Over R4,7 billion in infrastructure investment is transforming the Helderberg as part of an ambitious “future-proofing” programme targeting ageing sewer networks, wastewater capacity constraints and flood risks threatening the region.

In a recent online public meeting, the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate shared a comprehensive progress report with residents.

Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee member for Water and Sanitation, emphasised that these investments are about more than just pipes and concrete, but also about long-term reliability.

“Across Strand and the broader Helderberg, several multi-million-rand sewer, wastewater treatment and flood alleviation infrastructure projects are under way,” said Badroodien.

The centrepiece of the local sewer rehabilitation is the R190 million Trappies Bulk Sewer project. This critical initiative seeks to extend the life of a 50-year-old pipeline by another half-century.

Currently, 530 m of the 2 300-m pipeline has been rehabilitated, with completion targeted for November next year.

In Strand, R23,6 million is being invested in four distinct projects to replace over 9 000 m of piping across major residential streets, including Joubert, Brand and Munnik streets.

At Gordon’s Bay Pump Station, the R277,3 million project is now 80% complete. It is designed to divert flow from the Trappies system to the Sir Lowry’s Pass Outfall Sewer, with commissioning expected this June.

The City also addressed recent sewer collapses in Joubert Street, confirming that repairs at multiple sites (including numbers 22, 32 and 78) have successfully been completed.

The largest single investment highlighted was the Macassar Wastewater Treatment Works upgrade. With a price tag of R4,7 billion, this project represents a decade-long commitment to growth.

Once completed in 2031, the facility’s capacity will more than double – jumping from 34 million litres per day to 80 million litres per day. Civil construction began late last year, and once operational, the facility will use advanced UV and chlorine disinfection to improve the quality of water discharged into the Eerste River.

The R44,5 million Lourens River upgrade is 91% complete, focusing on gabion-

reinforced levees and flood plain enhancements in Victoria Park, with completion set for 1 August.

Meanwhile, the more extensive R336,2 million Sir Lowrys Pass River project, is 70% complete. It is designed to contain one-in-100-year floods, effectively unlocking land for future development while protecting the environment.

City officials reminded residents that they play a vital role in daily maintenance. Foreign objects such as rags and stones remain the primary cause of system blockages.

 To report water and sewer issues WhatsApp

060 018 1505, SMS 31373, call 0860 103 089 or email water@capetown.gov.za