THIS item is the No 1 cause of sewer blockages in upmarket Cape Town suburbs
The City of Cape Town's Water and Sanitation Directorate has linked the persistent problem to the improper disposal of household waste – especially the flushing of wet wipes .
According to the City, Camps Bay, Clifton, Bakoven and Sea Point have been the hardest-hit areas, with 1 072 blockages recorded between July 2023 and March 2025.
Despite ongoing maintenance and rapid response efforts, blockages are recurring frequently – sometimes within days of being cleared.
'We see an increase in the prevalence of wet wipes blocking sewer pipes in some areas. These should be discarded in the bin to be collected along with other refuse,' said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.
An analysis of sewer blockage causes in the affected suburbs revealed: 26% due to foreign objects like wet wipes, nappies, and sanitary towels
due to foreign objects like 18% caused by tree roots invading the system
caused by invading the system 9% due to rags
due to 6% linked to fats and grease from local restaurants
linked to from local restaurants 8% from other causes
from other causes 33% could not be definitively traced
'Despite our efforts, many of these blockages are entirely preventable. What is especially concerning is the need for repeat visits just days apart,' Badroodien added.
The City is now urging residents and visitors alike to change their bathroom habits by following a simple rule: 'Bin it, don't flush it.'
'I urge all residents and visitors to Camps Bay, Clifton, Bakoven and Sea Point – please do not flush wet wipes, nappies, sanitary towels, ear buds or any other foreign items down the toilet.
'These items do not break down like toilet paper and severely damage our sewer infrastructure,' said Badroodien. Only flush human waste and toilet paper – nothing else Dispose of wet wipes and hygiene products in bins, not toilets Report sewer overflows and blockages using the City's official channels Report missing manhole covers or suspected vandalism Use drop-off sites for large or recyclable waste
City officials stress that a collaborative effort between residents, businesses, and local government is essential to stopping the environmental and health damage caused by sewer overflows.
'Breaking the cycle of this persistent challenge requires a joint effort. We need every Capetonian and visitor to play their part,' said Badroodien.
With sewer infrastructure under increasing strain, the City hopes that stronger public awareness and behaviour change will stem the tide – literally – of this growing coastal crisis.
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