The City of Cape Town is calling on Somerset West residents and businesses to take urgent action after sewer blockages in the area spiked by a staggering 60% since July 2024.
According to the Water and Sanitation Directorate, 280 sewer blockages were recorded between July 2024 and March 2025—significantly higher than the 175 logged for the entire 2023/24 financial year.
City officials say the sharp rise is largely due to the improper disposal of kitchen fats and oils, sanitary products, rags, and even construction rubble, which are being dumped into sewer systems via manholes and drains.
Breakdown of Main Contributors:
| Cause | 2023/24 | 2024/25 | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Objects | 45 | 97 | 116% |
| Roots | 49 | 68 | 39% |
| Sand | 14 | 24 | 71% |
| Rags | 6 | 11 | 83% |
| Fats | 3 | 13 | 333% |
“While these numbers may seem like statistics, each blockage is a potential health and environmental hazard,” said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation. “These incidents are entirely preventable through simple changes in household and business waste disposal habits.”
The Westridge area was identified as a hotspot, contributing 26% of all blockages. Of the 73 blockages in Westridge, 24 were caused by foreign objects and 33 by root intrusion. Somerset West Business Park also reported nine incidents—eight of them due to foreign materials clogging the sewer system.
The City Urges Residents to:
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Flush only toilet paper and human waste. Wipes, nappies, and sanitary products must go into a bin.
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Avoid pouring fats, oils, or grease down drains. Let them cool and dispose of them in the trash.
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Keep food waste out of sinks. Scrape leftovers into bins instead.
The upcoming winter rains may further aggravate the situation. Increased stormwater can enter the sewer network—especially in areas with illegal connections or damaged infrastructure—placing extra pressure on the system and increasing the likelihood of overflows into public spaces and water sources.
“Proactive action is essential, particularly ahead of the rainy season,” Badroodien added. “Together, we can help protect our infrastructure, public health, and the environment.”
Reporting Sewer Issues:
Residents are encouraged to report sewer or water-related issues through the following channels:
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Call: 0860 103 089
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SMS (water faults): 31373
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Email: water@capetown.gov.za
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WhatsApp: 060 018 1505
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Walk-in: City Walk-in Centres or Subcouncil offices
Photos documenting blockages and overflows can be submitted via WhatsApp, email, or the online platform. Be sure to retain your reference number for follow-up.
