Efforts continue to improve sanitation services in Samora Machel
10 October 2025
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate continues to intensify its efforts in Samora Machel to improve service delivery and maintain essential infrastructure. The area has faced severe sewer blockages, largely due to illegal dumping of rags, rubble and foreign objects resulting in localised overflows, which require continuous and coordinated operational responses.
Building on the momentum of the successful Joint Services delivery blitz held at the end of August, operational teams have remained on the ground in Samora Machel, working tirelessly over the past few weeks to restore and maintain critical sewer infrastructure. Their work is making a visible difference in key parts of the community.
Recent work has been concentrated along Oliver Tambo Drive, Galaweni Street, Weltevreden Clinic, Moses Kotane Street, Jenny Schreiner Street, Aadil Moerat Walk, Lillian Ngoyi Drive, Leonard Radu Road and surrounds.Activities included:
• Cleaning and jetting sewer pipelines
• Clearing manholes of debris and obstructions
• Rebuilding damaged manholes
• Repairing a sewer collapse along Lillian Ngoyi Drive
‘The continued presence of operational teams in Samora Machel is being prioritised for improved consistency in service delivery. Although mitigating safety risks requires costly additional resources, the work being done on the ground is not just a once-off intervention. ‘We are grateful for the support received from residents through their cooperation, as teams work to create a cleaner, safer environment for everyone,’ said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.
Executive Director for Water and Sanitation, Leonardo Manus, together with Ward 33 Councillor Lungisa Somdaka, conducted an oversight visit during the week, commending teams for their commitment and progress.Marked improvements in the living conditions in Samora Machel will become more visible, as the sewer network stabilises. To help facilitate this, the directorate has increased operational resources by deploying two dedicated teams to the area.
Residents can expect to see the teams returning next week, as work continues to address stubborn and recurring blockages.
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
