With the assistance of a private engineering consultancy, a study commenced in the Hout Bay Catchment in February 2022. To date, the study has discovered several factors contributing to water pollution and also identified possible solutions for the elimination of pollutants entering the Hout Bay Catchment water courses. One of the objectives of the study is to create a single integrated report by bringing together all investigations, studies and public participation events, and to create a transversal action plan to address these significant pollutant issues. 

The study is meant to specifically determine and quantify the responsibilities of the City’s line departments with respect to eliminating pollutants entering the Hout Bay River courses, including more robust engineering solutions, together with awareness campaigns and the promotion of organisations and small businesses dedicated to improving their immediate environments.

A number of initial field investigations have been done, primarily in the area of Imizamo Yethu (IY). 

• Investigating teams documented that the problems are numerous, widespread and in certain instances, complicated, where foul water from multiple sources is flowing onto the streets as surface discharge and also into the underground stormwater networks via stormwater catch pits, and open stormwater manhole covers, where these covers are stolen.
• Solid waste dumped into the sewer network is blocking sewer systems and overflowing into the stormwater network, and into the stormwater detention ponds, causing severe contamination and health risks.
• The discharge of grey water onto the streets through washing machines, bucket discharging, overtopping sewer manholes and other effluents are discharging directly onto the streets of IY and ultimately onto the main road and river systems. The proposed interventions on these challenges will be the reinstatement of strategic stormwater inlets along the streets, as well as a number of stormwater to sewer low-flow diversion works. To date, five sewer to stormwater low-flow diversions are already constructed, and a further five similar low-flow diversions are planned during this calendar year.
• Discarding solid waste directly into the sewer manholes, which blocks the network, resulting in raw sewage overflowing from manholes. Lockable sewer manhole covers are being tested by the City, with three lockable manhole covers already being installed in IY. More lockable manhole covers will be considered for this area.
• Solid waste entering the stormwater network (catch pits and pipes) and river systems (open water courses). The proposed solution is that litter socks should be placed at strategic outfalls. To date, one litter sock was installed at the Victoria Road stormwater outfall and another two litter socks are planned to be installed at the end of May 2022.  
• Direct connections from sewer systems to stormwater systems and standpipes with washdown aprons connected directly to stormwater structures. Investigations to eliminate these cross-connections have commenced as part of this comprehensive study. 
• Invegetated disturbed land and steep topography resulting in scouring and sediments run off. The comprehensive study, which is under way, will recommend pro-active solutions.

‘We hope that the proposed interventions will go a long way in improving water quality in the natural water courses, but the City must not lose focus on the ultimate goal of eliminating contamination not only in the natural water courses, but primarily at the source of the problems,’ said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.

In this regard, the City, on 23 April, hosted an education and awareness campaign in Hout Bay to educate the community on drain blockages, illegal dumping and how to manage their waste pest infestation and general unhygienic conditions.

Source: City Of Cape Town