Lwandle residents encouraged to Bin it Don’t Block it

22 January 2026

The City’s Water and Sanitation Community Engagement team recently visited the Lwandle community during December 2025 to reinforce the ‘Bin it, Don’t Block it’ message following a sharp increase in sewer blockages and overflow incidents. Most of these overflows were caused by inappropriate materials being discarded into the sewer system instead of being placed in refuse bins.

Through one-on-one engagements, residents were shown what causes sewer overflows and the risks they pose to public health and the environment. Supported by Ward Councillor Xolani Diniso (Ward 86), the team distributed pamphlets outlining steps that households can take to help prevent blockages and how to request assistance for any water or sanitation-related issues.

Between July 2024 and November 2025, the City’s maintenance teams attended to 790 sewer blockages in Lwandle alone. Of these, 67% were caused by foreign objects (58%) and rags (9%) being thrown into the system. Residents are urged to use refuse bins for nappies, rags, sanitary items and other solid waste instead of flushing or dumping them in drains.

‘In Lwandle, the misuse of the sewer system directly impacts the environmental health of the Soet River. When overflows happen, sewage runs into the river and compromises inland water quality. Residents are encouraged to take small, but meaningful steps to turn this around. Only using a refuse bin to dispose of litter, sanitary items, nappies, cloths and other solid waste makes a massive difference, as these items are currently the leading cause of sewer blockages in the area.

‘The City is doing its part by investing in sewer pipe replacements, upgrading pump stations and improving infrastructure at multiple wastewater treatment works. We also have several targeted initiatives under way to turnaround the condition of the Soet River. But these efforts will only succeed if residents make it a daily habit to dispose of waste correctly and reduce sewer-related incidents,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

What residents can do to help reduce sewer overflows:

• Don't flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper. Anything else will block the pipes. Visit the City's website for more tips.
• Use the City's solid waste services provided to get rid of your waste, not drains. 
• Report sewer blockages and overflows using one of the City's official channels so they can be cleared in a reasonable timeframe.
• Report vandalism of the sewage system and stolen or missing sewer manhole covers.
• Use the City's drop-off facilities to drop off your recyclables. See the City's drop-offs for recyclables here.

Published by:
Media Office, City of Cape Town