By replacing more than 117km of sewer pipes across Cape Town, the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate exceeded its annual target. Through smart planning and 61 projects implemented across the metro, the City continues to prioritise reliable sanitation services for all communities, reflecting a strong return on residents’ rates and taxes.
By the end of June 2025, the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate had replaced 117 209 metres of sewer infrastructure, achieving 117% of its 100km target. This was accomplished through a city-wide pipe replacement programme aimed at reducing sewer overflows, improving system reliability and strengthening the sanitation network. To support this scale of work, the City invested more than R523 million in replacing ageing water and sanitation infrastructure as part of its ongoing strategy to modernise services and maintain critical services. ‘Congratulations to the dedicated Water and Sanitation officials who made this possible. Your commitment to striving for excellence in service delivery and taking action to advance the City’s reticulation system is commendable. Having a strengthened sewer system makes a major difference in everyday life, as the integrity of pipe infrastructure is fundamental to reducing pipe bursts and sewer overflows.‘This achievement also demonstrates how rates and taxes are being reinvested responsibly, for improved infrastructure that truly benefits all communities,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien.The breakdown of sewer pipes replaced monthly during the 2024/2025 financial year is:
| Month | Sewer pipes replaced (metres) |
| July 2024 | 8 706.20 |
| August 2024 | 10 599.10 |
| September 2024 | 8 943.80 |
| October 2024 | 12 781.40 |
| November 2024 | 12 652.30 |
| December 2024 | 4 184.76 |
| January 2025 | 6 269 |
| February 2025 | 12 735.70 |
| March 2025 | 12 582.60 |
| April 2025 | 9 087.50 |
| May 2025 | 7 432.40 |
| June 2025 | 11 235 |
| Total sewer pipes replaced FY2024/25 | 117 209.70 |
Why are sewer pipes rehabilitated?
Mayoral Committee Member, Councillor Zahid Badroodien observes a camera inspection under way at the Plumstead sewer rehabilitation project, joined by Robert Nel (left) and Andrin Ludolph (middle) from the City-appointed contractor.
Sewer rehabilitation methods
The City is using trenchless rehabilitation methods to minimise surface disruption and accelerate upgrades. One widely used technique is Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) lining, which involves inserting a resin-coated textile tube into the damaged pipe that is then cured to form a seamless, jointless lining. CIPP is internationally recognised as one of the most efficient methods for rehabilitating sewer systems.
Water and Sanitation project team celebrates another successful sewer pipe replacement project on site in Plumstead. From left: Philip Dorfling (Principal Professional Officer), Moegamat Abrahams (Professional Officer), Councillor Zahid Badroodien and Pierre Maritz (Reticulation Branch Manager).
