The City of Cape Town’s water and sanitation directorate has installed 12 lockable manhole covers across Brackenfell and Kraaifontein as part of an initiative to reduce unauthorised access to the sewer system and prevent tampering, theft, and illegal dumping.
According to Mayco member for water and sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien more than 500 of these covers were installed across sewer and reticulation infrastructure in the metro since June last year to protect critical infrastructure and address one of the leading causes of sewer blockages.
“The new covers have no scrap value, reducing the risk of theft, and can only be accessed by City officials and contractors through a specialised key. They are also made from a UV-stabilised glass fibre reinforced sheet, which is lightweight and fire resistant,” says Badroodien.
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Sewer networks blocked
According to Badroodien, many of the sewer blockages are caused by the illegal disposal of foreign objects into the sewer network. “This misuse results in recurring blockages and overflows, which negatively impact residents and place additional strain on municipal resources,” he says.
The effectiveness of lockable covers in preventing unauthorised access to manholes and reducing the illegal disposal of foreign objects into the sewer system, will now be assessed, of which the outcomes of the pilot will inform potential roll-outs to other affected areas.
“Many communities across our city struggle with sewer blockages and overflows because of foreign objects being dumped into the sewer system. Our hope is that the lockable covers will deter against vandalism and misuse.”
Currently, a total of 72 lockable manhole covers are being installed in Wesbank, with a further 20 to be installed in Kalkfontein at a total cost of R1.4 million. This cost includes the supply of the covers and associated installation work, including demolition, road reinstatement, repainting of affected road markings and related work.
