The City of Cape Town says it has allocated funds to close access to the Liesbeek Canal in Athlone.

It claims residents use the canal as a disposal facility, throwing old furniture, rubbish and even raw sewerage into the canal which flows into the Liesbeek River.

Ward councillor Charlotte Tabisher says they have spent a significant amount of money on cleaning the canal and yet residents continue to pollute it.

Tabisher says the city has planned to close up the end of each avenue leading to the canal.

“At the end of every avenue, there are little thoroughfares to the canal. The canal is in a terrible state, but it was cleaned less than a month ago. I am addressing crime and grime at the same time. Money has been allocated and the thoroughfares will be closed; we’re still looking at how best to do it avoid any inconvenience."