Repair preparation continues on collapsed bulk sewer in Khayelitsha

13 January 2026

The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has started necessary preparations to repair the collapsed sections of bulk sewer in Khayelitsha. This is taking place while the City’s Human Settlements Directorate continues to relocate the remaining structures built on top of the affected areas, so that repairs can take place.

The City’s appointed emergency contractor has been on site at the major collapses in Khayelitsha’s SST section and Makhaza since the relocation process began, anticipating the start of the repair work. While preparations are ongoing, it has not been possible to begin repairs at each location until the structures are removed.

Work done to date

Makhaza (Umrhabulo Triangle)

• The relocation of affected structures by the City’s Informal Settlements Management Department in the Human Settlements Directorate is ongoing;
• Over-pumping measures (aimed at managing the sewage flow and reducing the risk of overflows by bypassing the collapsed section using pumps and other equipment) have been successfully implemented;
• The contractor is on site, undertaking preparatory works ahead of excavations. This is essential to ensure safe working conditions and to mitigate construction risks.

SST section

• Relocation is ongoing by the City’s Informal Settlements Management Department in the Human Settlements Directorate;
• Project scoping for these repairs has been completed with the emergency contractor
• To date, no sewer overflows have been experienced in the SST area;
• A contractor is being appointed for this work, which is expected to begin as soon as the remaining relocations are complete.

‘Our priority now is to maintain the security of the areas for repairs and begin work as quickly and as safely as possible to restore dignity and decent living conditions to residents in the area.

‘This collapse shows just how interconnected the sewer network is and how a blockage in one area can have far-reaching effects in multiple areas. It is therefore the responsibility of the residents and the City to ensure the infrastructure is looked after to serve the community for years to come with reduced incidents. We further plead with residents to not build structures illegally over crucial water and sewage infrastructure.

‘We thank our residents for their patience and understanding while negotiations, relocations and preparations are ongoing. We also thank our Human Settlements officials and local ward councillors who have made this possible despite the challenges, and Law Enforcement whose escorts and support have been crucial during this time.

‘We aim to have the repairs complete in the shortest possible time, with the safety of residents and officials top of mind, and appeal to the community for continued cooperation to do so,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
 
All sites where water and sanitation repairs and upgrades are conducted are deemed to be construction sites and, as such, are off-limits to the public.
 

Published by:
Media Office, City of Cape Town