Residents and other interested and affected stakeholders were invited to attend a public meeting where major water and sanitation investment plans were shared, to improve the network in the area and to provide an opportunity for concerns to be raised for services to be improved.

 

The Trappies Sewer is experiencing critical structural failures, including frequent collapses that outpace repair efforts, which has a consequential impact on the health of the Lourens River and a section of the coastline. Despite a 2015 assessment indicating satisfactory condition and low collapse risk, the pipeline's deterioration has accelerated beyond expectations. Initial plans to upgrade the existing line were deemed unfeasible due to the pipeline's complicated route. As a remedial measure, a new pipeline is planned to divert peak flows from the Gordon's Bay basin, with construction set to begin in April 2024.

The City has invested R22 million in the rehabilitation of a 3,1km section of the Trappies Sewer between Nazli Street and Hammond Street. Upcoming rehabilitation efforts for the Trappies sewer pipeline include implementing trenchless technology options, as open-trench methods are not feasible due to the pipeline's location. For the 2023/24 fiscal year, a budget of
R57 million has been allocated, leading to a fast-tracked Cured in Place Pipe Lining (CIPP) procurement tender process. The City plans to commence the rehabilitation work as early as possible in the new calendar year.

This project is strategically designed to alleviate the limitations of the existing Gordon’s Bay Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) by redirecting future wastewater flows to the Macassar WWTW, as well as relieving pressure off the current Trappies Sewer. A feasibility study has validated this approach, leading to the decision to construct a 630 litres per second regional sewer pump station and a 7,8km, 700mm diameter rising main. With an estimated construction budget of
R240 million, the project is currently in the procurement stage and is progressing as per the planned schedule.

‘We welcome the robust engagement had at the meeting. It is key because it brings the City and the community together to build a relationship that focuses on improving services in the area. These investments will go a long way in avoiding sewer collapses and the sewage overflow into the coastline,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

‘While there are plans in place to resolve the challenges presented with ageing infrastructure, overburdened by the rapid population growth in the City, a large proportion of sewer blockages and overflows can be prevented by a change in behaviour. Disposing of rags, electronics and building rubble into the sewer system is illegal, and it puts a strain on the entire sewer network.'

'Sewer blockages and overflows can be reduced if only human waste, toilet paper and grey water are disposed of via toilets and sinks in homes. Residents need to avoid flushing nappies and sanitary products away, as they absorb water and expand, causing blockages,' said Badroodien.

Residents are encouraged to visit the City's nearest drop-off facility in their area to dispose of recyclables, electronics and other waste. It is also essential to check that rainwater gutters don’t flow into the sewer system as it overloads and floods the system.

The City is also committed to improving communication channels with residents, particularly in reviewing response times to service requests when they first logged. The need for visible signage and alerts to water users to avoid sections of the beach in the event of a sewage spill was highlighted as a priority. 

The Water and Sanitation Directorate has recently established a dedicated communications branch, who will send weekly updates on the progress of repairs in the area. To register for these updates and alerts, please send an email to communications.waterandsanitation@capetown.gov.za.

We thank the community for their ongoing patience and understanding. We regret the inconvenience that has been caused to our residents. 

End