The problematic sinkhole on the corner of Fagan and De Ruyter streets continues to be a bone of contention, as sewage has yet again flooded the Lourens River and flowed into the ocean. It has also overflowed all over Strand North, seeping into homes and frustrating residents.
The City of Cape Town confirmed a contractor had damaged the water pipe when finishing repairs on Friday 16 September, which resulted in the soil around the trench collapsing.
“The collapse exposed and damaged the stormwater and treated effluent pipes, which caused severe flooding,” explained Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee member for Water and Sanitation.
“In response to this, the City placed sandbags around the site to reduce flooding from entering residents’ properties. The City also pumped sewage out of the trench into the furthest manhole that feeds into the Lourens River Pump Station.”
Districtmail & Helderberg Gazette pointed out that contractors had been on site since May and pressed the City to address why there had been continuous delays in repairs, and even when completed further faults have occurred.
Badroodien confirmed work on the broken sewer pipe started on Wednesday 25 May, adding that a second sewer collapse occurred on Friday 12 August.
“The two sewer collapses in De Ruyter Street were repaired by Sunday 18 September. Repair work continued on the stormwater pipe, treated effluent pipe and water pipe,” he said, without elaborating on the technical aspects of challenges faced to successfully complete the job.
But probably the biggest issue was the sewage flow into the Lourens River and ocean, which gave rise to a health warning from the Strand Surf Lifesurfers’ Club. This after several surfers reported experiencing stomach cramps and vomiting, while lifeguard training was restricted to avoid getting into the water.
Despite this, Patricia van der Ross, Mayoral Committee member for Community Services and Health, said: “There was no indication of polluted water in the river and sea during a City Health visit on Sunday 18 September at 10:30.”
This response baffled many, including local surfer Jamii Hamlin, who said several surfers had reported getting sick, including children who had been swimming in the water during the same period.
“Hopefully we can develop awareness and proactive engagement to improve the water quality and reduce the pollution flowing down the Lourens River. I see first-hand the impact this has; unless we seek means to improve and control environmental impact, it will worsen,” said Hamlin.
Furthermore, last week another sinkhole occurred in De Villiers Street in Strand, barely a few weeks after repairs to this pipe were completed.
Badroodien said the sewer line had corroded, which escalated the collapse of the sewer pipe. He pointed out that repair work on the pipeline was imminent.
Regarding the frequency of sinkholes and long-term plans, Badroodien said the City is implementing a sewer pipe replacement project. “The City will replace 100 000 m of sewer pipes yearly by 2023-’24 and project managers will prioritise pipes that are vulnerable to collapse,” he said.
