The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is accelerating its sewer and water pipe replacement efforts for the 2024/25 financial year by investing just over R323-million to replace aged infrastructure.

Since July 2024, over 18 446 m of water pipes and 41 030 m of sewer pipes have been replaced in several projects across the city.

In keeping with its commitment to building resilient water and sanitation infrastructure, operational teams have been working earnestly on replacing old reticulation pipes across the water and sewer network.

Rapid densification in the city has placed additional pressure on these pipes, reducing their effectiveness as they become prone to frequent pipe bursts and sewer overflows.

The department reports that, during October, 5 982 m of water pipes were replaced in Hout Bay, Glencairn, Kommetjie, Bergvliet, Retreat, Kuils River, Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, Strand, Somerset West, Devon Park, Eerste River, Flamingo Vlei Phases 1 and 2, Boston Bellville and Bloubergstrand.

Additionally, 12 781 m of sewer pipes were replaced in Constantia, Wynberg, Plumstead, Happy Valley Blackheath, Somerset West, Bellville South, Parow, Richmond Estate and Athlone.

Planned water pipe replacement is especially beneficial as it helps the city reduce water losses. This reduction, coupled with residents reporting leaks on the municipal line or attending to their own water leaks directly, are all proactive measures that support efforts to collectively preserve water resources.

“The Water and Sanitation directorate has now successfully replaced 36% of its targeted 50 000 m of water pipes and 41% of its targeted 100 000 m of sewer pipes city-wide,” says City of Cape Town Water and Sanitation MMC Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

He adds that the city is grateful to residents for cooperating with teams on the ground and for their patience throughout the inconvenience sometimes caused while work occurs in their area.

“Infrastructural maintenance is critical to maintaining the credibility of sewer and water distribution, reducing service disruptions to our communities,” concludes Badroodien.