​​​​​​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):

• Online www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests
• Email water@capetown.gov.za
• SMS 31373 (maximum 160 characters. Standard rates apply)
• Call 0860 103 089
• Visit City walk-in centre (see www.capetown.gov.za/facilities to find the one closest to you)
• WhatsApp is currently not available. See more: https://bit.ly/3HCk9L9

 

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