Latest news with #ZahidBadroodien
Eyewitness News
4 days ago
- Health
- Eyewitness News
City of Cape Town urged to act fast on sewerage upgrades to prevent disease outbreaks
CAPE TOWN - An epidemiologist has warned the City of Cape Town to act with urgency in upgrading its sewerage infrastructure to avoid a public health emergency. The city has allocated R1.25 billion of its R4.9 billion water and sanitation budget to upgrade Cape Town's ailing sewerage network. This follows ongoing concerns about sewage overflows in various areas around the city. Associate Professor for Epidemiology at UCT Dvora Davey said sewage contaminated water can transmit a variety of diseases. "In sewage contaminated water there is bacteria, viruses and parasites and these pathogens cause gastro-intestinal illness, skin infection and even life-threatening conditions like hepatitis." In a bid to address these concerns, Mayco member for water and sanitation Zahid Badroodien says sewerage upgrades throughout Cape Town are being planned. "And so I'm excited about major projects like the Cape Flats rehabilitation of our sewer pipeline, the rehabilitation of bulk sewers in Milnerton, in Philippi." Badroodien said other projects include upgrades to Koeberg, Rappenberg and Langa pump stations.
Eyewitness News
4 days ago
- Health
- Eyewitness News
CoCT commits R1.5 billion to sewerage upgrades amid health concerns
CAPE TOWN - Several sewerage infrastructure upgrades are being planned throughout Cape Town amid ongoing concerns about flooding, sewer overflows and adequate sanitation. The City of Cape Town has allocated R1.5 billion of its R4.9 billion water and sanitation budget to upgrade Cape Town's ailing sewerage network. City Mayco member for water and sanitation Zahid Badroodien said he's excited about the sewerage upgrades being planned for Cape Town. READ: City of Cape Town urged to act fast on sewerage upgrades to prevent disease outbreaks "This means more pipes, more pipes replacements, it means more pump stations replacements, more proactive mechanisms put in place to make sure our network works as it should work." Associate Professor for Epidemiology at UCT Dvora Davey said the upgrades are overdue. "When we see a community where there's open faecal matter in the street, in the park, in people's homes, the sewerage system has failed and it's been failing now for the past decade." Davey said sewage-contaminated water can transmit a variety of diseases, and an urgent solution is needed to avoid a public health emergency.
The South African
26-06-2025
- General
- The South African
Major upgrade of Sir Lowry's Pass River hits halfway mark
The Sir Lowry's Pass River upgrade, currently happening in both Gordon's Bay and Strand, has hit its halfway mark. According to a statement from the City of Cape Town, the multi-million rand project continues to make steady progress and remains on track for completion in March 2027. The river upgrades are designed to reduce flood risk in Gordon's Bay and surrounding areas, and have several other beneficial components. The City revealed that to date, approximately R214 million has been invested in the upgrade. 'Reaching the halfway mark on schedule for such a complex, multi-year project speaks volumes about the City's commitment to delivering quality infrastructure. I commend the teams for the excellent progress made thus far.' Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, said. 'This upgrade is a crucial enabler for future development. It not only safeguards our communities from flooding but also unlocks land for future housing projects, helping us meet the demand for well-located, serviced opportunities,' Badroodien added. After the upgrade, flood lines will recede significantly due to enhanced channel capacity and flow regulation. Take a look here for key components of the Sir Lowry's Pass River upgrade. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
04-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Bayside Canal upgrades in Milnerton: City prepares to restart construction
The current state of the Bayside Canal upgrade site in Milnerton. Image: Supplied Plans are afoot for the completion of the multi-million rand Bayside Canal upgrade in Milnerton, after work on site was temporarily suspended in November due to a contractual dispute with the contractor. The City's Water and Sanitation Directorate this week said efforts are under way to resolve the matter and resume construction, as it works to reach a negotiated, amicable settlement of the dispute. To date, approximately 55% of the project has been completed. "It is important that public funds are used responsibly and for this reason, the negotiations are being dealt with as quickly and thoughtfully as possible," said Water and Sanitation mayco member, Zahid Badroodien. "This is one of the City's crucial investments, which will contribute to improved water quality within Rietvlei and surrounds. "Given ongoing development in the catchment, the upgrade is essential to accommodate increased stormwater flow during peak rainfall and to tackle the significant litter and pollution that enters Rietvlei via the stormwater system." In the interim, the City has taken steps to mitigate flood risks in the area. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Following heavy rainfall on April 8, which led to flooding along Blaauwberg Road, the canal adjacent to the road and approximately 30 metres of the Bayside Canal were cleared to improve stormwater flow ahead of the winter season. Additional works were also undertaken during the suspension period. On April 24, the contractor removed the temporary berm and bypass trench, in line with contractual obligations, to assist with drainage. The City conducted an inspection on April 27 where it was determined that the water level at the control weir was at about 2.1m and 0.9m in the Rietvlei. A slight drop in water levels since April 8 suggests a blockage between the lower section of the proposed bypass canal and Rietvlei. "To address this, the City will, through its repair and maintenance contractors survey the existing flow channel to determine current water levels and the location of the obstruction, deploy a long-boom excavator to clear the blockage and stockpile the excavated material adjacent to the channel. Once work starts again, the stormwater canal to the primary sedimentation ponds and the bypass canal from the secondary treatment channel to the Rietvlei will be constructed," the City said. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
The South African
26-05-2025
- Health
- The South African
THIS item is the No 1 cause of sewer blockages in upmarket Cape Town suburbs
A dramatic surge in sewer blockages is causing headaches for residents and authorities in some of Cape Town's most affluent coastal suburbs, with over 1 000 incidents reported since July 2023. The City of Cape Town's Water and Sanitation Directorate has linked the persistent problem to the improper disposal of household waste – especially the flushing of wet wipes . According to the City, Camps Bay, Clifton, Bakoven and Sea Point have been the hardest-hit areas, with 1 072 blockages recorded between July 2023 and March 2025. Despite ongoing maintenance and rapid response efforts, blockages are recurring frequently – sometimes within days of being cleared. 'We see an increase in the prevalence of wet wipes blocking sewer pipes in some areas. These should be discarded in the bin to be collected along with other refuse,' said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation. An analysis of sewer blockage causes in the affected suburbs revealed: 26% due to foreign objects like wet wipes, nappies, and sanitary towels due to foreign objects like 18% caused by tree roots invading the system caused by invading the system 9% due to rags due to 6% linked to fats and grease from local restaurants linked to from local restaurants 8% from other causes from other causes 33% could not be definitively traced 'Despite our efforts, many of these blockages are entirely preventable. What is especially concerning is the need for repeat visits just days apart,' Badroodien added. The City is now urging residents and visitors alike to change their bathroom habits by following a simple rule: 'Bin it, don't flush it.' 'I urge all residents and visitors to Camps Bay, Clifton, Bakoven and Sea Point – 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,' said Badroodien. Only flush human waste and toilet paper – nothing else Dispose of wet wipes and hygiene products in bins, not toilets Report sewer overflows and blockages using the City's official channels Report missing manhole covers or suspected vandalism Use drop-off sites for large or recyclable waste City officials stress that a collaborative effort between residents, businesses, and local government is essential to stopping the environmental and health damage caused by sewer overflows. 'Breaking the cycle of this persistent challenge requires a joint effort. We need every Capetonian and visitor to play their part,' said Badroodien. With sewer infrastructure under increasing strain, the City hopes that stronger public awareness and behaviour change will stem the tide – literally – of this growing coastal crisis. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
