Cape Town's coastal suburbs report over 1,000 sewer blockages caused by wet wipes
City teams attending to several sewer blockages in Camps Bay.
Image: Supplied
The City of Cape Town has raised the alarm over a surge in sewer blockages plaguing popular coastal suburbs, with wet wipes identified as the leading cause.
Between July 2023 and March 2025, the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate recorded over 1,000 sewer blockages in Camps Bay, Bakoven, Clifton, and Sea Point, primarily due to residents and visitors flushing wet wipes and other foreign items down toilets.
“The City is appealing to residents to be mindful of the impact that improper household waste disposal habits have on the environment,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
"Help us reduce sewer overflows and prevent damage to infrastructure by only flushing human waste and toilet paper."
Despite regular maintenance and rapid response efforts, officials warn that the majority of blockages are preventable.
In the current 2024/2025 financial year alone, the City has already responded to 487 blockages in these areas, compared to 585 in the previous year.
The main causes identified include 26% due to foreign objects such as wet wipes, nappies and sanitary towels, 18% from invasive tree roots, 9% from rags, 6% from fats discarded by eateries, 8% from other causes, while 33% of incidents could not be definitively traced.
Councillor Badroodien voiced concern over repeated incidents in the same neighbourhoods.
"What is especially concerning is the need for repeat visits just days apart, as new blockages form in the same areas," he said.
"Breaking the cycle of this persistent challenge requires a collaborative effort by the City and residents."
He further stated; "Please do not flush wet wipes, nappies, sanitary towels, ear buds or any other foreign items down the toilet. These items do not break down like toilet paper and severely damage our sewer infrastructure."
The City’s message is clear: “Let’s bin it, don’t flush it."
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