More than 100 informal settlements in Cape Town received 815 new taps and 6 505 toilets in the 2025-’26 financial year as the City of Cape Town poured about R46 million into expanding basic water and sanitation services to areas where providing these services is legally and physically possible.

The water and sanitation directorate’s informal settlements and basic services (ISBS) branch exceeded its target of 750 taps and 4 500 toilets, driven by requests from newly established informal settlements and the replacement of pre-fabricated toilets that had reached the end of their lifespan.

The latest installations bring the total across the city to 69 194 toilets and 10 101 taps in 848 informal settlements. All services are free to residents, with maintenance and repairs funded by the City.

More than 20 375 households gained new access to clean water, while over 15 193 benefited from improved sanitation.

Clean water fundamental right

City maintenance and repair teams handled 20 151 service requests during the year.

“Access to clean water and safe sanitation is fundamental to the dignity and quality of life of our residents. During the past financial year, our teams delivered thousands of new taps and toilets while continuing to maintain existing services across informal settlements,” says Zahid Badroodien, Mayco member for water and sanitation.

“We recognise the challenges involved in delivering and maintaining infrastructure in these communities, but we remain committed to expanding access wherever it is legally and physically possible, while ensuring that the services already provided continue to work for the people who rely on them.”

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According to Badroodien, the City plans to invest a further R44 million in ISBS services in the 2026-’27 financial year, with installations earmarked for Gugulethu, Delft, Khayelitsha, Blue Downs, Philippi, Hout Bay, Kraaifontein, Langa, Bloekombos, Strandfontein, Nyanga and Dunoon.