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The South African
26-05-2025
- Health
- The South African
THIS item is the No 1 cause of sewer blockages in upmarket Cape Town suburbs
A dramatic surge in sewer blockages is causing headaches for residents and authorities in some of Cape Town's most affluent coastal suburbs, with over 1 000 incidents reported since July 2023. 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. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
20-05-2025
- General
- The South African
Bad flushing habits choke sewers in affluent Cape Town area
According to the City of Cape Town, Water and Sanitation teams responded to 1 072 sewer blockages in Camps Bay, Bakoven, Clifton, and Sea Point between July 2023 and March 2025. Many of the incidents along this affluent part of the Atlantic Seaboard were caused by wet wipes and other non-flushable items ending up in the sewer system. 'We see an increase in the prevalence of wet wipes blocking sewer pipes,' said Mayco Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien. 'These should be discarded in the bin to be collected along with other refuse.' Nearly 30% of sewer blockages are from foreign objects, including wet wipes. Image: CoCT The public's tendency to flush wet wipes, nappies, and other foreign objects is giving the City a serious headache. It not only damages infrastructure and causes sewer overflows, but threatens the environment, the City said on Tuesday. The statement also identified other causes of sewer blockages in Camps Bay, Bakoven, Clifton and Sea Point: 26% foreign objects (wet wipes, sanitary towels, nappies) 18% roots of trees 9% rags 6% fats from restaurants and eateries 8% other causes The remaining 33% likely stemmed from issues further up the network, or had cleared before crews arrived. 'They could also be the result of high flows due to rain, which could have subsided by the time teams went to site,' the City said. Nonetheless, the volume of repeat call-outs – sometimes just days apart – highlights what city officials are describing as 'ongoing irresponsible behaviour' in high-use areas. Badroodien is urging all residents and visitors to Camps Bay, Clifton, Bakoven and Sea Point NOT to flush wet wipes, nappies, sanitary towels, ear buds or any other foreign items down the toilet. 'These items do not break down like human waste and toilet paper, and severely damage our sewer infrastructure,' he added. The public have been told to place all other waste in bins, and to use the City's drop-off facilities to get rid of recyclables. Residents are also encouraged to report sewer blockages, overflows, and vandalism through the City's official channels. South Africa is not the only country battling a wet wipe scourge in their sewer systems. In the UK, an organisation is calling for an outright ban of wipes – even those that claim to be biodegradable. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
