City piped-up for Bergvliet’s water network upgrade

13 March 2025

The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is making steady progress on the installation of new water pipes in Bergvliet. Now four months into implementation, this R5 million project forms part of the city-wide pipe replacement programme to enhance the reliability of the water supply for residents.

The upgrade will see approximately 2 450 metres of ageing water pipes replaced along Starke Road, Ceres Road, Drostdy Road, Elgin Road, Protea Road, Homestead Avenue, Ladies Mile Service Road and surrounding streets.

Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien recently visited the site to assess progress ahead of the project's anticipated completion in June 2025.

‘This Bergvliet project is one of many taking place across the city as part of our broader efforts to upgrade Cape Town’s water infrastructure. In the 2024/25 financial year alone, the City is investing R323 million in its water and sewer pipe replacement programme. The project is progressing well, with the support of the Bergvliet community. Upgrading our infrastructure is a key priority, as it helps reduce pipe bursts and ensures a secure, uninterrupted water supply for residents.

‘Local projects like these also provide employment opportunities. I am pleased that this initiative has created 10 local jobs for workers who form part of the contractor’s team. We would like to thank the community for their patience throughout any inconvenience, as this important work continues,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

The water mains in Bergvliet were on the priority list for replacement due to repeated pipe bursts, causing frequent service disruptions and increased maintenance costs.

To minimise inconvenience and maximise efficiency, the City is employing advanced trenchless pipe-cracking technology – a modern engineering method that allows for installation of new pipes without extensive excavation. This technique significantly reduces the impact on pavements, road surfaces, and underground utilities while accelerating project completion.

The new pipelines, constructed from 110 mm diameter High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), offer superior durability, cost-effectiveness and have an extended service lifespan.

These pipes also adhere to stringent South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) compliance criteria, ensuring the highest quality and safety in potable water distribution.

‘Cape Town has approved a record infrastructure budget for South Africa of R39,5 billion over three years, more than the three Gauteng metros combined. The City has further calculated that 75% of its infrastructure spending directly benefits lower income households, with the pro-poor portion amounting to R9 billion in 24/25 – more than the entire infrastructure budget of any other city,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office