The City of Cape Town is urging residents to help reduce sewer overflows and prevent damage to infrastructure by only flushing human waste and toilet paper.
This comes as it saw an increase in the prevalence of wet
wipes blocking sewer pipes in some areas. Other items include sanitary towels
and nappies, roots of trees, and rags.
‘’The City is appealing to residents to be mindful of the
impact that improper household waste disposal habits have on the environment.
Help us reduce sewer overflows and prevent damage to infrastructure by only
flushing human waste and toilet paper. We see an increase in the prevalence of
wet wipes blocking sewer pipes in some areas. These should be discarded in the
bin to be collected along with other refuse,’’ said Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral
Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.
COURTESY: City of Cape TownBadroodien said his team attended to more than 1 000 sewer
blockages in Camps Bay, Bakoven, Clifton and Sea Point from July 2023 to March
2025.
‘’ ‘What is especially concerning is the need for
repeat visits just days apart, as new blockages form in the same areas.
Breaking the cycle of this persistent challenge requires a collaborative effort
by the City and residents.
‘’I urge all residents and visitors to Camps Bay, Clifton,
Bakoven and Sea Point - please do not flush wet wipes, nappies, sanitary
towels, ear buds or any other foreign items down the toilet. These items do not
break down like toilet paper and severely damage our sewer infrastructure. They
increase the risk of blockages and overflows, which pose a serious threat to
both the environment and public health,’’ he added.
Done by: Mitchum George
Comments