Systems Analysis

In order to understand some of the systems within the site boundary, the district scale is chosen to capture the full extent of the natural systems within their broader contexts. It is important to understand the wider systems that

extend beyond the site boundaries in order to effectively understand the site through a systems approach, which this dissertation promotes. In this way, natural and human systems on the site are contextualized and recognized as

being part of larger systems, on a number of scales, on which any proposals or strategies should seek to improve.

3.5.2.1 Hydrological and Wetland Systems

Figure 33: TRUP Hydrological Systems (Source: Author, 2016 & GIS, University of Cape Town Technical Library, 2016)

Figure 33 shows the TRUP hydrological systems on a site scale. The two rivers on the site, the Liesbeek and Black Rivers both form part of the Salt River Catchment Area. Each with their separate management stakeholders, the rivers and their associated wetlands flow from the south of the TRUP site to the north. At a site scale, the rivers meet towards the north (Shown in Figure 33). The Raapenberg and Pallotti wetlands, shown in figure 36, are virtually all that remains of the once extensive wetland system that originally occurred along the Black River. They are found on the site, shown in figure 36. They play an important role in the health of the river and should be retained, managed, and restored to good condition. Furthermore, the site plays an important role in flood attenuation, with a combined upstream catchment area of 224m2. Figure 34 is an info graphic developed from the State of the Rivers report of Cape Town (2005). It describes the major impacts on the two rivers, as part of the Salt River Catchment in the central rivers category for Cape Town. It shows that the state of both the Liesbeek and Black Rivers is not ideal. The Black River is so polluted, that it is unsuitable for both human and fauna contact. The rivers are mainly polluted along their courses, with the Black River pollution as a result of urban development, rural waste disposal, and industrial wastes. This is due to the fact that the river catchment runs through the informal settlements, which do not have sufficient water infrastructure to facilitate effective water quality management. The river also flows through the Cape Town

industrial areas and is subject to waste disposal as a result. It also runs through the Athlone Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTWs), at the south boundary of the site. As such, the rivers are highly polluted and in a fairly poor state when water arrives on the site, despite being in a better state than when it entered the WWTW. This is problematic for human recreation, usage, and dependence. It also negatively effects the flora and fauna in the region.

Because of the state of the rivers, their associated wetlands are also of poor quality and need to be managed

effectively. The pollution of the rivers, from their sources and along their courses, is shown in figure 35. Pollution of the rivers is also as a result of polluted stormwater runoff which, due to the site’s topography, runs downhill, from areas of urban development towards the rivers. The direction of this polluted runoff flow is shown in figure 35.

Figure 34: Infographic Illustrating the State of the Rivers onthe TRUP site (Source: Author, 2016 adapted from State of the Rivers, 2007)

Figure 35: Conceptual River Pollution (Source: Author, 2016)

3.5.2.2 Biotic and Climatic Systems

The TRUP local area provides a range of habitats for

avifauna and plant species, and plays an important role in the broader biological corridor system, which stretches across the Cape Metropolitan Area.

In terms of the flora and fauna on the site, the avifauna and plant species report (annexure 3 of the CFMP) (2003), lists a number of birds which make their homes along the Black River and its associated wetlands. The Raapenberg Bird

Sanctuary, shown in figure 36, is a ten hectare protected area between the Liesbeek and Black Rivers, just to the right of the Observatory. It, too, is both a home and nesting ground to a wide variety of birds, listed in the report and thus requires preservation. There is also a high

concentration of the endangered

Western Cape leopard toad, as well as a variety of other frog species, along the Liesbeek River, particularly around the Observatory, shown in figure 36.

In terms of flora, the avifauna and plant species report recognizes 38 indigenous plant species, and 51 alien species. The areas in which alien species are

predominantly found are poorly understood and defined, and are given very little mention in previous policies. Figure shows the South African National Biodiversity Institute

(SANBI) classifications of natural vegetation remaining on the site. It also shows the areas of significant biodiversity, which situate the site and its biodiversity within the larger

city biodiversity classification context. Worthy of mention is the fact that the Moraea aristata, endemic to the northern areas of the CoCT, is found near the Observatory on the site. Shown in figure 37, this species of flora is critically endangered and only occurs in peninsula shale

renosterveld vegetation. Its occurrence on the site is the last remaining trace of this floral species in the world. Its location on the site is shown in figure 36.

Figure 37: Moraea Aristata (Source: Google Images)

In terms of biodiversity, figure 36 shows the critical

biodiversity areas, conservation areas, natural vegetation, and other ecological support areas (OESAs). These natural assets are located primarily around the riverine system.

SANBI classifies the biodiversity on the site as containing Cape Flats Dune Strandveld, Cape Flats Sands Fynbos, and Peninsula Shale Renosterveld, shown in figure 36.

Figure 36: TRUP Biodiversity, Vegetation, and Significant Fauna and Flora Sites (Source: Author, 2016 & GIS, University of Cape Town Technical Library, 2016)

The Local Cape Town region has a Mediterranean climate, which means that the study area experiences warm dry summer and cool wet winter conditions. The study area, being very flat and vast, is constantly exposed to the

predominant winds which blow consistently throughout the year.

During the winter months, the wind, which is associated with cold fronts and rain, blows out of a north-westerly direction. This holds flood risks for the very flat study area (discussed and shown previously) and artificial drainage mechanism will be needed to accommodate intensive urban development.

The south-easterly wind is the predominant wind which occurs during the summer months and although the North- Westerly wind is associated with rain, the South-Easter is the most problematic. This is because of the South-Easterly wind reaching speeds in access of 50km/h, resulting in high levels of human discomfort in areas associated with loose sandy soil, such as the study area.

The study area is situated in the Southern Hemisphere, where the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. This has implications for building design and orientation as north facing buildings will collect the most natural light and heat.

3.5.2.3 Soil and Geology

Figure 38 show the soil and geology of the TRUP site, within

its district context respectively. The soils are generally sandy, as is the geology, on either side of the river systems. It is the same soil and geology type as most of the CBD and

Greenpoint, which means it is capable of supporting development, as well as a range of indigenous plant species, such as renosterveld. As shown in the CoCT

metropolitan area map in figure 38, the soils on the site are podzolic soils. Podzolic soils are forested soils found primarily on sandy deposits in ecozones (or parts of ecozones)

where the mean annual precipitation is above 700 mm. Coniferous-dominated plant communities are the major vegetation type found on Podzolic soils.

Figure 38: Soil and Geology of the TRUP site within its District and Metropolitan Context (Source: Author, 2016 & TBSDFEMF, 2012)

3.5.2.4 Movement Systems: Access

The current movement systems, by hierarchy of route type, are shown in figure 39. The current road network, in its broader context is shown in figure 40. It is apparent that although there are significant transport routes which come into contact with the site, they do not facilitate sufficient access to the site. The N2 and M5 freeways border the site and run through it from north to south. They create hard barriers to access (Shown in figure 41). Additionally, the rail infrastructure, shown in figure 41, creates a barrier to

access for the site along the eastern and northern edges. Because of these transport infrastructure barriers, access and permeability of the site is compromised between and through it and its neighboring neighborhoods. This needs to be addressed if the site is to become a catalyst for

metropolitan linkage and integration. This integration should facilitate more east-west linkages across and through the site in order to link the surrounding nei- ghborhoods and foster permeability, access, and integration.

Figure 40: Current Road Network (Source: Author, 2016 & GIS, University of Cape Town Technical Library, 2016)

Figure 41: Barriers to Access (Source: Author, 2016)

There is limited access to the site, shown in figure 41. Additionally, there is very little provision for non-motorized forms of transport (NMT) and the barriers to entry hinder friendly pedestrian and NMT access further. According to the CFMP (2003), if any further development is to take place on the site, significant transport route upgrades are necessary, specifically along Alexandra Road, the

Liesbeek Parkway, and Berkley Road, with their associated intersections. There is also a large push,

because of the infrastructure cost constraints, to facilitate NMT transport through establishing new routes.

3.5.2.5 Green Network and Public Open Space Analysis

The Metropolitan Open Space Strategy (MOSS) (2007) ensures that all open space types of value form a single open space system. The linking of public open green spaces into a single system throughout the metropolitan area is the priority of this strategy. Additionally, this strategy links areas of biodiversity to each other, in order to ensure a continuous natural habitat. Since the TRUP site includes a large area of open space, as well as valuable biodiversity, this strategy is relevant to this research. Important features of this strategy include multi-use and place-making and the idea that metrpolitan systems needs to be ecologically, socially, & economically

sustainable. The idea of an open space system throughout the metropolitan area is reinforced by the Biodiversity Network Draft (2010), which stresses the uniqueness and irreplaceability of the natural environment and sets minimum standards for biodiversity protection along national target areas. The draft makes recommendations for the maintenance of systems through biodiversity offsets if network sites are developed. However, it aims to protect network biodiversity sites in order to maintain ecological continuity throughout the city. The TRUP site forms an important part in this linked network of green open space infrastructure, which runs continuously from Table Bay to False Bay. It is therefore important that the open space is properly maintained and of a good quality for urban

ecosystems to flourish. As such, it is a catalytic site for urban ecology, green infrastructure, and ecological planning to be integrated into the spatial development plan for the site. It also has the potential to be a positive, recreational space for active and passive recreation (CoCT, 2003). In light of the above, it is imperative to conserve these natural areas and the habitats they support. This can be achieved, according to the CoCT (2003), partly by identifying

appropriate land uses, development parcels, design

guidelines and movement routes within and on the edge of the Park, but also requires management actions aimed at protecting and rehabilitating the natural areas, providing recreational amenities and addressing issues such as safety

and construction. The MOSS is shown conceptually in figure 42 and accurately, in relation to the site, in figure 43.

Figure 42: Conceptual Metropolitan Open Space System (Source: CoCT SDF, 2012)

Figure 43: Metropolitan Open Space System in relation to the Site (Source: CFMP, 2003)