Hout Bay Residents Raise Alarm Over Sewage Crisis and Public Health Risk

Residents of Hout Bay are raising serious concerns over persistent sewage overflows in their community, warning that the ongoing crisis could soon escalate into a full-scale public health emergency. The problem, which residents say has been recurring for years, is being linked to an aging and insufficient sewerage system unable to cope with the demands of the rapidly growing Imizamo Yethu informal settlement.

According to local residents, raw sewage regularly spills from the informal settlement into surrounding areas, including the Hout Bay Sports Complex, creating foul odors, unsanitary conditions, and growing fears of disease outbreaks. They are calling on the City of Cape Town to act urgently and implement long-term infrastructure solutions.

One of the most severely affected sites is the Hout Bay Sports Complex, where repeated sewage overflows have made parts of the facility almost unusable. Civil engineer and Hout Bay resident Andrew Davey has witnessed the situation deteriorate over time.

“They fixed the sewer on the ablution block here, but they haven’t fixed the main line,” Davey said. “The main line is blocking, and there’s a manhole on the court. When it’s blocked, it just bubbles up. It happens at least twice a month.”

According to Davey, while minor repairs have been made, the root causes—such as blocked or undersized sewer lines—remain unaddressed. The frequent sewage spills have affected recreational activities and raised concerns about the safety of children and community members using the facility.

City Officials Acknowledge Infrastructure Issues in Hout Bay

Responding to the complaints, the City of Cape Town confirmed that a dedicated team is actively working to resolve the sewage problems in Hout Bay. Zahid Badroodien, the Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, explained that recent overflows at the basketball courts were caused by blockages due to non-biodegradable items.

“The blockage was the result of a build-up of wire mesh, spoons, rags, and other inappropriate materials entering the system,” Badroodien stated. “Our recreation and parks team is also attending to issues in their own network at the facility, which is receiving attention currently.”

However, many Hout Bay residents believe that the city’s response remains reactive rather than preventative, and they are urging the municipality to invest in scalable infrastructure upgrades.

City officials have pointed out that several factors contribute to the frequent sewage overflows in Hout Bay. These include stormwater connections into sewer systems, illegal sewage pipes, and improper use of public facilities. Most significantly, the infrastructure was not designed to support the current size of the Imizamo Yethu population, which continues to grow.

As informal housing expands, so too does the pressure on the limited sewage infrastructure. Illegal dumping into manholes and stormwater drains has worsened the situation, further straining the capacity of the existing network.

While the city has undertaken some maintenance and repairs, residents argue that a more comprehensive and forward-looking plan is required—one that accounts for population growth, infrastructure scaling, and routine maintenance.

Beyond the inconvenience and unpleasant conditions, Hout Bay residents are most concerned about the long-term health risks associated with recurring sewage overflows. Contaminated surfaces and standing sewage near public areas such as sports facilities and schools present a significant threat, especially to children and elderly individuals.

Local healthcare professionals have warned of the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A if the sewage spills are not effectively addressed. With the rainy season approaching, fears are growing that stormwater could carry untreated sewage even further into residential areas.

The Hout Bay community is calling for more transparency from the City of Cape Town regarding timelines, planned upgrades, and budget allocations. They also want to see better coordination between departments responsible for water and sanitation, urban planning, and public health.

“We’re not just asking for a quick fix,” said another resident. “We need a real solution that takes into account the reality of urban growth in Hout Bay. Band-aid solutions won’t protect our children from getting sick.”

As the situation in Hout Bay continues to deteriorate, residents are demanding immediate and sustained action from city officials. Without long-term investment in sewage infrastructure and effective community education on proper waste disposal, the risk of a public health emergency remains alarmingly high.

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Source- EWN