Residents of Cape Town might not realize it, but the city’s underground sewer system has been quietly struggling under an enormous burden.
Over two months, the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation teams uncovered a shocking problem in Manenberg: pipes clogged with items that should never have been flushed.
Mountains of Rubbish Dug From Underground
Between July and August 2025, crews carried out a “bucketing” operation in Manenberg’s sewer network.
The haul was staggering: rags, nappies, sanitary towels, and wet wipes were all removed from a single bulk sewer line running through Surrey Estate to the Bridgetown pump station in Athlone.
In total, the team cleared 40 060 kilograms of waste—enough to fill dozens of large trucks.
The accumulation posed a serious risk. If left unchecked, the blockages could have caused pipes to burst, streets to flood with raw sewage, and triggered a public health disaster.
Why Some Items Cause Serious Damage
Councillor Zahid Badroodien, the City’s Mayco Member for Water and Sanitation, emphasized the dangers of flushing the wrong materials.
“Rags and fabric should go in the regular waste bin, not down the toilet,” Badroodien said.
“These items don’t break down like toilet paper and severely damage our sewer infrastructure.”
The City spent over R624 000 on the operation, which also included preventive cleaning further up the line in Manenberg.
“Every time a nappy or wet wipe is flushed, it increases the risk of blockages and overflows that threaten your neighbour’s health and our environment,” Badroodien added.
How Residents Can Help Keep Sewers Flowing
To prevent future disasters, the City has issued clear guidance for residents:
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Only flush human waste and toilet paper. Anything else can block pipes.
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Use waste bins and drop-off facilities for rubbish and recyclables.
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Report sewer blockages, vandalism, or missing manhole covers via official City channels.
Cape Town Takes Extra Measures to Protect Waterways
In related efforts, the city has also installed low-cost barriers called “litterbooms” in rivers and canals.
Over just four months, these devices have removed more than 23 tonnes of waste, helping protect the city’s waterways from further pollution.