Cape Town continues replacing ageing water and sewer pipes to improve reliability, reduce water losses and strengthen infrastructure resilience amid ongoing pressure on dam levels.
The City of Cape Town is making steady progress in upgrading ageing water and sewer infrastructure, with its annual pipe replacement programme remaining on track to improve reliability of essential services.
Backed by significant annual investment, the programme aims to reduce water losses, prevent sewer overflows and strengthen long-term infrastructure resilience, particularly as dam levels remain under pressure.
During the first two months of 2026, approximately 11.9km of water pipes and 3.5km of sewer pipes were replaced across multiple communities.
Over the past eight months of the 2025/2026 financial year, nearly 47.7km of water pipes have been replaced, representing more than 95% of the 50km annual target. Sewer pipe replacements currently stand at 37.6km, or 37.6% of the 100km target.
Infrastructure upgrades are taking place across Cape Town, with work completed in areas including Fish Hoek, Heathfield, Sun Valley, Steenberg, Wynberg, Retreat, Gordon’s Bay, Bellville, Rondebosch, Parow, Hout Bay, Kommetjie, Noordhoek, Lotus River, Macassar, Kuils River and Oranjezicht.
The programme plays an important role in improving water conservation by reducing the risk of pipe bursts and leaks, helping to safeguard limited water resources.
According to Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation Zahid Badroodien, proactive infrastructure maintenance remains essential to ensuring reliable services.
“Proactive maintenance remains one of the most effective ways to save water, which is especially important as we continue to manage dam levels in the face of uncertain rainfall,” he said.
Ongoing investment in the sewer network also helps reduce the risk of overflows and supports improved sanitation services across communities.
Recent contract changes have affected projects in Macassar, Kuils River and Rondebosch, however mitigation measures have been implemented, including the use of framework contractors, to ensure work continues with minimal disruption.
A major upgrade project is currently under way in Lotus River, where more than 1.25km of ageing fibre cement pipes are being replaced with durable UPVC pipes along Stanley Road, Buck Road and Bontebok Road.
The infrastructure programme reflects the City’s long-term commitment to maintaining essential services, strengthening resilience and ensuring reliable water and sanitation systems for residents.
