City to start emergency repairs to collapsed sewer pipe in Strand
17 July 2023
Residents and motorists are advised that the section of De Villiers Street between Myburgh and Church streets has been closed for safety reasons so that the contractor appointed by the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate can do emergency repairs to the collapsed sewer in this vicinity. During this time, motorists are encouraged to avoid this area until the repair has been completed. Read more below:
Emergency repairs to the collapsed sewer on De Villiers Street in Strand will start soon.
‘There are various reasons why sewer collapses occur, however, in this case, this section of pipeline was constructed about 40 years ago so its walls have been thinning considerably over the years, which makes it susceptible to collapsing when exposed to heavy loading. When the peak flows coupled with excessive stormwater ingress is experienced, the pipeline also has to withstand pressurised flow conditions which also leads to sporadic pipeline collapses.
‘Every effort is being made to ensure the emergency repairs start within the next few days and is completed in the shortest and safest time possible. We regret any inconvenience caused to the community during this time,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
During the past six months, Strand has seen multiple collapses of one of its main sewer pipelines, which has affected traffic on De Villiers Street and De Ruyter Street.
‘Residents are assured the Trappies Sewer pipeline is set to be refurbished to reduce the chance of sewer collapses in future. Plans are in place to refurbish approximately 4,1km of the pipeline at an estimated cost of R100 million. Furthermore, the City allocated R250 million to replace 100km of sewer infrastructure in the 2023/24 FY.
‘In the meantime, the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has appointed an emergency contractor to conduct point repairs whenever sewer collapses are experienced. However, the City is currently finalising the refurbishment contract for this section of pipeline, and if all goes well, the plan is to have a contractor on the ground at the beginning of 2024.
‘This is excellent news as it will not only improve water and sanitation operations in the area and create resilient water infrastructure to last, but also to ensure that commuters on De Villiers Street and De Ruyter streets will be able to travel on these highly affected roads without worry or disruption.
‘The City regrets the inconvenience caused as plans for the refurbishment were being made.’
For updates on the progress of the work, residents are encouraged to contact ward councillor Carl Punt on 083 453 1207 or carl.punt@capetown.gov.za.
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
