In an effort to combat recurring sewer blockages in Khayelitsha, the Water and Sanitation Directorate of the City has successfully cleared the 600mm diameter sewer main line in Welcome Zenzile, providing much-needed relief to residents.
The tireless work of operational teams has allowed the main line to flow freely since 24 January 2024, marking a significant victory in the ongoing struggle against stubborn blockages.
The blockage, attributed to a deliberate act of vandalism upstream, led to illegal connections causing disruptions in the sewer system.
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Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, highlighted the challenges faced during interventions due to the deliberate vandalisation of manholes and residential structures built on top of sewage lines, hindering accessibility.
‘As teams clear out sections of the pipeline, we’ve noticed a recurring theme: large volumes of building rubble and other foreign items being removed from the sewer network. These items being dumped into the sewer system are the root cause of the current overspills affecting multiple areas in Khayelitsha.’
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Despite facing safety risks and additional delays requiring Law Enforcement intervention, the Water and Sanitation Directorate has made significant progress, deploying specialised vehicles and mechanical methods to dislodge stubborn objects.
The total cost incurred for clearing the sewer blockage since its identification in September 2023 stands at approximately R8 128 317,70.
Badroodien emphasises the importance of community cooperation in protecting the pipeline, urging residents to report suspicious activities and maintain clear access to the sewer system.
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With an urgency to reduce the negative impact on the community, the City aims to unblock the entire pipeline by the end of February 2024.
Community members are encouraged to take ownership of the infrastructure and report any information about objects being dumped into the sewer system, with cash rewards of up to R5 000 available for information leading to the arrest of vandals.
Reporting can be done anonymously by calling 021 480 7700.
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Picture: City of Cape Town
