The recent temporary closure of Muizenberg and Fish Hoek beaches highlight the challenges brought about by continued high stages of load-shedding on the City’s water and sanitation infrastructure. However, every effort is being made to address spills as speedily as possible. Read more below:

The City’s sewer pump stations need electricity to function effectively and convey sewage to Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTWS) where it can be treated.

As a means to mitigate the impact of load-shedding:

Larger priority sewer pump stations are fitted with permanent generators as a measure to increase the resilience of sanitation supply systems

Maintenance staff are on standby and will use mobile generators to power smaller pumps

All pump stations are fitted with telemetry to help monitor the sump levels of the facilities

However, with higher, prolonged stages of load-shedding being experienced, sewer spills and overflows are to be expected, despite the contingency measures that are in place.

An added challenge is inappropriate objects like litter, builders’ rubble and fats that end up in the sewer network and block the flow of sewage.

‘The City experiences daily challenges with inappropriate objects blocking our sewer network. The situation is compounded by load-shedding – particularly the sustained higher levels that we have experienced. The impact is quite visible, particularly as relates to our coastal areas, at a time when the beach is a very popular destination. I think we need to accept that pump station faults can and will occur, given the ongoing load-shedding, but I want to assure our residents and visitors that, as a caring City, we address these issues as quickly as possible when they arise,’ said Acting Mayor, Alderman Eddie Andrews.

When there is a fault at a pump station, the City tries to fix it in the shortest time possible to stop the overflow.

In the event that a beach is affected, a host of City departments are activated to investigate and respond to the incident, including determining the cause and extent of the impact, and what remedial measures are required.

Based on assessments, City Health might advise that a part of the beach be temporarily closed, and warning signs be erected.

Regular water sampling follows, and the beach will only be reopened until such time as the water quality meets the minimum requirement for recreational activities as determined by the National Water Quality Guidelines.

The City requests residents to please report sewer blockages and overflows so that these can be cleared in a reasonable timeframe, given the current power situation.

Report burst pipes, leaks and water wastage using one of the following channels (Please provide the street address, and get a reference number):

• WhatsApp 060 018 1505

• Online: www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests

• Email water@capetown.gov.za

• SMS 31373 (maximum 160 characters. Standard rates apply)

• Call 0860 103 089

• Visit a City walk-in centre (see www.capetown.gov.za/facilities to find the one closest to you)

‘The sooner we are alerted to any sewer overflows, not just at our beaches, but anywhere in the city, the sooner we are able to activate our incident management protocols and resolve the issue, thereby mitigating the impact. The City appeals to the public for patience and cooperation during these challenging times,’ added Alderman Andrews.

For more information, see: https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/Non-stop load-shedding impacts City infrastructure

Source: City Of Cape Town