The Water and Sanitation Directorate of the City is in the final stages of repairing the 990mm-diameter bulk sewer main that caved in on Prince George Drive, Retreat, in March 2023.
Also read: Update: Multiple injuries reported as bus overturns on N2 outside Swellendam
The anticipated deadline of 30 April for the completion of the work will not be met, and an updated timeframe for the project’s conclusion will be announced soon.
The City’s contractor began the installation of the first segment of the new pipeline to replace the faulty section of the bulk sewer main during the weekend. The replacement of 30 metres of pipeline, in total, is on the agenda.
In preparation for the final stages of the bulk sewer main repair, an area deeper than five metres around the collapsed site was excavated. This was necessary to allow for a safe and unrestricted evaluation and removal of the pipe.
The contractor in charge has also taken measures to prevent the sewage from entering the excavation site while ensuring the uninterrupted flow of sewage volumes through the use of onsite mobile pumps. In anticipation of possible flow variations, additional pumps are on standby to aid in the management of the situation.
Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation Councillor Zahid Badroodien said, ‘I am happy that our teams have reached the final stages of this complex repair where the installation has started after the pipes arrived this week. This project has not been an easy task due to its complexity, so it has not gone without its challenges.’
‘This includes factors such as rainy weather and vandalism of pumps and equipment on site over the Easter weekend. The City has however stated upfront that this is quite a complex repair job due to all the environmental, safety and continuous operational aspects which have to be taken into account, As proof thereof, we haven’t had any complaints relating to sewer overflows as a result of this bulk sewer collapse. Unfortunately, the work won’t be completed by the end of April as initially anticipated, but at soonest thereafter.’
Badroodien added, ‘Our teams are making every effort to prioritize staff safety while working to complete the repairs as quickly as possible. The Water and Sanitation Directorate is closely monitoring the progress on site.’
The councillor expressed appreciation to residents and commuters for their patience and support during the ongoing repair process. He also thanked them in advance for their continued understanding as the work enters its final stages.
Also read:
Massive crime crackdown in Cape Town results in hundreds of fines issued
Picture: City of Cape Town