Major pipe burst in Imizamo Yethu causes flooding
17 January 2025
At about 20:00 on 16 January, the Water and Sanitation Directorate responded to a major pipe burst in Imizamo Yethu (IY), Hout Bay, which caused severe flooding inside homes within the informal settlement and impacted the local cemetery.
Working late into the night, officials located the root cause of the flood coming from a 350mm diameter pipe burst. Unfortunately, the pipe was found directly underneath an informal structure within a densely populated part of IY informal settlement.
To gain access to repair the damaged pipe section, relocation of the affected residents and their structures will need to be arranged. The City has convened a special task team to co-ordinate and manage the disaster, including representatives from the City’s Water and Sanitation (WS), Human Settlements, Safety and Security, Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and Recreation and Parks departments.
As soon as approximately 11 structures built on top of the pipeline have been moved, excavation and repairs can begin.
To reduce water loss and further damage to surrounding structures, pipeline valves have been closed, shutting off water supply to several areas. While some parts of Hout Bay are temporarily receiving water from the Mount Rhodes, Hout Bay and Suikerbossie reservoirs, this limited supply is expected to run out during the extensive repair process.
Residents are advised that the water disruption is likely to soon affect all areas in and around Hout Bay.
Residents who still have water are urged to reduce their consumption to help manage the existing supply.
Support measures in place
Water tankers are available and stationed at the following locations:
• Imizamo Yethu taxi rank
• Mount Rhodes
• Shell garage
• Valley Road (corner of Park Road)
• One tanker will roam between Hangberg and Hout Bay Heights
Next steps
Due to the complexity of the situation, it is not yet possible to provide an estimated time for completion. Repairs on the pipe will begin once it can be accessed.
The City will provide regular updates via the local ward councillor and @CityofCTAlerts on X, to keep residents informed. We appreciate the community's patience and cooperation during this challenging time.
End
Published by:
Media Office, City of Cape Town
