like flooding, litter, debris, siltation, and water quality. The ongoing efforts, led by the Centurion Lake Rehabilitation Task Team, are crucial not just for local businesses, including ANEW Hotel Centurion and Centurion Mall, but for the wider community that depends on the lake’s sustainability.
Responding to a History of Flooding
The importance of this rehabilitation can’t be overstated. In December 2019, Centurion Lake experienced catastrophic flooding, which resulted in patrons of the Centurion Lake Hotel being airlifted to safety. That incident sparked the drafting of a four-step desiltation plan in January 2020, aimed at preventing future flooding and mitigating risk.
By September 2021, approximately 194,000m³ of silt and sand had been removed from the lake, making it safer and more resilient. However, ongoing illegal sand mining upstream has continued to deposit large amounts of silt into the lake, requiring annual interventions.
The 2024 Winter Rehabilitation Programme
This year’s winter desilting, which began in April, is a vital part of the ongoing rehabilitation, focused on preparing the lake for the rainy summer season. The dry months offer the perfect opportunity to carry out this work, as the lake needs to be fully desilted before the arrival of the unpredictable spring rains, which could begin at any time.
Key steps in this year’s desilting process include:
- Desilting downstream of the weir: The first step was lifting the sluice gates to drain the basin and ensure access for desilting operations.
- Desilting in front of the Legacy Centurion Hotel: This critical section has seen substantial silt removal to improve the lake’s water flow and reduce flood risks.
- Desilting on the southern side in front of ANEW Hotel Centurion: Clearing silt here is essential to protect the hotel from the risk of flooding and enhance the lake’s water quality.
- Desilting towards Centurion Mall: This stage extends the desilting efforts to one of the busiest sections, ensuring improved water drainage and reduced flooding potential for mall patrons.
- Relocating stockpiled material: Material cleared from the lake has been temporarily stored, allowing the area to remain open for future work.
Preparing for a Rainy Summer
With the rehabilitation efforts expected to be completed by early September, the lake will be in a far better position to handle the influx of water during the summer rains. Flooding, which has been a recurring problem in the area, is expected to be significantly reduced, thanks to the comprehensive desilting process that has improved drainage and water flow. The focus on improving water quality and removing litter and debris will also ensure a healthier ecosystem for the lake.
While the completion of the desilting is just one step in the lake’s long-term recovery, it marks a critical milestone in safeguarding the area against future risks. Businesses like ANEW Hotel Centurion, Centurion Mall, and other local enterprises will directly benefit from the enhanced safety and improved aesthetic of the lake, making it a more attractive destination for visitors.
Looking Forward
The work being done at Centurion Lake is about more than just solving immediate problems. It’s about building resilience for the future. The Centurion Lake Rehabilitation Task Team is committed to ongoing efforts to maintain the lake’s health, reduce siltation, and address any future challenges. With this winter’s rehabilitation nearly complete, Centurion is better prepared than ever to face the summer rains and continue its path towards a safer and more sustainable future.
At ANEW, we are delighted to witness the ongoing improvements in our environment, and we remain fully committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the safety, sustainability, and beauty of the Centurion Lake area.
