Sarepta residents urged to bin waste, following spike in sewer blockages
29 August 2025
Recently the City’s Water and Sanitation Community Engagement team visited the Sarepta community in Kuils River to share the ‘Bin it, Don’t Block it’ message. The activation was in response to a spike in the number of sewer blockages and overflow incidents in the area, mostly caused by inappropriate materials discarded in the sewer system.
Through direct one-on-one engagement, residents were guided through the root causes of sewer overflows, and the risks that they pose to public health and the environment. The team also distributed pamphlets with helpful information about simple steps that residents can take as preventative measures to reduce incidents.
During the 2024/2025 financial year, the City’s maintenance teams attended to 348 blockages in Sarepta alone. Of these, 50% were caused by inappropriate materials (42%) and rags (8%). Residents were encouraged to instead use refuse bins for nappies, sanitary products, cloths, rags and other household waste.
‘For Sarepta specifically, misuse of the sewer system directly impacts the environmental health of the Kuils River. When overflows occur, sewage runs into the river compromising inland water quality.
‘The City is doing its part by investing in new pipes, upgraded pump stations, and improved wastewater treatment works. However, these efforts will only succeed if residents make it a daily habit to dispose of waste appropriately in bins, leaving only toilet paper, urine and faeces to course through the system effectively. We all have a responsibility to self-assess and make the necessary changes to protect our neighbourhoods and keep rivers clean,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
The Water and Sanitation Community Engagement Unit plays a critical role in bridging the gap between communities and operational teams. By working in the heart of all communities, they share messages to promote behavioural change and gather insights from residents on how best to address the challenges to strengthen service delivery.
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. For more tips, see www.capetown.gov.za/blocked-sewers.
• 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 to the sewage reticulation system and stolen or missing sewer manhole covers.
• Use the City's drop-off facilities to get rid of any solid waste. See the City's drop-offs for recyclables: https://bit.ly/3mhagVh
End
Published by:
Media Office, City of Cape Town
