In an effort to improve the health and living conditions in Joe Slovo, the City of Cape Town has teamed up with residents to disconnect illegal connections to the stormwater system.
This after the disconnection of wastewater outlets (or illegal discharges) to the stormwater system in Joe Slovo started in March when water pollution inspectors and city officials inspected homes in the area for compliance with the stormwater management bylaw.
According to the City, Joe Slovo was the first point of action in the city-wide programme after investigations showed a continuous source of grey and black water, from a number of illegal discharges and toilet connections, flowing from the area into the Diep River.
This catchment receives stormwater run-off from Joe Slovo, Du Noon and Bloekombos and these illegal discharges have a detrimental impact on the water quality of the Diep River, as well as the water bodies downstream.
Prior to the correction of the connections, inspectors engaged with homeowners to highlight the impact their activities have on human health and the environment.
When TygerBurger spoke to Sinoyolo Mwanda, a resident he said sewerage issues in Joe Slovo had always been a problem. “If everyone can comply, then we can help solve the problem. If not for yourself, then at least for your children as this is becoming a huge health hazard,” he said.
If everyone complies
The City said they were pleased with the residents’ positive response to the drive.
Of the 10 homes issued with contravention notices, seven disconnected their illegal connections on their own and only three were disconnected by the City. Non-compliant connections include kitchen sinks, washing machines, outdoor toilets and other sanitary fittings illegally connected to discharge into the stormwater system.
- reduce health risks to residents;
- reduce pollution loads to rivers;
- prevent environmental degradation;
- improve the aesthetic and recreational value of our water bodies; and
- protect the city’s infrastructure to ensure continued service delivery.
Awareness
The City has a number of pro-active and reactive programmes to address cross-connections, including the sewer blockages campaign which highlights the causes of sewer blockages and overflows with the aim to reduce sewer surcharges.
“Education and awareness programmes assist to inform communities, but it is in the power of communities to change behaviour and take responsibility by encouraging compliance within their neighbourhoods.
“Stormwater systems are meant to convey rainwater and natural seepage water to the canals, channels, rivers and vleis and should be free of pollutants,” says Zahid Badroodien, the City’s Mayco member for water and sanitation.
“It is of utmost importance that all communities, especially where such practices of illegal stormwater connections exist, take the necessary action to eliminate the pollution of our natural water courses, which in most instances serve as recreational spaces across the city.”
He adds that all basic services provided to informal settlements are shared according to the City’s norms of one tap for every 25 households for water and one toilet for every five households for sanitation.
“Where conditions allow, full-flush toilets are installed as the solution. It is, however, not always possible to install full-flush toilets. To address this challenge, the City offers alternatives such as chemical toilets, 100L container toilets and portable flush toilets (PFT’s).
“In the informal settlements, no toilet disconnections will be effected until the City’s informal settlements basic services (ISBS) branch can provide residents with an alternative, which could be additional toilets if space allows. Currently, site inspections and engagement with the local community leadership and ward councillors are underway to address the installation of additional toilets in Joe Slovo,” he says.
Du Noon, Eersterivier, Kuilsriver, Bloekombos and Wallacedene disconnections are to come in the near future, with more to follow.
“The City appeals to communities to avoid constructing illegal connections to the stormwater systems and other services. Rather speak to your local ward councillor for assistance. Should residents be informed that they have an illegal connection to the stormwater system or to check their connections, they can contract a qualified plumber to assist with rectifying the illegal connections,” Badroodien says.
The City calls for continued co-operation on this programme for the benefit of public health.
