Between July 2023 and June 2024, the Citys Water and Sanitation Directorate will spend more than R12 million to replace and repair 6, 590 stolen and vandalised sewer covers throughout Cape Town, Cape {town} Etc reports.
This critical infrastructure is required to ensure public safety and the proper operation of the sewer network.
The City continues to replace sewer drain manhole covers, which endanger public safety by allowing extraneous objects to enter the sewer system, destroying pipes and causing blockages.
Many covers are reported stolen or destroyed as a result of vandalism, with a high replacement cost, much of which can be avoided with public awareness and behavioural change.
During the winter, missing drain covers put pressure on operations and increased call-outs. Excess rain floods the sewer system, increasing the likelihood and frequency of spills.
