Strand set for smoother flow as new pipes roll in
27 October 2025
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is investing R6,6 million to replace 2 163 metres of ageing fibre cement water pipes in Strand as part of its annual pipe replacement programme.
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate annually upgrades sections of the City’s water network to replace ageing infrastructure and improve reliability.
Work is under way in Strand, where new underground water pipes are being installed along Aerodrome Road, Da Gama, De Mardt, Du Buisson, Nieuwenhuys, Henning, Bosman, Claassens, Roux and Benade Streets. The old fibre cement pipes, ranging between 75mm and 150mm in diameter, are being replaced with new, stronger high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes of 110mm and 160mm. These have a minimum lifespan of 50 years.
Work began on site on Wednesday, 20 August 2025, and is scheduled to conclude by Friday, 12 December 2025 using the trenchless pipe cracking method.
The benefits of this approach include reducing excavation and surface disruption (e.g. driveways, trees and landscaping), quicker execution when compared to traditional open trench methods and minimal interference with other underground services as it follows the existing pipe’s alignment.
The water mains were installed about 45 years ago and are nearing the end of their design life. They are also undersized (75mm) for current demand (100mm) and have been prone to frequent bursts.
‘This investment in the Helderberg forms part of the City’s strategic focus on key growth areas. As a vital component of our infrastructure-led development approach, R239,5 million has been allocated this year to replace around 50 kilometres of water pipes across Cape Town, including critical upgrades in the Helderberg. By upgrading these systems, we reduce leaks, improve reliability, and proactively prepare our city – and the Helderberg specifically – for continued and sustainable growth,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien.
The Helderberg will benefit from projects in the 2026 financial year, where the City will replace an additional 3 017 metres of water pipes in Volsteedt, Broeksman, Roelofse, Primarius, De Neyssen, Palm, Du Toit, Meyer and Dam Roads.
Caption 1: Frans Powell from the City-appointed contractor taking Councillor Zahid Badroodien, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, around the site to see the progress.
Caption 2: Ayanda Mhlongo and Frans Powell from the City-appointed contractor taking Councillor Zahid Badroodien around on-site to see the progress.
Caption 3: The new HDPE pipes that are being installed as part of this water pipe replacement project. From left: Ward 83 Councillor Carl Punt, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, with Frans Powell and Ayanda Mhlongo from the City-appointed contractor.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
