Authorities have concluded that constant sewerage overspills in the Montrose Park area and surrounds is as result of “deliberate sabotage” of infrastructure along the Swartklip Road sewer pipeline.
Dumping of foreign objects in the pipeline persists, with the City of Cape Town’s water and sanitation directorate continuously battling to clear repeated blockages, raising suspicions of deliberate vandalism.
Maintenance teams continue to respond promptly to unblock pipelines, while also trying to mitigate the issue by raising manholes to prevent objects from entering the system, says Mayco member for water and waste, Zahid Badroodien.
Despite these measures, blockages persist.
In an attempt to deter further interference, lockable covers have been installed on critical manholes. However, this did not dissuade vandals from resorting to chipping away at the concrete around the covers to gain access.
Ward 76 councillor Avron Plaatjies says this issue has persisted since he came into office. He adds he had been advocating for the lockable covers, but as has been proven, even this is not a deterent. Lockable covers were first installed in 2022.
“We have secured this space by placing a concrete slab on the manhole. Based on the kinds of objects found, there is no way that by normal usage those items can end up in the sewers. It is deliberate, throwing those items in there. It was so bad that teams needed to get into the manhole on a ladder to lift up a rock. There is no way that comes through the flushing system,” he says.
“I am appealing to communities to please report any suspicious behaviour and those misusing the infrastructure.”
Montclair, Montrose Park and up to Tafelsig are affected.
“It it not a capacity issue. The 600l line is more than capable to service this community, but it is not designed to deal with these foreign objects.”
Foreign objects frequent
According to a media statement by the City, the frequency of recurring blockages suggests deliberate attempts to obstruct the pipeline. During the latest clean-up operation, workers removed large boulders dumped into the manhole, which required considerable manpower. Items such as motor vehicle seats and pillows, and wooden planks were also retrieved.
“We urge residents to collaborate with us in addressing this issue by reporting any incidents or observations of dumping into the sewer pipeline immediately. Residents can call on local law enforcement if they witness any damage being done to the raised manholes. Together we can work towards safeguarding infrastructure which performs a critical function and resolve this problem,” says Badroodien.
Plaatjies says the City has come to flush and clear blockages of homes as a result of the system pressure. This is not only a health hazard, but also a constant problem as residents are unable to flush their toilets or deal with overspills in their homes.
Plaatjies calls on residents to contact him should they need assistance in logging these complaints. Contact him on 084 669 0570 or Avron.Plaatjies@capetown.gov.za
