Kewtown in Athlone is receiving a major boost with a R33 million investment into two large-scale sewer rehabilitation projects designed to improve service delivery and curb sewer overflows.
According to the City of Cape Town, a reliable sewer network is vital for protecting communities, rivers and the coastline from pollution. The two projects form part of the City’s record-breaking R16 billion Water and Sanitation investment over the next three years – the largest of its kind in South Africa – and give tangible effect to Cape Town’s vision of becoming a “City of Hope.”
The first project, launched on 1 August 2025, will rehabilitate 720 metres of smaller sewer pipes along Dr Abdurahman Avenue, Springbok Street and Greinhout Street. This comes after repeated pipe collapses during the winters of 2022 and 2023 that caused frequent blockages and sewer overflows. Completion is scheduled for October 2025.
A second project, which began on 16 September 2025, is replacing 820 metres of the bulk sewer pipeline running through Field Crescent and Hickory Street. Over the years, this 600mm-diameter pipe has undergone several point repairs but now requires full replacement. Work is progressing and is set to finish by June 2026.
Together, the two projects will see a total of 1.55 km of sewer pipelines rehabilitated, significantly improving reliability and resilience in Kewtown. Both make use of trenchless rehabilitation methods such as cured-in-place piping (CIPP), which extends the life of pipes with minimal disruption to residents. Crews are also conducting extensive cleaning of debris from the system to restore optimal flow.
“This investment represents the City’s commitment to safeguarding public health and the environment while improving everyday service delivery for residents,” said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation. He and Ward 49 Councillor Rashied Adams recently visited the sites to see progress first-hand.
Badroodien also urged residents to play their part in keeping the system running smoothly: “For residents to enjoy the benefits of an improved system and avoid blockages, waste must be disposed of correctly and responsibly. Only human waste and toilet paper should go into the sewer network. Anything else damages the pipes and increases the risk of overflows.”
With these upgrades, Kewtown stands to gain a cleaner, more reliable sewer system and a healthier environment – a positive sign of Cape Town’s investment in infrastructure that improves everyday life.
