Team tackles multiple sewer blockages in Manenberg daily

15 October 2024

Battling ongoing dumping into the sewer system and reducing its impact on the Manenberg community remains a priority for the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate. Since January 2024, teams have responded to more than 2 000 sewer blockage service requests in the area.

On average, about 20 sewer blockages are cleared daily in Manenberg, made possible by teams accompanied by Law Enforcement escorts.

About 70% of these requests are categorised as stubborn blockages and take a long time to clear. Just recently, a blanket was removed from the sewer system.

Clearing blockages is a repetitive cycle, which often sees City teams returning shortly after one incident to clear a new blockage just days later. This persistent challenge requires a collaborative effort by the City and residents to break the cycle.

To sustainably reduce sewer overflows, infrastructure needs to be left intact once repaired, and used responsibly. Pipes and manholes must remain clear to allow sewage to flow through the system towards wastewater treatment plants.

‘Currently, in Manenberg, the City clears between 1km to 2km of sewer pipes monthly, using specialised equipment. Every effort is made to respond to service requests as soon as possible, when it is safe for teams to work in the area and access the network.

‘Unfortunately, among other safety risks, gang violence frequently deters progress, increasing turnaround times for service delivery. Earlier this year, operational staff were caught in the middle of a shoot-out while doing repairs to damaged infrastructure. As a result, additional costs for security to safeguard staff while at work in high-risk areas, puts a strain on the City’s available resources,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

Sewer overflows in Manenberg are predominantly caused by foreign objects dumped into the network. On previous occasions, building rubble and bricks have been removed, among other items not meant to be in sewage pipes. This past week, two highly advanced jet-machine trucks were needed to clear a stubborn blockage in Vygekraal Road caused by rocks. It took a day to clear the sewer line to enable it to run efficiently again.

Two collapsed sewer pipelines have also been successfully repaired this year:

1. The first collapse occurred in Sabie Walk in November 2023. Work was delayed due to safety, however the repair was completed in February 2024. Security escorts had to be present on site, protecting staff working under volatile conditions, as the collapse was situated between two alleged rival gang territories.

The scope of work required that the damaged pipe section be isolated, then an overpump system installed. Thereafter, teams were able to excavate to reach the sewer line, construct the shoring box and finally remove and replace the damaged sewer line before reinstating the ground.

2. The second collapse occurred in Sabie Walk again, more recently in August 2024. This repair was conducted by a contractor within the month, in a similar sequence of events as the previous collapse. However, the contractor had an additional challenge of needing to dismantle an illegal structure built directly on top of the sewer line before work on repairs could begin.

Unfortunately during this repair, contractor staff had to take cover when a shooting occurred while on site.

‘As soon as collapses occur, plans are set in motion to resolve them, however the volatility in Manenberg delays start and completion times of repairs.

‘Prevention is better than cure. Residents have the power to eliminate the need for repairs by disposing their waste, construction rubble and unwanted items in refuse bins or at waste collection centres, provided by the City’s solid waste services.

‘Community vigilance is also encouraged. If you observe any individuals tampering with manhole covers or dumping foreign objects into the sewer system, please report it immediately. The information provided remains confidential when you call 0800 11 00 77, and if it leads to an arrest or recovery of stolen property by the City’s Law Enforcement or Metro Police, you could be eligible for a reward of up to R5 000,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

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:
City of Cape Town, Media Office