New pipes replace old fibre-cement water mains in Lansdowne

20 November 2023

Some 1 200m of aged water mains are currently being replaced with new upgrades in Lansdowne.

Over time, municipal reticulation systems depreciate due to wear and tear. As a proactive measure, the City replaces sewer and water pipelines annually, to maintain the integrity of the systems. One project currently under way is in Lansdowne, where new water pipes are being installed underground in the system running through Hoek and Edgar Roads.

Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien visited the site in Lansdowne today, to inspect the site and to check-in on how the project team was progressing.

The work began in September and is on track for completion in six months by February 2024. These water mains were earmarked for replacement because the 100mm and 150mm diameter fibre-cement pipes were prone to frequent bursts, causing valves to malfunction.

‘Our pipe replacement programme is making great strides. Its rollout ensures that there is consistently reliable water supply in local areas like Lansdowne, in the long term. The upgrades result in reduced service disruptions and fewer incidents of unexpected pipe bursts, which often require costly repairs,' said Councillor Badroodien.

The new and improved installations are 110mm and 160 mm diameter, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, which are cost-effective and have an extended lifespan. They can also withstand high levels of pressure and are unaffected by rust or corrosion due to their thermoplastic composition.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office

water ＆ sanitation Community and Society