Cape Town is facing a critical challenge of sewer blockages, with an alarming 2,799 blockages reported in a week, causing a massive problem for the city. The city’s maintenance teams work relentlessly to deblock sewers, but household waste items such as candy and chip wrappers, cooking oils, and fats often contribute to the problem. The city has implemented preventative measures, but citizens also have a crucial role to play in mitigating the problem by utilizing proper waste disposal and refraining from pouring cooking oils or fats down the sink.
Uitsig is struggling with a 165% increase in sewer blockages due to outdated infrastructure and incorrect waste disposal practices. Despite a pipeline replacement project starting in July 2023, only 8.2% completion has been achieved due to the dual threats of extortion and public safety. The City has set up a 24hour hotline for anonymous reporting of incidents of extortion and urges residents to be mindful of what they discard to ensure a cleaner, safer, and more efficient Uitsig.
Khayelitsha, a township on the outskirts of Cape Town, overcame persistent sewer blockages using innovative methods and specialized vehicles. The challenge included a frequently obstructed 600mm sewer main line caused by debris, premeditated vandalism, and homes built directly over the sewer line. The Water and Sanitation Directorate successfully cleared the blockages, but the cost was R8,128,317.70. The city is urging community members to take responsibility for their infrastructure, and cash rewards of up to R5,000 are being offered for information leading to the arrest of vandals.
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has recently completed the complex task of repairing a collapsed 30meter long bulk sewer main pipeline located on Prince George Drive, Retreat. The repair process, which began in March, was challenging but successful, and it is now time to focus on reinstating the road for public use.
Cape Town residents urged to report sewer overflows The City of Cape Town is urging its residents to report sewer overflows immediately through official city channels such as WhatsApp and the City’s website. It is essential to report these incidents promptly during high, prolonged stages of loadshedding and heavy rain when sewer spills and overflows are more likely.