Rhian Berning from “Protect the Keurbooms Catchment” informs on a major step forward for the group’s initiative aimed at securing and improving water flow by tackling the Alien Invasive Species infestation in the river catchment area: A group of supportive landowners and members of the Steering Committee have now commissioned a “Pre-feasibility study: Ecological infrastructure solutions for water security in Bitou Municipality”.
NOTE TO STAKEHOLDERS ON PROGRESS, May 2026
Pre-feasibility study: Ecological infrastructure solutions for water security in Bitou Municipality (BM)
Following the presentation given to BM by Louise Stafford (TNC), together with Marlene Laros and John Wilson from Western Cape government on 19 February 2026, a letter of endorsement supporting an investigation into ecological infrastructure investment was received from Bitou Municipality.
As a next step, a pre-feasibility study (PFS) into the business case for such investment has been commissioned. The study is being conducted by Apex Consulting, led by Bruce Taplin who has previously done a significant amount of work in the Keurbooms Catchment. He will also be assisted by Myles Mander, an experienced Natural Resource Economist, who has also done extensive work in our area.
It is planned that the study will be complete in August 2026, after which it will be clear as to whether or not we have a strong enough case to proceed to a full feasibility study.
The study is being privately funded, although an approach to John Wilson has been made for Government co-funding. The broader impact of AIP clearing in the Keurbooms catchment will be an important part of the study.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) played a critical role in the establishment of the Greater Cape Town Water Fund, and we are fortunate that they seem positive about establishing a Water Fund for Bitou. They are strongly supportive of doing the Pre-feasibility study and there is regular contact with them in this regard. TNC is working on a water fund “pipeline” for South Africa. To be eligible for support we’ll have to meet the criteria. The pre-feasibility study is an important step to determine whether a Keurbooms water fund is viable.
An interim SteerCom has been created for this pre-feasibility phase and has the following representatives: Louise Stafford (TNC), Patrick Davies (Keurbooms Catchment landowner and representing funders), Bitou Muni rep (TBC), Community rep (TBC), DEADP rep (TBC), Conservation authority rep (TBC), Rhian Berning (representing NPO’s). Jonathan Cawood and Albert Ackhurst will be alternatives to Patrick Davies.
The next step is to establish an appropriate Forum of stakeholders to guide the process forward. Communication in this regard will follow.
In summary, we are off to a good start, but there is a long road ahead. In Bitou, we are fortunate to be resourced with deeply committed and talented people to support this critical initiative.
[Source: “Protect the Keurbooms Catchment” WhatsApp-group message, 4 May 2026]