The City is preparing to repair the Japhta K Masemola bulk sewer in Khayelitsha at a cost of about R7,9 million, once 40 informal structures have been relocated. The relocation will give repair teams safe access to the three areas where the sewer has collapsed.
Mayco member assesses progress
The City’s Mayco member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, recently visited the SST Informal Settlement in Khayelitsha to assess progress on repairs needed to another 60m section of the 700mm bulk sewer in Japhta K Masemola. This follows repairs to an initial 45m length of the same sewer line that were completed at Umrhabulo Triangle on last month.
ALSO READ: Burst pipe leaves SST families homeless and fearing for their safety
Collaboration across directorates
This complex project requires a transversal approach, with close collaboration between different City directorates. While the Water and Sanitation team prepares resources and work plans to start the large-scale repairs, the City’s Human Settlements Directorate continues to engage with residents who have informal structures built over the sewer line, obstructing access to the infrastructure. These structures need to be relocated to allow repair teams and heavy machinery to safely conduct the emergency repairs.
Approximately 40 relocations have been earmarked, situated across three main collapse clusters.
Recent resolutions relating to the project include the establishment of a Relocations Working Group: a joint transversal working group comprising the Water and Sanitation Directorate, Human Settlements Directorate and the Mayor’s Office, set up to coordinate the required relocations and repairs. The team will work to address the relocation requirements and other challenges that could delay the repair work.
Endorsement of a phased relocation plan: an eight-week, Phase 1 Temporary Relocation Area (TRA) plan has been approved, with the first relocations identified for mid-October.
What the repairs entail
This project requires considerable technical and financial resources, with the estimated cost of the entire repair currently at approximately R7,9 million. The City will also need to maintain wastewater services to the wider Khayelitsha area while the repairs are being done.
Repairs will involve excavating the affected areas, safely removing the collapsed pipeline and replacing it with a stronger pipe before the areas are backfilled and reinstated.
“These sewer collapses are affecting critical infrastructure that serves communities across Khayelitsha. We understand that relocations are difficult for affected residents, but they are necessary to give our teams safe access to the damaged sections and allow this important repair work to proceed. We appeal to the community for continued cooperation and urge residents to refrain from building structures over sanitation service lines and access points.”
“The City remains committed to working with affected residents to find solutions that will allow this essential repair work to proceed quickly and safely,” said Badroodien.
