Cape Town: The Water Pollution Control team of City of Cape Town has inspected 12,580 properties for illegal connections and discharges to the stormwater system.
The WPC team has also advised the owners of residential and business properties in Witsand, Atlantis, on how to correct them. The inspection team was joined by Dr Zahid Badroodien who is the member of mayoral committee of Water and Sanitation in Cape Town.
Reportedly, the Water and Sanitation Directorate WPC team have conducted inspections on 12,580 properties between March 2023 and February 2024. They have also issued 159 contravention notices and disconnected 40 illegal connections.
As per the sources, some of the areas where the majority of these contravention notices have been issued and where illegal disconnections took place include Masiphumelele, Wallacedene, Imizamo Yethu, Bloekombos, Dunoon and Joe Slovo.
Considering the tremendous efforts of Water Pollution Control Team as great value, Councillor Badroodien said that the discharging of waste water and grey water into the incorrect system severely impact the inland water quality of the city.
He added, “I call on residents to co-operate with the water inspectors of the city Cape Town who will be conducting similar inspections city-wide in the coming months to help address and enforce the correction of illegal connections and discharges to the stormwater system.”
The WPC team consistently conducts proactive compliance inspections across Cape Town. It also collaborates with the stakeholders on blitz operations.
Moreover, the Disconnections Programme is an initiative that aims to ensure compliance and enhance inland water quality.
Recently, the WPC team and Councillor Zahid Badroodien inspected Witsand due to complaints of the residents about grey water flushing into storm water drains which is a violation of laws that affects the environment and private properties downstream.
As per the reports revealed by the investigations, these were not isolated incidents but rather a very prevalent problem in Witsand that required urgent action.
During the inspection, the main sources of pollution into stormwater channels were identified as; illegal connections from hairdressers’ wash basins, wastewater from washing machines, direct discharge from the toilets and illegal dumping of solid waste.
Similarly, in the coming weeks, such inspections were planned for Nomzamo, Lwandle, Asanda Village, Hangberg, and Fisantekraal.