| City doubles water and sewer pipe replacement in August | The City of Cape Town successfully replaced 16 497m of water and sewer pipes over the past month. | <p></p><span><p>August saw major work completed to rehabilitate the City’s water and sewer pipe infrastructure. In total for the month, 9 545m of water pipes and 6 952m of sewer pipes were replaced. This is double the amount of both water and sewer pipe replacement for July.</p>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img">
<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Water%20and%20Sewer%20PR%20Aug%201.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /> </figure></span><span><p></p><div>This work has taken place across several communities in Cape Town, including Melkbos, Atlantis, Table View, Athlone and Bellville. </div><div><br></div><div>In Bellville, 3 949m of water pipes were replaced while 1 136m sewer pipes were replaced in Athlone for August.<br></div>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img">
<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Water%20and%20Sewer%20PR%20Aug%202.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /> </figure></span><span><div>Pipe replacement is part of the City’s strategy to bring down sewer spills and address the issue of unaccounted for water.</div><div><br></div><div>Over the past financial year, the City spent R443,4 million on water and sewer pipe rehabilitation to improve the lives of Cape Town’s residents.</div><div><br></div><div>Over the new financial year, from July 2023 to June 2024, the City has budgeted a total of R863,6 million to invest in water and sewer pipe replacements city-wide<br></div>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img">
<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Water%20and%20Sewer%20PR%20Aug%203.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:1407px;" /> </figure></span><div>‘Cape Town is massively raising its investment in critical basic services infrastructure to lay the foundation for economic growth.</div><div><br></div><div>‘While long-term infrastructure planning has always been in place, the City’s R120bn 10-year infrastructure portfolio represents a refined pipeline of planned projects and raised ambitions for investment,’ said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.</div><div><br></div><div>‘The City regrets any inconvenience caused when this work takes place in various areas over the coming months. It is however necessary to better cater to the residents’ water and sanitation needs.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>End</strong><br></div><p><br></p> | 2023-09-24T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Law Enforcement records more than 12 000 arrests in a year | The City’s Law Enforcement Department made 12 069 arrests between July 2022 and June 2023 | <div>In addition to the arrests, which represents an 89% increase compared to the previous year, the City’s Law Enforcement officers also recovered:</div><div><br></div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>168 firearms</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>120 imitation firearms</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>2 188 rounds of ammunition </div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>35 858,5 units of drugs</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>and issued 289 701 fines and compliance notices</div><div><br></div><div>‘These are but a few statistical indicators of the work that our Law Enforcement Department gets through in a year. Add to that an average of nearly 24 000 service requests each month, and it becomes clear just how mammoth the workload is. We have a number of specialised units within the department, and it is not always possible to reflect on the contribution of each unit individually, but I commend the staff for these operational results. There are so many demands on our enforcement agencies, and it is not always plain sailing, but it is important to acknowledge their efforts. While our weekly reporting on statistics gives the public real-time insights into our operations, this annual view is a very important step to providing a more complete picture,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.</div><div><br></div><div>Law Enforcement Officers have the power to confiscate, arrest, issue compliance notices and fines, and shut down illegal operations where by-laws are infringed upon.</div><div><br></div><div>They also support the South African Police Service in terms of crime prevention, along with the City’s other enforcement agencies.</div><div><br></div><div>The Law Enforcement Department has a current staff complement of just over 3 500.</div><div><br></div><div>In addition, the Department recruited and trained 81 new Law Enforcement volunteers in the last financial year.</div><div><br></div><div>‘We continue to invest in our enforcement services, both the human resources, but also ongoing training and development, as well as the accompanying technology rollout to further expand our impact on the ground. The statistics show the return on these ongoing investments, but we are mindful of the many ongoing challenges on the enforcement environment, and so we are constantly looking to further improve our outputs, and work towards building safer communities,’ added Alderman Smith.</div><div><br><br></div><p><br></p><p><br></p> | 2023-09-23T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Recreation and Parks distributes 3 000 trees and counting | The Department has hosted a series of tree planting activities and greening initiatives aimed at enhancing Cape Town’s urban landscape. | <div>Arbor Month is an annual celebration of trees and a reminder of the vital role they play in our environment. </div><div><br></div><div>The Recreation and Parks Department has hosted a series of tree planting activities and greening initiatives aimed at enhancing Cape Town’s urban landscape, taking the number of trees distributed and planted in communities since the start of the year to at least 3 000.</div><div><br></div><div>‘Arbor month is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of trees to our society, and the theme this year, which is “Forests and Health”, highlights the crucial connection between forests and human well-being. Not only do trees and forests provide clean air, but they beautify our surroundings and recreational spaces, providing a sense of tranquillity, and being close to nature. And, while Arbor month is special, our efforts to help trees take root continue all year round, as can be seen by the thousands of trees already distributed this year,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross. </div><div><br></div><div>Among the Arbor Month activities where the City collaborated with local communities are:</div><div><br></div><div><ul><li>The planting of six large Cocos plumosa (Queen palms) trees on 30 August at Van Niekerk Park in Bellville, which required heavy machinery and landscaper input.<br></li><li>Hosting a flagship event for National Arbor Month at the Langa Civic Hall on September 20, planting six Ficus rubignosa (Rusty fig) at the facility concluded the Langa Centenary 100 Trees Project, a significant initiative commemorating the 100th anniversary of Langa. The project involved planting 100 trees throughout Langa, symbolising growth, resilience, and a commitment to a sustainable future. These trees serve as a living tribute to the community's heritage and a means of improving the local environment. The project not only enhances the area’s green spaces, but also underscores the importance of the urban forest and community engagement in celebrating milestones and fostering a greener, healthier community.<br></li><li>On 20 September, 10 Tarchonanthus (Camphor bushes) trees were planted at Rohm Street, Goodwood with Goodwood Park Primary School to educate youth about trees while instilling a sense of pride in their contribution to a greener city.<br></li><li>During this year's Cape Green Day Expo, the Department showcased its services and distributed awareness materials about the City's green spaces.<br></li><li>Ahead of the exciting Bonsai Festival in October and to celebrate Arbor Month, the Bonsai Fraternity displayed their stunning bonsai creations at various City offices from Monday, September 18, through Friday, September 22, providing an opportunity to capture the beauty and learn about the passion and art involved in their cultivation.<br></li><li>In recognition of their outstanding contribution to the preservation and growth of Cape Town's urban forests, the City is also proud to announce the Arbor City Partnership Award presented to the “TreeKeepers” by the National Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Environment (DFFE). Their dedication and passion for tree care and education have made the city a greener and more sustainable place.<br></li><li>Another significant highlight of this year's celebration is the City Council's adoption of the Urban Forest Policy, marking a crucial step towards a greener and more sustainable future. This policy underscores the City's commitment to preserving and enhancing urban forests, outlining strategies for tree planting, preservation and maintenance throughout Cape Town.</li></ul></div><div><br></div><div>‘These activities reflect the richness of Cape Town's natural heritage and the City’s commitment to planting a diverse range of tree species to promote biodiversity and climate resilience. As we mark National Arbor Month, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing and expanding these essential green spaces in Cape Town, and we invite residents to join us on this journey by planting a tree, learning about our local flora, and contributing towards a greener and more sustainable Cape Town,’ added Councillor Van der Ross.</div><div><br><br></div><p><br></p> | 2023-09-23T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Planned water supply maintenance for 26 September to 5 October | The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate will be doing planned work in the identified areas, which will result in water supply disruptions. The City sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused. | <p><br></p><p>This work will result in water supply disruptions to these areas:</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Zero-pressure tests (ZPT) and conditional assessments</strong></span></p><ol><li><strong>Claremont, Newlands and Rondebosch.</strong><br><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong> </strong></span>Step-testing will be done on the water supply network in these areas <strong>from 21:00 on Tuesday, 26 September 2023, overnight until 04:00 on Wednesday, 27 September 2023</strong> and again <strong>from 21:00 on Thursday, 28 September 2023, overnight until 04:00 on Friday, 29 September 2023. </strong>This will<strong> </strong>enable the maintenance team to do conditional assessments on the water supply into the area. </li><li><strong>Bizweni – Somerset West</strong><br> The water supply to this area will be shut off <strong>from 20:00 on Wednesday, 27 September 2023 overnight until 04:00 on Thursday, 28 September 2023.</strong> This will enable the maintenance team to safely do zero pressure testing on the water supply network in the area.<br><strong> </strong><br><br><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Pressure management installations and operations</strong></span><br><br> <br>Zero-pressure testing and step-testing are part of the installation process for pressure management technology. Tests are done in advance to see if any unmapped inflows need to be considered before installing smart pressure-reducing valves. <br> <br><br>In these affected areas, some residents may experience low water pressure, and some may have no water coming out of their taps for some time during this overnight testing period. It is not possible to predict which areas or streets will experience disruptions. <br><strong> </strong><br><br>Conditional testing on the other hand ensures that the pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) in the water supply network are operating effectively and managing the pressures at the determined settings to preserve the lifespan of the pipeline and reduce the occurrence of water wastage resulting from pipe bursts. Pressure fluctuations may be experienced, but will be minimised as far as possible.<br> <br><br>This work forms part of the City's Water Demand Management Strategy. Managing water pressure more effectively reduces the possibility of pipe bursts and water wastage.<br><strong> </strong><br><br><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Maintenance work – Pipe and valve installations, repairs and replacements</strong></span><br><strong> </strong><br><br>This work will result in the water supply disruption to these areas:<br> </li></ol><ol><li><strong>Site B – Nonkqubela area (Khayelitsha) </strong><br>A test shut off will be done on the water supply to these areas <strong>from 08:00 until 16:00 on Tuesday, 26 September 2023 for.</strong> This will enable the maintenance team to safely determine the impact as part of the planning for the installation of a 450mm diameter valve on the main water supply pipeline. Water tankers will be providing water for domestic consumption where required. </li><li><strong>Northern parts of the City – Durbanville, Kraaifontein, Bloekombos, Wallacedene, Joostenbergvlakte and Bellville</strong><br><strong> </strong>The Blackheath Water Treatment Plant will be shut down <strong>from 00:00 on Tuesday, 26 September 2023 until 24:00 on Wednesday, 27 September 2023. </strong>This will enable the maintenance team to safely install a 1500mm diameter water meter. The Stellenbosch municipality as well as private consumers along the Riviersonderend pipeline have already been informed. Residents in the northern parts of the City are kindly requested to reduce their water consumption during this period. </li><li><strong>Gordons Bay, Strand and Somerset West</strong><br><strong> </strong>The Steenbras Water Treatment Plant will be shut down <strong>from 08:00 until 24:00 on Friday, 29 September 2023. </strong>This will enable the maintenance team to safely replace a 400mm diameter water meter. Alternate water supply will be rerouted to these areas and some parts may experience lower than usual water pressure during this period. Residents in these areas are kindly requested to reduce their water consumption during this period. </li><li><strong>Northern parts of the City – Durbanville, Kraaifontein, Bloekombos, Wallacedene, Joostenbergvlakte and Bellville</strong><br><strong> </strong>The Wemmershoek Water Treatment Plant will be shut down for maintenance <strong>from 24:00 on Monday, 2 October 2023 until 24:00 on Tuesday, 3 October 2023. </strong>The Drakenstein and Stellenbosch municipalities as well as private consumers along the Wemmershoek pipeline have already been informed. Residents in the northern parts of the City are kindly requested to reduce their water consumption during this period. This work has been postponed from 21 September 2023.<strong> </strong></li><li><strong>Mowbray and Rondebosch</strong><br><strong> </strong>The water supply main to these areas will be shut-off <strong>from 09:00 until 19:00 on Thursday, 5 October 2023, </strong>to enable the maintenance team to install a 300mm diameter valve on the main water supply pipeline and repair fire hydrants. <br><br>This work forms part of the Water and Sanitation Directorate's proactive infrastructure maintenance and upgrade programme, which ensures the future continuity of water supply by addressing the issue of unaccounted for water. <br><br>The City sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused.<br></li></ol><table cellspacing="0" width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:100%;"><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>What residents need to know about larger-scale planned water supply disruptions:</strong></span></p><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Careful consideration has been given to the planning of this work to ensure it is <strong>being done at a time that is least disruptive</strong> to the water supply.</li><li><strong>All sites where water and sanitation repairs and upgrades are conducted</strong> are deemed to be construction sites and, as such, <strong>are off-limits to members of the public.</strong></li><li>Sometimes the <strong>maintenance work can be more complex than anticipated, which means the work could take longer.</strong></li><li>For a short period <strong>after the supply has been restored, the water may be discoloured or look milky.</strong> This is because of trapped air in the pipes. If left to stand in a glass, the appearance will become clear, like normal.</li></ol><p>For updates on the maintenance work <strong>(and</strong> <strong>location of tankers</strong> <strong>where applicable)</strong>, follow <strong>@CityofCTAlerts </strong>which is a City of Cape Town Twitter account.</p><p> <br></p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>How residents are advised to prepare for planned water supply disruptions:</strong></span></p><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li><strong>Store enough water in clean, sealed containers in advance</strong> for use during this period.</li><li><strong>Keep your taps closed</strong> to prevent any water loss and/or damage when the water supply is restored.</li></ol><p> <br></p><p><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"century gothic", sans-serif;">End</span></strong><br></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br></p> | 2023-09-23T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
