Cape Town is wellknown for its picturesque beaches and the iconic Table Mountain. However, beneath the surface lies an ongoing battle against unusual sewer blockages. Over the past year, the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate spent nearly R417 million addressing this issue. The culprits of these blockages are not the average waste materials one might expect. Tyres, rags, clothes, kitchen cutlery, TVs, and even car parts have been extracted from the city’s sewer pipes.

The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has successfully replaced 55,163 meters of sewer pipes and 50,170 meters of water pipes across the city in the period from July 2022 to June 2023. This impressive project cost R307.6 million for the sewer pipes and R140.4 million for the water pipes. The city’s annual water and sewer pipe replacement programs and individual capital projects demonstrate their ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure throughout the city.

The City’s Environmental Management Department is committed to bridging the gap between city life and nature through the [Experiential Education Garden](https://capetown.today/floridagatorsandradyouthcentrecollaboratetocreateselfsustainingvegetablegarden) (EEG) at Green Point Park. In December 2020, the EEG project began, spearheaded by the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews. The project’s success has paved the way for the construction of the domeshaped classroom.

The South African government is taking action to address the delays and obstacles encountered in several construction and infrastructure projects in Limpopo Province. Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, recently met with the MEC for Transport and Community Safety in Limpopo, Florence Radzilani, to lay out specific timelines and execution plans for the completion of these projects.

The City of Cape Town’s Library and Information Services welcomed 20 emerging leaders to the world of library leadership in honor of South African Librarians Day. These individuals participated in the Strengthening Innovative Library Leaders (SILL) training program, designed to empower library professionals to make a difference in their communities.

In the North West province of South Africa, Acting Premier Nono Maloyi has taken an assertive stand to eradicate mud houses. The goal is to restore the dignity of countless residents living in such conditions. Mud houses pose significant risks, as they can collapse, causing injury or even death, particularly during heavy rain. Therefore, Acting Premier Maloyi has instructed his team to treat this issue with urgency, emphasizing the restoration of dignity for the people.

In honor of Mandela Day, the staff of Ocean View Library teamed up with young children from Radiance Educare, an early childhood development center in Ocean View, for a community service event on July 18. The City’s waste mascot, Bingo, notably supported the initiative. With great enthusiasm, the children and staff took on the task of cleaning their community and raising awareness about the importance of maintaining a clean, healthy environment.

Stikland, a dynamic industrial zone in the Cape Town metro area, recently hosted the launch of the Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) programme, aimed at bolstering the area’s economic strength by supporting the growth of businesses, both big and small.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Free State province is committed to enhancing community safety and security. Recently, under the banner of Operation Shanela, a series of highdensity deployments were launched. LieutenantGeneral Baile Motsoenyane, Provincial Commissioner of the police in Free State, and MajorGeneral Arthur Adams, Mangaung Metro District Commissioner, inspected the parade at Parkweg grounds to commence the operation.

The City of Cape Town is set to launch a major digital travel campaign in Brazil as the first direct flight between São Paulo and Cape Town prepares for takeoff. This new initiative aims to attract Brazilian tourists and strengthen trade and economic ties between Brazil and South Africa.

Members of the Oshoek Border Policing have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to securing the nation’s borders by arresting two individuals from the Kingdom of Eswatini for dealing in dagga. The suspects were caught trying to smuggle a consignment of dagga worth over R385,000 into South Africa.

The city of Cape Town has taken the initiative to assist unemployed engineering and science graduates in registering with professional bodies and finding employment. This effort is being made through the Infrastructure Skills Development Grant (ISDG) program, which aims to build a pool of resources within the city.

The Coastal Park Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Cape Town is being constructed at an impressive pace, providing improved recycling and job opportunities for the city. The facility will not only reduce the amount of recyclable materials sent to landfills but also boost the local economy by creating new jobs.