R6 million repair work at vandalised Site B pump station on track
22 August 2021
The City’s Executive Mayor Alderman Dan Plato and Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Waste Alderman Xanthea Limberg, visited Site B pump station, which was severely vandalised in February, to see the progress on site, which includes repairs and security upgrades. This is one of 32 sewage pump stations that have been vandalised since the start of last financial year.
Sewage pump stations are an important part of the sewer network. The majority of the system works on gravity, but in cases where the sewage must flow uphill, pump stations maintain the flow to wastewater treatment plants.
‘We are pleased to see the progress that has taken place at Site B pump station in Khayelitsha to get it operating again as it is being refurbished, with enhanced security measures, at a cost of nearly R6 million. It services about 8 000 households in Site C and a part of Site B. Some of the upgrades installed include a security camera system, concrete fencing, an alarm system, guard house with a guard, and physical repellent system. Contingency measures to keep the system operating while reconstruction is underway have involved over-pumping services, at a cost of around R1,7 million, to minimise overflows since the facility was gutted by thieves. Work on site is expected to be completed in October. We thank the community for their patience while work was being done,’ said the City’s Executive Mayor Alderman Dan Plato.
The pump station had to be completely reconstructed because it was so severely vandalised in February, that it could not function resulting in major overflows and blockages in the network.
Unfortunately in Cape Town this is not an isolated incident. A total of 32 City sewage pump stations have been affected by theft and/or vandalism since the start of the last financial year.
17 of the pump stations in Dunoon, Bishop Lavis, Thornton, Joe Slovo, Elsies River, among other areas, have been repaired.
Other pump stations are either not working, or are having to run on borrowed or mobile pumps. These include Philippi West, Heinz Park, Vukuzenzele in Philippi and Bloekombos.
Recently the power supply and pump cables were stolen at the Belhar pump station, which was built about five years ago. Electrical equipment and cables were stolen at Ravensmead pump station.
Inspections to determine the scope of work and possible costs to repair vandalised pump stations are taking place. It is however estimated the City could need about R60 million for repairs, refurbishments and security upgrades at the vandalised pump stations.
Call to action
‘The City condemns these actions of theft and vandalism in the strongest terms. We cannot tolerate the actions of opportunistic criminals whose selfish and destructive acts directly impact service delivery to residents.
‘The knock-on effect of pump station vandalism is immense.
‘The true cost of vandalism is more than just the repairs. Pump station vandalism contributes to sewer overflows and affects healthy living environments for our residents. It also impacts on City budgets as resources meant for other projects are reallocated to repair the and cover the operating costs until the repairs have taken place.
‘In some cases, security guards on site or fencing doesn’t even deter vandals as they either break the fence or steal it. The City does not have a limitless budget and damage caused by vandalism is a big drain on our resources.
‘Vandals and thieves really need to be brought to book for the damage they are causing to vital infrastructure and the negative impact their behaviour is having on our communities,’ said Mayor Plato.
Water and sanitation efforts ongoing
‘The City’s Water and Sanitation team is working continuously to ensure that sewer overflows are minimised as much as possible, including using mobile pumps as far as possible where these are available. However due to the scale of vandalism pump shortages are common, and pump stations must sometimes run on reduced capacity until permanent repairs can be completed. This unfortunately creates a higher chance of sewer overflows, especially when it rains.
Normal operations to clear sewer blockages are also ongoing.
‘The City urges anyone who has any information regarding the vandalism incidents to please report it to the SAPS as soon as possible, so they can investigate. We need the community to be our eyes and ears as we cannot afford to see service delivery to vulnerable communities hijacked by a few opportunistic criminals,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Waste, Alderman Xanthea Limberg.
Tampering, theft and vandalism of essential electricity infrastructure, is seen as a priority crime due to the extremely negative impact on the rights of communities, and as per Section 2 of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act (Act 18 0f 2015), imprisonment not exceeding 30 years and fines not exceeding R100 million are possible, when found guilty.
Report vandalism and log service requests
To report vandalism in progress, call:
Report vandalism damages, sewer blockages, missing drain covers, burst pipes, leaks and water wastage using one of the following channels (Please provide the street address, and get a reference number):
Residents can help prevent sewer blockages and overflows
Generally (avoidable) blockages remain the primary cause of sewer overflows:
Residents are reminded they can help prevent such sewer blockages and overflows by disposing of unwanted materials using the appropriate solid waste collections services.
Only human waste, toilet paper and grey water should be disposed via sinks and toilets in their homes and communities. It is illegal for residents to place any another materials into the system because it causes overflows due to blockages.
If residents have any recyclables, electronics, garage waste and builder’s rubble that they need to dispose of, please make use of the City's drop-off facilities.
More information is available here: https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/City's%20water%20and%20sanitation%20teams%20clear%20122%20000%20sewer%20blockages
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
