High-pressure water network upgrade in the pipeline for Hout Bay
18 March 2025
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate held a public meeting in Hout Bay on Wednesday, 12 March 2025, to engage with residents on the various upcoming interventions to upgrade the Hout Bay high pressure water network, valued at R103 million. This will help provide a reliable water supply to the community.
The City and its appointed consultant presented detailed plans of high-pressure pipeline upgrades, scheduled to start in October 2026.
This high pressure network plays an integral role in providing safe drinking water across steep terrain to properties in Hout Bay.
The upgrades stem from a collaborative effort between the directorate’s Water Demand Management (WDM) and Reticulation branches, who determined the need for pipeline upgrades and alternative reticulation solutions following in-depth assessments.
A multi-phase approach will see new large water mains being installed and existing ones replaced to ease the high pressure of the water network.
Details of the high-pressure pipeline upgrades
• Phase One: A total of 2,3km of 300mm pipeline will be installed along Valley Road to provide a dedicated supply from Constantia Nek Reservoir to Suikerbossie Reservoir. This pipeline will replace the existing 300mm supply, which has been prone to continuous bursts, particularly between Hout Bay Main Road and Valley Road.
• Phase Two: A total of 1,1km of 250mm pipeline will be installed along Valley Road to extend the pressure-reduced pipeline. This will ensure a reliable, pressure-managed supply from Constantia Nek Reservoir into Hout Bay. This is a new pipeline that will be installed from Park Avenue and Valley Road intersection to Victoria Road and Valley Road intersection.
• Phase Three: A total of 1,4km of 200mm pipeline will be installed along Hout Bay Main Road to improve network reliability and pressure management. This phase is currently in concept and viability stage. This will replace the 225mm pipeline along Hout Bay Main Road.
• Phase Four: 1,3km of 315mm pipeline will be installed to improve supply to Hout Bay Heights and Hangberg. This is a new pipeline that will be installed from Princess Street and Hout Bay Harbour Road intersection to Harbour Road and Atlantic Skipper Street.
The City will be investing more than R56 million for Phases One and Two, which will start in October 2026 until June 2027. Another R47 million will be invested for Phases Three and Four, which are currently in concept and viability stage.
Pipe replacements will continue
The City’s current pipe replacement projects in Hout Bay, as part of its pipe replacement programme, will continue in the 2025/2026 financial year. The latest project, which is in its final stages of completion, saw 2 500m of water pipes replaced at an estimated value of R6,2 million in Valley Road, Saddlers Row, Saddlers Close, Martingale Avenue, Stirrup Lane, Stirrup Lane Extension, Mangold Close, Welbevind Way, Lilford Road and Bethal Street.
‘I’d like to thank residents for attending the public meeting to discuss the latest developments. The plans in progress are much-needed and will have a major impact in addressing the challenges caused by the high pressure water network.
‘These aren't just ordinary pipes – they are high-pressure vessels operating under extreme strain due to the area’s steep terrain. Some are nearly 70 years old. This planned work is in addition to the annual water pipe replacement programme also benefiting the community,’ said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
