Somerset West taps into better future with water infrastructure upgrade

27 August 2025

As part of its annual water pipe replacement programme, the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is upgrading just more than 3km of ageing fibre cement water mains in Somerset West at a cost of R6,2 million.

The project, which started in April and is scheduled for completion in November 2025, will replace 3 100m of 50mm diameter fibre cement pipes (prone to frequent bursts) with 110mm high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes. These new pipes are cost-effective, have a longer lifespan and meet South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) specifications.

'Proactively replacing pipe networks makes us better prepared for rapid population growth. It also allows us to systematically plan and budget for rehabilitation of the expected wear and tear of infrastructure. Another significant benefit is that pipe replacement reduces leaks, helping us conserve water,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien.



The work covers several streets, including Drama, Pienaar, New, St George, Angus, Swalle and Meadow Lane. It forms part of the City’s broader commitment to investing in the renewal of water infrastructure that depreciates over time. In the 2025/2026 financial year, R239,5 million has been allocated to the city-wide water pipe replacement programme.

City surpasses its water pipe replacement target

By the end of June 2025, the Water and Sanitation Directorate had replaced 66 949,86m (over 66km) of water pipes, surpassing its annual target of 50km set for the 2024/2025 financial year. This represents 133,9% of the goal achieved through targeted projects aimed at strengthening the reliability of the water network and reducing water losses.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office