The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has reminded residents about how misuse can negatively impact the sewer system, while referring to how Wesbank’s sewer system has been affected.
This is according to a recent media statement released by the City.
Wesbank has faced ‘frequent sewer blockages and overflows’ that were considered preventable.
Also read: Swartklip Road sewer pipeline faces continuous overflows
The high frequency of service requests associated with the area have raised concerns of deliberate and irresponsible behaviour.
When manhole covers are removed or vandalised, it allows various materials to be dumped into the sewer pipeline.
This behaviour includes the ‘removal of manhole covers’ and foreign objects being dumped into the network, which causes significant blockages and overflows.
Environmental hazards can also be caused by these actions, as well as presenting a serious risk to public health and safety. Water sources can also become contaminated, infrastructure might become damaged, and social services can be disrupted.
Areas like Arendkop Circle, Goodeve Crescent, and Flower and Happiness Streets have also faced sewer blockages, with the City classifying them as hotspots.
Between 1 January and 30 April 2024, 592 service requests related to sewer issues were logged in Ward 19. Of these 592 service requests, 287 were specifically for Wesbank.
‘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,’ according to the statement.
Recently, on Monday, 6 May, teams from the City replaced the sewer manhole in Arendkop Circle while also attending to sewer blockages in Goodeve Crescent, Flower and Happiness Streets.
While the sewer pipe at Happiness and Flower streets was being cleared, stones, sand and other foreign objects were found.
It is speculated that these objects entered the pipeline after a manhole cover in Kasba Street was removed.
Councillor Zahid Badroodien, the City’s Mayco member for water and sanitation, has reiterated that residents should ‘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,’ said Badroodien.
‘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,’ Badroodien added.
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Picture: City of Cape Town / Facebook