Illegal connections jeopardise safety and disrupt Swartklip Road Pump Station operations
20 August 2025
STATEMENT BY THE MAYORAL COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR WATER AND SANITATION, COUNCILLOR ZAHID BADROODIEN
The City of Cape Town is aware of the illegal electricity connections made by residents of the Monwabisi Zone 4 informal settlement to the sewer pump station on Swartklip Road in Tafelsig.
These illegal connections pose serious safety risks to the community and compromise the functionality of the pump station, contributing to frequent sewer blockages and overflows that negatively impact surrounding areas.
Following numerous engagements with the community and local ward councillors, the City has taken the decision to disconnect these illegal connections. Residents were allowed to voluntarily remove the connections, failing which, the City would proceed with enforcement.
While the City understands the frustrations raised by residents the illegal use of municipal infrastructure cannot be permitted due to the significant safety, operational and environmental risks involved.
The City remains committed to engaging with all relevant stakeholders, to support a lawful and sustainable way forward. A debriefing session will be arranged with the councillors, City departments, and other relevant stakeholders.
In my engagement with residents on site, I emphasised that these disconnections, while difficult, were necessary to protect the functionality of our pump station to ensure sewage can be pumped out of the community and reduce or prevent overflows in Mitchells Plain.
The City appeals for cooperation during this ongoing process to ensure the safety and well-being of all affected communities. We call on the community members to also help safeguard this vital pump station, which is needed to convey sewage away from the community. This action is a step in the right direction to help restore dignity in those communities serviced by this pump station.
Caption 1: (From left to right) Lerato Mbuzwa, Regional Pump Station Manager and Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, inspecting the Swartklip Pump Station.
Caption 2: Electrical wires that have been removed from the Swartklip Pump Station.
Caption 3: (From left to right) Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation and Lerato Mbuzwa, Regional Pump Station Manager, inspecting the Swartklip Pump Station.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
