Condition assessment of sewerage infrastructure in selected townships in Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract

The provision of adequate and dignified water and sanitation services remains a challenge in South Africa. This stems from rapid urbanisation, deteriorating infrastructure, poverty and inequality, corruption and shortage of skilled human resources. These challenges have led to the destruction and complete failure of critical infrastructure that is intended to service both affluent and vulnerable communities throughout South Africa. Failures of the sanitation infrastructure across the country have been characterised by sewer overflows that are prevalent in lower-income areas. This research study sought to establish the current state of sanitation infrastructure in Samora Machel, Lower Crossroads and Nyanga, which are township developments on the outskirts of the city centre in Cape Town. South Africa is considered one of the most unequal societies in the world and this is visible in the manner in which sanitation infrastructure was developed in townships versus the infrastructure in more affluent areas. The poor design of sanitation infrastructure by the previous government and the inadequate maintenance by the current government have led to sewer overflows being a common occurrence in lower-income areas, particularly townships and informal settlements. The research study was initiated to investigate the causes or factors leading to the dilapidation of sanitation services in the Nyanga, Lower Crossroads and Samora Machel townships within the City of Cape Town. The main objectives of the research study were to determine the condition of sanitation services in these selected townships and to ascertain and identify the causes of dilapidation of the sanitation services, with a view to suggesting solutions to such challenges. The study employed a mixed method approach relying on both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Interviews were held with City officials and ward councillors while surveys were distributed to residents of the affected areas to get an in-depth response on the challenges that they face regarding sewer overflows. A database, obtained from the City of Cape Town, also provided much needed insight into the common causes of overflows in the area of study. The data, gathered through surveys, interviews and the City of Cape Town’s databases, revealed that numerous overflows occurred in the selected study area between 2019 and 2021. Most of these overflows were caused by the residents' disposal of foreign objects into the sewer lines. Sewers were not designed to carry heavy, insoluble objects, and such foreign objects often interfered with the operations of critical sewer infrastructure. Residents need to refrain from misusing sewers, as the persistent misuse of these services can significantly diminish the design lifespan of civil infrastructure. The study also revealed that a large percentage of the population did not understand the concept of foreign objects in the sewer network and many residents were not aware of the reporting channels for sewer-related faults. This delays service delivery and residents are often exposed to unhygienic conditions due to not following the correct reporting channels with the City. The sewers in the area of study were originally designed with a lifespan exceeding 50 years. However, continued dumping into the sewers and the theft of critical sewer infrastructure have significantly diminished the lifespan of the services. An adjustment in the behavioural patterns of the residents within the affected area could improve the lifespan of critical sewer infrastructure in the lower-income areas.