CAPE TOWN – A R1.35 billion rand sewer rehabilitation project that is currently upgrading the sewer pipelines on the Cape Flats, has reached the halfway stage, says the City of Cape Town.
The ambitious project is described as South Africa’s largest sewer rehabilitation project.
It aims to upgrade 28 kilometers of critical bulk sewer pipelines across the Cape Flats and benefit an estimated 300 000 households, primarily in lower-income neighborhoods.
These areas include: Athlone, Hanover Park, Lotus River, Ottery, Grassy Park, Eagle Park, Pelican Park, and surrounding areas.
The project is expected to be complete by 2030.
The extensive infrastructure upgrade is designed to extend the lifespan of the sewer network by 100 years, significantly reducing the risk of pipeline collapse, leaks, and overflows that could impact these communities.
This bulk sewer network serves an estimated 8 000-hectare area across the Cape Flats. It is a critical link to transfer flow between two bulk wastewater catchment areas.
A significant portion of the inflow originates from the Raapenberg and Bridgetown pump stations, extending approximately 14km to the Cape Flats Wastewater Treatment Works.
Innovative method
The rehabilitation uses cutting-edge Spirally Wound Piping (SWP) technology, with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) liners manufactured internationally, including in Germany.
The process involves inserting a machine through manholes to wind continuous PVC strips inside existing pipes, creating a new pipeline within the old structure.
“This major rehabilitation project will enable the City’s sewer infrastructure to channel higher volumes of flow across the Cape Flats,” said mayco member for water and sanitation, Zahid Badroodien.
Current Phase Progress
Work is currently underway across five key areas: – Rylands: 888 meters of pipe, 11 manholes – Gatesville: 880 meters of pipe, 11 manholes
– Mountview and Penlyn Estate: 1,764 meters of pipe, 26 manholes – Pinati Estate: 866 meters of pipe, 13 manholes – Wetton: 866 meters of pipe, 13 manholes.
The scope of work also includes:
Bulk cleaning of sewers from manholes.
Point repair work (where applicable).
Manhole rehabilitation – demolishing existing brick manhole shafts and intermediate slabs, then replacing them with new, precast concrete rings and intermediate slabs.
Rehabilitating existing brick manhole chambers by replacing missing bricks or casting a 150mm thick concrete wall, on the inside of the manhole.
Applying a 15mm Calcium Aluminate Cement (CAC) layer on manhole rings, intermediate slab surface and 25mm CAC on brick manholes surfaces.
“This investment will restore the structural integrity of the pipes, as well as prevent leaks and groundwater ingress, so that the system can continue to reliably convey sewage from properties to pump stations and finally wastewater treatment works,” Badroodien explained.
He also thanked residents for their patience during construction, acknowledging traffic disruptions and possible odors while this essential work takes place.
ALSO READ: Major sewer rehabilitation underway to benefit Cape Flats communities.
You must be logged in to post a comment.