Stones, sand and building rubble through open or damaged manholes, found in Cape sewer's

The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is calling on all residents to be proactive in helping to prevent sewer overflows, especially during winter.

Last week, maintenance teams responded to 2 799 sewer blockages – almost 400 blockages a day.

COURTESY: CoCT

Mayco Member for Water & Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, said foreign objects trapped in sewage flow are being removed. Areas where the highest number of sewer blockages occurred include, Strand, Gugulethu, Philippi, and Bonteheuwel

‘’We need to work together to protect the sewer system, which we all make use of, as it is an interconnected network. Winter typically brings an increase in blockages and sewer overflows, due to higher volumes of rainwater and ongoing challenges with foreign objects flushed down the system.’’

‘’Solid waste like chip and sweets packets belong in the bin, cooking fats or oils also shouldn't be washed down the drain, where they clog the sewer system. This increase the likelihood of blockages and inevitably result in sewage overflows. Additionally, illegal dumping of stones, sand and building rubble through open or damaged manholes, further reduces the system's capacity to convey wastewater and causes costly infrastructural damage,’’ he added.

Badroodien urged residents to do their part by maintaining sewer lines.

‘’By being mindful of what we flush and pour down our drains, reporting issues promptly, and avoiding illegal dumping, we can collectively reduce the risk of sewer overflows and ensure a cleaner and safer environment for everyone.’’

COURTESY: CoCT

The City provided tips to residents to help prevent sewer blockages by:

·        Only flushing human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Anything else blocks the pipes.

·        Avoid pouring cooking oils or fats down the kitchen sink. These substances harden and cause blockages.

·        Report stolen or broken manhole covers to prevent rainwater and debris from entering the sewer system.

·        Report illegal dumping and blocked drains to facilitate timely clearing and reduce overflow risks.

·        Use the City's solid waste services for proper waste disposal, or take recyclables, garden greens and builders' rubble to designated drop-off facilities.

·        Check for illegal stormwater-to-sewer connections and ensure rainwater gutters do not flow into the sewer system to avoid overloading.

 

Done By: Mitchum George