Winter woes: Here’s where to log your service requests
11 June 2025
As winter sets in, the increased rain could lead to sewer overflows and more frequent blockages as dirt and debris are washed into the system. The City has several channels where you can report such service requests and more.
Before the start of the season, Water and
Sanitation’s teams ramped up their efforts to proactively maintain and clear
the sewer networks of blockages caused by foreign items, with a special focus
on hotspot areas.
This winter mitigation and preparedness work
includes replacing broken and missing manhole covers, clearing sand traps and
wet-wells, and sewer jetting among other things, and is done to accommodate the
increased water flow and help protect the city’s critical water and sanitation
infrastructure.
‘This year the City’s teams saw a record-breaking
season for our annual cleaning. As of March, we had already exceeded our 200km
target, clearing a total of 281km of sewer pipelines and smashing last year’s
266km record.
‘While the City has invested over R78 million
into our winter preparation, we need residents also to play their part in
preventing sewer blockages and overflows and to use the City’s channels to
report any issues they may observe,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member
for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
During last winter’s heavy rains, images
circulated of manhole covers being removed to allow rainwater to enter the
sewer system. This behaviour has severe consequences. Stormwater should flow
into the stormwater network, not the sewer system. Overloading the sewer
network can lead to significant overflows and environmental pollution.
Residents are urged not to tamper with manhole covers under any circumstances
Tips for residents to prevent sewer blockages:
- Put
a strainer in the sink to catch food or other waste before it goes down
the drain and throw the solid waste in the bin.
- Wipe
cooking fats, oil or grease off the pan. Don’t pour it down the drain.
- Don’t
flush nappies and sanitary products. They absorb water and expand, which
causes blockages.
- Check
that rainwater gutters don’t flow into the sewer, as it overloads the
system.
- Visit
the City's drop-off facilities to dispose of solid waste, recyclables,
electronics, garage waste and builder’s rubble.
- Do not remove manhole covers to drain
rainwater into the sewer system.
Log service requests
Report vandalism damages, sewer blockages,
missing drain covers, burst pipes, leaks and water wastage using one of the
following channels (Please provide the street address, and get a reference
number):
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
