COCT & residents knock heads in SST, Khayelitsha, amid sewer repairs

The City of Cape Town said it will continue its efforts to relocate residents from the SST and Lansdowne Road (LR) informal settlements in Khayelitsha despite challenges that are delaying the repair of sewer infrastructure.

In November 2025, SmileFM reported that sinkholes began to form under the homes of residents in the SST section of Khayelitsha. Their families living there had built informal structures directly above a sewer line.

Part of the City’s plan to address the issue was to relocate families and then repair the sewer infrastructure, but it was met by resistance from some residents.

Despite this, Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements Carl Pophaim noted that his department undertook “extensive work over the festive period”, with some residents having relocated as a result.

“This has resulted in the relocation of multiple residents in the region of 40 to ensure that the Water and Sanitation Department could enter during a difficult time for the sewer collapse,” said Pophaim.

But Pophaim added that the relocation has not been fully completed, with attempts to move some families proving unsuccessful.

“Currently, a minority of residents has still not relocated, some being out of the city or not accepting the relocation offer,” he said.

Relocation

GroundUp reported that temporary housing units have been constructed in Green Point, Khayelitsha, for the affected families. However, some residents have reportedly expressed concerns about safety, the size of the temporary units and the loss of belongings following demolitions at the SST and LR sections.

On 7 January 2026, GroundUP reported that residents protested on Baden Powell Drive to demand that the City rebuild their homes.

Pophaim noted that sewer repair work nevertheless continues.

“The Water and Sanitation Department has begun work on the pipeline and will now take forward the repair work required for the broader Khayelitsha community.”

He said the City will work closely with affected residents to “ensure a smooth transition as the relocation is concluded”.