Samora Machel buzzes with third service delivery blitz

31 August 2025

High levels of crime in Samora Machel continue to pose a challenge to service delivery. To overcome this, the City held its third coordinated service delivery blitz in the area since 2023. Safeguarded by Law Enforcement, the operation turned the neighbourhood into a hive of activity as teams worked to address a range of service-related issues.

From 25 to 29 August 2025, the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate led a week-long joint service delivery intervention in Samora Machel. The initiative was carried out with the support of Urban Mobility and Urban Waste Management Directorates, Metro Police and Law Enforcement.

Samora Machel faces persistent challenges such as blocked sewer pipes leading to overflows, illegal dumping, blocked stormwater catch pits and potholes. Many of these are caused by the misuse of infrastructure.

Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, joined Ward 33 Councillor Lungisa Somdaka in visiting the clean-up operation. Both commended City teams for their dedication to serving communities despite difficult and often volatile circumstances.

‘Every time we enter Samora Machel, we are reminded that service delivery is about more than pipes, drains, or roads but it’s about restoring dignity and building trust. This intervention shows what is possible when City teams and the community come together with one goal of delivering services that improve daily life. Our vision of a City of Hope is one where services reach every corner of Cape Town, no matter the challenges,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

Key services delivered during the intervention included:

Water and Sanitation:
• Clearing sewer blockages and overflows through jetting and removal of foreign objects.
• Monitoring and repairing defects at City-supplied taps and toilets in informal settlements.
• Cleaning sewer pipelines and manholes.
• Engaging with residents about preventing blockages and sewer overflows.

Urban Waste Management:
• Collecting and removing illegally dumped waste.
• Carrying out street-sweeping activities.

Urban Mobility:
• Cleaning stormwater catch pits, manholes, and pipelines using manual and mechanical methods.
• Repairing potholes with asphalt and stabilised materials to ensure road safety.

Traffic Services, Law Enforcement and Metro Police:
• Supporting traffic management.
• Safeguarding City staff to allow work to continue without disruption.

‘Service delivery is a partnership. If residents avoid dumping waste into the sewer system or flushing items that don’t belong there, we can prevent blockages and overflows. These small steps help us ensure safe and reliable services for everyone,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

The intervention focused on key roads including Siphiwo Mthimkhulu Road, Galaweni Road, Lillian Ngoyi Drive, Ruth First Street, Feroza Adam Street, Oliver Tambo Drive, Duma Nokwe Road, Joe Slovo Crescent, Chris Hani Crescent, Joe Gqabi Road, and Steve Biko Crescent.

Captions 1 - 3: City teams in action across Samora Machel, clearing sewer blockages, fixing leaks, repairing toilets and roads to ensure safe, reliable services for all residents.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office