The City of Cape Town will be investing nearly R80 million on rehabilitating the Trappies Sewer pipeline as well as the Gordon’s Bay Rising Main.
Also read: Gordon’s Bay Beach reopens as sewage woes continue
This was revealed during a public meeting at the Strand Civic Centre last week.
The Trappies Sewer is experiencing critical structural failures, including frequent collapses that outpace repair efforts which has a consequential impact on the health of the Lourens River and a section of the coastline.
As a remedial measure, a new pipeline is planned to divert peak flows from the Gordon’s Bay basin, with construction set to begin in April 2024.
The City has invested R22 million in the rehabilitation of a 3,1km section of the Trappies Sewer between Nazli Street and Hammond Street.
A budget of R57 million has been allocated for the 2023/24 fiscal, leading to a fast-tracked Cured in Place Pipe Lining (CIPP) procurement tender process.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Looking for things to do in the city, at half the price? Get exclusive offers here.
The CoCT plans to commence the rehabilitation work as early as possible in the new calendar year.
In a further effort to relieve some of the pressure on the current Trappies Sewer and to alleviate the limitations of the existing Gordon’s Bay Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW), wastewater flows will als be redirected to the Macassar WWTW.
This comes after a feasibility study validated this approach, leading to the decision to construct a 630 litres per second regional sewer pump station and a 7,8km, 700mm diameter rising main. With an estimated construction budget of R240 million.
‘These investments will go a long way in avoiding sewer collapses and the sewage overflow into the coastline,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien.
‘While there are plans in place to resolve the challenges presented with ageing infrastructure, overburdened by the rapid population growth in the City, a large proportion of sewer blockages and overflows can be prevented by a change in behaviour. Disposing of rags, electronics and building rubble into the sewer system is illegal, and it puts a strain on the entire sewer network.’
‘Sewer blockages and overflows can be reduced if only human waste, toilet paper and grey water are disposed of via toilets and sinks in homes. Residents need to avoid flushing nappies and sanitary products away, as they absorb water and expand, causing blockages,’ said Badroodien.
Explore Cape Town and its surroundings with these incredible deals on cars for under 100k. Find car listings here.
Also read:
Gordon’s Bay beach closed until further notice due to sewer overflow
Picture: Cara Grobbelaar /Unsplash