Work to upgrade and modernise ageing water and sewer infrastructure is progressing steadily across Cape Town, with the annual pipe replacement programme remaining on track.
Backed by millions in investment each year, the programme is focused on keeping water and sanitation services reliable for residents. It also plays a key role in saving water by reducing the risk of pipe bursts, especially important as dam levels remain under pressure. During January and February 2026, approximately 11,9km of water pipes and 3,5km of sewer pipes were replaced.
95% completed
Over the past eight months of the 2025/2026 financial year, nearly 47,7km of water pipes have been replaced (just over 95% of the 50km target). Sewer pipe replacements currently stand at 37,6km, or 37,6% of the 100km target.
This proactive work forms part of a long-term effort to reduce water losses, prevent sewer overflows and strengthen overall service reliability. Projects are under way across Cape Town, with teams working to maintain infrastructure while keeping disruptions to a minimum.
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Pipes replaced in January 2026:
– 4 494m of water pipes in Fish Hoek, Heathfield, Sun Valley, Steenberg, Wynberg, Retreat, Gordon’s Bay, Door De Kraal (Bellville), Gardens, Rondebosch, Glenlily (Parow) and Parow Industrial.
– 1 332m of sewer pipes in Bellville, Richmond Estate, Rylands, Gatesville, Mountview Pinati Estate, Penlyn Estate and Wetton.Pipes replaced in February 2026:7 485m of water pipes in Hout Bay, Kommetjie, Noordhoek, Fish Hoek, Heathfield, Sun Valley, Steenberg, Wynberg, Lotus River, Retreat, Macassar, Kuils River, Bellville, Garden’s, Rondebosch, Glenlily (Parow), Oranjezicht and Parow Industrial.
– 2 253m of sewer pipes in Plumstead, Bellville, Mountain View (Bellville), Brackenfell, Wallacedene, Mountview, Pinati Estate, Penlyn Estate and Wetton
Progress
“I am encouraged by the steady progress being made across multiple projects in the city, which reflects our continued commitment to investing in and maintaining critical water and sanitation infrastructure. In the coming weeks, new projects are expected to start in Atlantis, Flamingo Vlei, Bellville South, Brackenfell and Kraaifontein. Proactive maintenance remains one of the most effective ways to save water, which is especially important as we continue to manage dam levels in the face of uncertain rainfall. Continued investment in the sewer network is just as important. It helps ensure reliable sanitation services and reduces the risk of overflows. We thank residents for their patience and understanding while this essential work is under way,” said the City’s Mayco Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien.
Recent developments have led to the immediate termination of some contracts, impacting pipe replacement projects in Macassar, Kuils River and Rondebosch. Mitigation measures are in place, including the use of a panel of contractors under framework contracts, to ensure work continues with minimal disruption.
The Lotus River water pipe replacement project, valued at over R5,3 million, is currently under way. Construction began in February 2026 and is expected to be completed by the end of June 2026. The project will see 1,25km of ageing fibre cement pipes replaced with more durable UPVC pipes along Stanley Road, Buck Road and Bontebok Road.
