Cape Town: The Water and Sanitation Directorate of the City of Cape Town has begun with their necessary preparations to repair the collapsed sections of bulk sewer in Khayelitsha. The work will take place soon as the Human Settlements Directorate will continue to relocate the remaining structures that are built on top of the affected areas, so that repairement can take place.
The City of Cape Town appointed emergency contractor that has been on site at the major collapses in Khayelitsha’s SST section and Makhaza since the beginning of the relocation process, as it anticipated the start of repair work.
Reportedly, the preparations are ongoing, and it has not been possible to begin repairs at each location until the structures are removed.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Water and Sanitation – Councillor Zahid Badroodien said that their priority is to maintain the security of the areas for repairs and begin work as quickly and as safely as possible to restore dignity and decent living conditions to residents in the area.
This collapse shows that how interconnected the sewer network is and how a blockage in one area can have far-reaching effects in multiple areas. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the residents and the City of Cape Town to ensure the infrastructure which looks after to serve the community for years to come with reduced incidents.
They further pleaded the residents to not build the structures illegally over crucial water and sewage infrastructure.
Furthermore, they thanked the residents for their patience and understanding while negotiations, relocations and preparations are ongoing. They also thanked the Human Settlements officials and local ward councillors who have made this possible despite facing many challenges and Law Enforcement whose escorts and support have been crucial during this time.
Badroodien said that they aim to complete the repairs in the shortest possible time as the safety of residents and officials is the top priority. Also, they appeal to the community for continued cooperation to do so.
Notably, all sites where water and sanitation repairs and upgrades are conducted are deemed to construction sites and they are off-limits to the public.