In a battle against crumbling infrastructure, the City of Cape Town has finally repaired the last of the 12 major sewer collapses in Montague Drive, Milnerton.
TygerBurger reported on the issue since August 2023 of the collapses occurring successively and at multiple points in the 50-year-old 900 mm fibre cement bulk sewer pipeline, which runs underground at a depth of five metres.
The road was cordoned off for months, with motorists having to use alternative routes.
After the first collapse, the City appointed a contractor to assist with emergency repairs to the sewer. Subsequently, 11 collapses occurred between August 2023 and January 2024, which have all been repaired.
A motorist, Darren Engelbrecht, who used the road for years on his daily commute to work, says he is happy about the repair, but fears driving down Montague Drive again.
“As it happens, I was one of the motorists who saw the first sinkhole forming last year. It still brings a shiver down my spine when I think of how bad it could have gone for me if I was just a few metres away. Although I am glad the City repaired the road, I will forever have that fear,” he says.
Last month, the City held a public meeting to inform residents and businesses directly impacted about new developments and advancements achieved thus far.
“The City remains committed to working promptly towards road reinstatement and full rehabilitation as the immediate next step.
“The City is also rehabilitating the Montague Drive bulk sewer to provide a more complete and long-lasting solution. Construction of a new Montague bulk sewer pipeline is an ambitious project that will cost approximately R474 million. By 2025, it is anticipated that the 4 km sewage line will be operational, established through cutting-edge micro-tunnelling technology. Once in place, sewage can then be diverted and the current bulk sewer in Montague Drive also rehabilitated,” says Mayco member for water and sanitation, Zahid Badroodien.
During excavation and installation, the City over-pumped (i.e. by-passed the obstruction) to help minimise sewer spillages. Super suckers were used when needed to clear the pipe of sand, rocks, and debris. Work on site continued 24 hours a day, seven days a week to expedite repairs.
It is projected that road restoration will be completed by the end of April. Thereafter, traffic will be allowed to resume safely on the route.
