- A 1 560 m of aged, fibre cement water mains, are currently being replaced with upgraded pipes in Bridgetown.
- This is the second rollout, following the completion of pipe replacement along Antelope Court, Weaver Court, Robin Court, Snowdrop Square and Sipres Road, in April.
- Annually, the City of Cape Town invests in the replacement of water reticulation infrastructure, which depreciates over time.
As part of the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate’s annual pipe replacement programme, 1 560 m of aged, fibre cement water mains, are currently being replaced with upgraded pipes in Bridgetown.
This is the second rollout, following the completion of pipe replacement along Antelope Court, Weaver Court, Robin Court, Snowdrop Square and Sipres Road, in April.
Annually, the City invests in the replacement of water reticulation infrastructure, which depreciates over time. One project currently underway in Bridgetown will result in new pipes for the underground system running through Wilger Plein, Lark and Sunbird Courts, as well as Kalkoen Street.
Work began in September and is scheduled to conclude in March, says Mayco member for water and sanitation Zahid Badroodien.
The water mains in the area were earmarked for replacement because they were “relatively undersized”, 50 mm diameter fibre cement pipes, and prone to frequent bursts.
The new installations are 110 mm diameter uPVC pipes, which are cost-effective and have an extended lifespan. They also meet compliance standards approved by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).
“We are happy to see the work in progress as it secures reliable water supply in the long term for residents. It is also reassuring that the upgrades will reduce disruptions and the constant need for costly repairs due to unexpected pipe bursts,” says Badroodien.
In the current (2023-’24) financial year, the City is investing R863,6 million into its water and sewer pipe replacement programme across Cape Town.
“Proactively replacing pipe networks makes us better prepared for rapid population growth. It also allows us to systematically plan and budget for rehabilitation of the expected wear and tear of infrastructure. Another significant benefit is that pipe replacement reduces leaks, helping us to conserve water,” says Badroodien.
