CAPE TOWN – The City of Cape Town’s ambitious infrastructure renewal programme is showing solid progress, with significant advances made in replacing ageing water and sewer pipes across the metro during the second half of 2025.
Between June and December 2025 the Water and Sanitation Directorate successfully replaced 35,71 km of water pipes, achieving 71,4% of its annual target, alongside 33,99 km of sewer pipes, representing 34% of its goal. The programme represents a crucial investment in maintaining reliable services for Cape Town residents.
Accelerated December progress
The final two months of 2025 saw particularly intensive activity, with crews installing 12,54 km of water pipes and 7,96 km of sewer pipes during November and December alone.
This concentrated effort demonstrates the City’s commitment to maximising progress before year-end.
November’s extensive work covered multiple areas, with 10,2 km of water pipes replaced across suburbs including Constantia, Fish Hoek, Sun Valley, Steenberg, Wynberg, Macassar, Kuils River, Somerset West, Strand, Gordon’s Bay and several Bellville and Parow locations.
Simultaneously, 6,725 km of sewer pipes were upgraded in areas such as Plumstead, Somerset West, Belmont Park, Bellville South, Blaaubergstrand and Mountain View. December’s operations, though more focused, still achieved significant progress with 2,343 km of water pipes replaced in Constantia, Fish Hoek, Heathfield, Retreat and other key areas, plus 1,231 km of sewer pipes in Somerset West.
Strategic approach to upgrades
The City employs a data-driven approach when selecting replacement sites, considering factors including pipe age, material composition, historical failure patterns and operational risk assessments. This methodology ensures priority attention for areas most vulnerable to infrastructure failure.
Several projects continued operating throughout the festive season, maintaining momentum on annual targets despite the holiday period.
“Our pipe replacement programme enables the City to accelerate implementation and maintain momentum on critical infrastructure upgrades,” said Mayco Member for Water and Sanitation Zahid Badroodien.
Future expansion plans
The Water and Sanitation Directorate has outlined ambitious plans for early 2026, with water pipe replacement projects scheduled for Glencairn, Noordhoek, Bergvliet, Morningside in Somerset West, Strand, Rylands and Oranjezicht. This proactive infrastructure programme forms part of the City’s broader strategy to reduce water losses and prevent sewer overflows.
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