Prevent blocked sewers during festive season
As the city warms up for summer, more people are out and about, and spaces such as our beaches become a hive of activity.
The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation directorate is calling on residents and visitors to ensure a hassle-free beach experience for everyone by putting their waste in the correct place.
Improper disposal of items like wet wipes, cooking oil, and sanitary products can cause blockages in sewer systems, leading to spills that could affect beach areas.
Illegal dumping into stormwater drains and waterways can cause foul odours near beaches, detracting from your beach experience, said Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral committee member for water and sanitation.
“When using the toilet, only flush toilet paper and human waste, nothing else. Dispose of cooking oil and food scraps in the trash, not down the sink. Bin it. Don’t block it. Solid waste goes in the bin, not the toilet or drain. Encourage friends and neighbours to dispose of waste responsibly,” he said.
Daily inspections are being done at all coastal pump stations to ensure wet wells are thoroughly cleaned and cleared. Additionally, standby teams are on hand to respond promptly to any after-hours emergencies.
Proactive sewer cleaning has seen 111.5km of sewer lines cleaned since July. A dedicated spill mitigation team is on standby to respond quickly to emergencies, he said.
Several grease-trap inspections have been done at restaurants in Camps Bay, Century City, Koeberg Road (Milnerton), Kalk Bay, Muizenberg, and other areas to prevent clogs in the sewer system.
“Resources are available to ensure that the necessary actions are carried out. Adequate fleet, personnel and equipment will be available throughout the festive season to ensure that there are no resource constraints in attending the required proactive and reactive work to be carried out,” said Mr Badroodien.
The City’s new pump station control room digitally tracks the live performance of water and sanitation infrastructure including sewer pump stations.
“Throughout the year, including this festive season, the City, residents, businesses and visitors all need to team up to help reduce the chances of sewer overflows,” he said.
“The City’s Water and Sanitation directorate works 365 days every year to monitor and rehabilitate ageing infrastructure and address emergencies promptly. Significant proactive investments in sewer pipe replacements, stormwater filtration, wastewater treatment, and education campaigns are ongoing,” he said.
“By working together, and putting our waste in the right place, and encouraging others to do the same, we can all help create good memories in our communities and on beach days this festive season. Visit the City’s website for tips on what the public can do to help reduce chances of sewer overflows,” said Mr Badroodien.
Report illegal dumping to the City’s hotline at 0860 103 089 or visit their website www.capetown.gov.za/blocked-sewers.