Latest news with #WaterandSanitationDirectorate
IOL News
30-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Over 5 800 new toilets and 700 taps installed in informal settlements
New taps and toilets have been installed at over 75 informal settlements. Image: Supplied Through its Informal Settlements and Basic Services branch, the City's Water and Sanitation Directorate provided 709 new taps and 5 873 toilets across more than 75 informal settlements during the 2024/25 financial year. At a cost of just over R35 million, the City said it formed part of its efforts to expand access to basic services, particularly clean water and safe sanitation. The latest rollout brings the total number of services provided to 69 081 toilets and 10 488 taps across 702 informal settlements throughout the City. "Water and sanitation service delivery is about more than just provision of basic infrastructure. The hard work being done by our Informal Settlement and Basic Services branch to maintain these facilities, is to restore dignity and continuously improve the quality of life for the most vulnerable communities," said mayco member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien. Initially, the City set out to install 750 taps and 3 500 toilets during the financial year. However, the tap target was missed due to delays in sourcing local labour, the City said. Another obstacle was the discovery of unknown underground services during excavations, necessitating changes in design and new wayleave approvals, as well as extensive community engagement needed in some cases to address extortion threats. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Mayco member for water and sanitation Zahid Badroodien. Image: Supplied The remaining installations will continue into the 2025/26 financial year, the City said. Other successes in service delivery in informal settlements during the 2024/25 financial year included portable flush toilets rolled out to 31 informal settlements; and over 11 900 households benefited from improved sanitation services. "We acknowledge that infrastructure delivery in informal settlements comes with unique challenges, but our teams are working tirelessly, often under very difficult circumstances to ensure that no communities are left behind due to their socio-economic circumstances. Every tap and toilet installed is another step toward attaining dignity for all of our residents," said Badroodien. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
The South African
15-06-2025
- Climate
- The South African
10-hour water shutdown to affect parts of Cape Town on Tuesday
The City of Cape Town has announced a 10-hour water supply shutdown on Tuesday, 17 June, that will affect parts of the northern suburbs. The Water and Sanitation Directorate will perform essential maintenance work on the corners of Vivaldi and Shawn Streets and Marais and Vivaldi Streets in Morgenster Heights. According to the City, the shutdown will run from 9:00 to 19:00 to allow technicians to install new pipe sections, connectors, and valves. Affected areas include Morgenster Heights, Morgenster, St Michael's, Scottsville, Scottsdene, and Okavango Park in Brackenfell. 'This critical maintenance work is done on our water supply infrastructure to benefit customers,' said the city in a statement. Residents living in the impacted zones should prepare for low water pressure or no water at all during the shutdown. The City has urged households to store enough water in advance in clean, sealed containers and to close all taps to prevent water loss or damage once the supply is restored. The city noted, 'Sometimes the maintenance work can be more complex than anticipated, which means the work could take longer.' It also advised that water might appear discoloured or milky after restoration due to trapped air in the pipes, but it assured residents this was temporary. To stay updated, residents are encouraged to follow the City's official X account, @CityofCTAlerts, for real-time notifications, including locations of water tankers if necessary. All maintenance zones will be considered construction sites and will remain off-limits to the public for safety reasons. The city added, 'Careful consideration has been given to the planning of this work to ensure it is being done at a time that is least disruptive.' 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.
IOL News
04-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Bayside Canal upgrades in Milnerton: City prepares to restart construction
The current state of the Bayside Canal upgrade site in Milnerton. Image: Supplied Plans are afoot for the completion of the multi-million rand Bayside Canal upgrade in Milnerton, after work on site was temporarily suspended in November due to a contractual dispute with the contractor. The City's Water and Sanitation Directorate this week said efforts are under way to resolve the matter and resume construction, as it works to reach a negotiated, amicable settlement of the dispute. To date, approximately 55% of the project has been completed. "It is important that public funds are used responsibly and for this reason, the negotiations are being dealt with as quickly and thoughtfully as possible," said Water and Sanitation mayco member, Zahid Badroodien. "This is one of the City's crucial investments, which will contribute to improved water quality within Rietvlei and surrounds. "Given ongoing development in the catchment, the upgrade is essential to accommodate increased stormwater flow during peak rainfall and to tackle the significant litter and pollution that enters Rietvlei via the stormwater system." In the interim, the City has taken steps to mitigate flood risks in the area. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Following heavy rainfall on April 8, which led to flooding along Blaauwberg Road, the canal adjacent to the road and approximately 30 metres of the Bayside Canal were cleared to improve stormwater flow ahead of the winter season. Additional works were also undertaken during the suspension period. On April 24, the contractor removed the temporary berm and bypass trench, in line with contractual obligations, to assist with drainage. The City conducted an inspection on April 27 where it was determined that the water level at the control weir was at about 2.1m and 0.9m in the Rietvlei. A slight drop in water levels since April 8 suggests a blockage between the lower section of the proposed bypass canal and Rietvlei. "To address this, the City will, through its repair and maintenance contractors survey the existing flow channel to determine current water levels and the location of the obstruction, deploy a long-boom excavator to clear the blockage and stockpile the excavated material adjacent to the channel. Once work starts again, the stormwater canal to the primary sedimentation ponds and the bypass canal from the secondary treatment channel to the Rietvlei will be constructed," the City said. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
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
10-05-2025
- Climate
- The South African
No water in these Cape Town areas for 10 hours on Thursday
The City of Cape Town's Water and Sanitation Directorate has scheduled essential maintenance for Thursday, 15 May. The water supply in Kelderhof Estate, Helderberg, will be shut off from 9:00 to 19:00. The planned interruption forms part of the City's ongoing efforts to upgrade and maintain its water infrastructure. According to officials, the outage is necessary to allow technicians to safely install a pressure reducing valve (PRV) and a water meter on the main supply line to the area. 'This critical maintenance work is done on our water supply infrastructure to benefit customers,' said the city, urging residents to prepare in advance. The upcoming work aligns with the City's proactive approach to ensuring a reliable future water supply. As part of its infrastructure maintenance programme, the city aims to address unaccounted-for water by upgrading and modernising key components of the water system. 'The work forms part of the Water and Sanitation Directorate's proactive infrastructure maintenance and upgrade programme, which ensures the future continuity of water supply,' the city said. Cape Town officials added that while the water shutdown may cause inconvenience, it is carefully scheduled to minimise household impact. Residents of Kelderhof Estate are encouraged to store sufficient water before the outage. The city advises that water be stored in clean, sealed containers and that taps be kept closed during the interruption to avoid damage or water loss once the supply is restored. 'Sometimes the maintenance work can be more complex than anticipated, which means the work could take longer,' the city cautioned. Residents may also notice discoloured or milky water once the supply is back. This is a typical result of trapped air in the pipes and should clear up if left to stand in a glass. All areas where water maintenance is taking place are considered construction zones and are off-limits to the public. For updates during the shutdown, including the locations of water tankers if deployed, residents can follow @CityofCTAlerts on X (formerly Twitter). 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.
