| Wesbank’s sewer system threatened by misuse | Wesbank’s sewer system threatened by misuse | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/City%20news.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p>The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is reminding residents about the detrimental impact of misusing the sewer system. Removal of manhole covers and dumping of foreign objects into the network causes significant blockages and overflows. This irresponsible behaviour not only poses environmental hazards, but also presents a serious risk to public health and safety. <br></p> | <span><p style="text-align:justify;">Sewer blockages and overflows can have far-reaching consequences, including contamination of water sources, damage to infrastructure and disruption of essential services. These incidents often require emergency response efforts, diverting valuable resources away from other critical community needs.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Wesbank, like many other areas in Cape Town, faces frequent sewer blockages and overflows, which are largely preventable. The high frequency of service requests registered in the area raises concerns of deliberate, irresponsible behaviour.<br></p>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img">
<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Wesbank%20-%20concrete%20slab%20removed.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:1898px;" /> </figure></span><span><p style="text-align:justify;">Areas like Arendkop Circle, Goodeve Crescent, and Flower and Happiness Streets have emerged as hotspots for sewer blockages. Between 1 January and 30 April 2024, 592 service requests (C3 notifications) related to sewer issues were logged in Ward 19, with 287 specifically for Wesbank.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Past incidents in the area suggest a link between vandalism and misuse of the sewer system, resulting in frequent blockages. Local reports also express concern that sewers are often blocked shortly after being cleared.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">On Monday, 6 May 2024, the teams needed to replace the sewer manhole in Arendkop Circle, while also attending to sewer blockages in Goodeve Crescent, Flower and Happiness Streets.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">When manhole covers are removed or vandalised, it allows various materials to be dumped into the sewer pipeline. While clearing the sewer pipe at Happiness and Flower streets, the team found stones, sand and other foreign objects. These objects entered the pipeline after a manhole cover in Kasba Street was removed. During sewer pipe clearance, overpumping is necessary to ensure sewage is suctioned into a tanker, preventing spillage onto roads.<br></p>
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<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/wesbank%20-%20missing%20drain%20cover.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:1898px;" /> </figure></span><p style="text-align:justify;">The removal of manhole covers and the dumping of foreign objects like rocks, sand, plastics, cooking oil, rags, newspapers, and sanitary products have become increasingly problematic. These actions lead to sewer network blockages, necessitating costly repairs, causing environmental pollution, and posing potential health risks to residents.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">'We call on all residents to recognise the importance of responsible behaviour in protecting our sewer system. There are basic actions our residents can take to help reduce the likelihood of sewage overflows into the streets. Do not remove manhole covers as this creates safety hazards and increases the risk of accidents. Avoid dumping foreign objects, such as plastics, paper towels, and oil, into the sewer system.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">'Our teams have been in Wesbank this week to spread awareness about the consequences of sewer misuse and we encourage everyone to adopt responsible waste disposal practices and respect the integrity of the sewer system,' said Councilor Zahid Badroodien, the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>If you observe individuals tampering with manhole covers or dumping foreign objects into the sewer system, report it on 0860 103 089. Your vigilance can help prevent further damage and protect our community's infrastructure.</strong></p><p><strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2024-05-09T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#f7ce9158-5f23-4421-83ee-3e48663b5b06;L0|#0f7ce9158-5f23-4421-83ee-3e48663b5b06|sewer system;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#fc0a19bf-6a9b-42af-bc90-8a0d4b9f4eac;L0|#0fc0a19bf-6a9b-42af-bc90-8a0d4b9f4eac|vandalism;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
