Curiosity was reignited when pipes were spotted being offloaded on the controversial Erf 9702 in Ruwari, Brackenfell, the site earmarked for low-cost housing for which the final public participation process has yet to be concluded.

Residents were quick to question whether the pipes signalled the start of civil services for the housing development.

However, the City’s Mayco member for water and sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, moved to allay concerns, confirming the pipes were in fact part of a treated effluent supply system for irrigating parks, schools and recreational facilities.

The project, aimed at reducing reliance on potable water for non-drinking purposes, is expected to be completed by the end of September.

Continued pushback

The open municipal site at 10 Affodil Street has been at the centre of a protracted battle between the City of Cape Town and residents since 2018.

The City initially proposed social housing and a care facility for the land, but massive community objections over traffic congestion, infrastructure strain and the loss of green space stalled the project. After several years of silence, the City revived plans in 2023 with a revised concept featuring roughly 115 rental flats, 30 ownership units and a small commercial component.

ALSO READ: Brackenfell ratepayers challenge City’s affordable housing plans

Residents and the Brackenfell Ratepayers’ Association intensified opposition, delivering a petition signed by about 1 600 residents to the mayor. Despite the pushback, the City issued a major tender early this year for the sale and development of the site, with closing dates extended into March.

While adjudication is pending, residents continue to advocate for alternative uses such as parks or parking, drawing further friction from taxpayers who feel their objections have been overlooked.

Reduce demand on drinking water

The tender document for development on this site indicated a sewer line crossing the site in the south-western corner, and that a servitude would need to be registered for that sewer line.

However, the treated-effluent project is not a raw sewer pipeline but rather a separate regional pipeline for treated effluent or reclaimed water running from the Scottsdene Wastewater Treatment Works through Scottsdene and Kraaifontein towards Kuils River.

The purpose is to supply treated water for irrigation and other non-potable uses, reducing the demand for drinking water.

Badroodien said the identified users of the treated effluent system are expected to include sports fields, parks, schools and golf courses, but that no further specifics were available at this stage.

When questioned why the system could not be extended to residential properties given its R53 million price tag over three years, Badroodien explained that treated effluent was not available to single residential households due to the costs associated with the required infrastructure and strict operational and maintenance requirements. He said it could, however, be supplied to estates or complexes for controlled irrigation of shared open spaces.