Another major sewer line collapse in Montague Gardens has sparked renewed concerns over ageing infrastructure, traffic disruptions, and environmental risks in the area. Last week a 900mm bulk sewer pipe beneath a section of Montague Drive gave way, prompting an immediate emergency response from the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate.
This marks the 13th sewer collapse in the area following 12 similar incidents in 2023 and 2024, which were previously reported by TygerBurger. The ongoing failures are widely attributed to severe corrosion from sulphuric acid and the age of the infrastructure.
“City teams were deployed within minutes to cordon off the affected area, implement traffic safety measures, and begin assessing the extent of the damage,” said Zahid Badroodien, the City’s Mayco member for water and sanitation. “We are finalising an emergency repair plan and are closely monitoring the site to mitigate any further risks — especially to the nearby Milnerton Lagoon, which remains a key environmental priority.”
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.
Frustration
Badroodien acknowledged the public frustration caused by repeated collapses. “We understand this is incredibly disruptive for motorists and local businesses. These collapses are precisely why we launched the R470 million Milnerton Bulk Sewer Upgrade Project—to replace and rehabilitate this critical, but failing, infrastructure. We are working with urgency and absolute focus to stabilise the area and ensure long-term resilience.”
The collapse occurred along the same route where Phase 2 of the City’s bulk sewer rehabilitation is set to begin in March 2025, with trenchless technology expected to reduce surface-level disruptions once construction is underway. Phase 1, which began in 2023, is already in progress and involves laying a new sewer line parallel to the old one to ease capacity constraints.
Motorists voice frustration
Motorists in the area, who once again face detours and delays, expressed growing concern over the state of Montague Drive.
“This has been happening too often,” said Lennox Gardner, a delivery driver who frequently uses the road. “Every time I think it’s been fixed, another collapse happens. It’s hurting my business.”
“There’s barely any warning when these things happen,” added Janine Cloete, a local resident. “We need permanent solutions, not just emergency patches.”
Sinoyolo Mbatha, a daily commuter, said, “I avoid Montague Drive now completely. The traffic and rerouting are just too much. I hope the City can stick to its timelines this time.”
A deeper problem
Last year, a large sinkhole opened up at the intersection of Montague Drive and Link Road—also due to a sewer collapse. A City-commissioned report later confirmed that the ageing pipeline was compromised by acid corrosion and required urgent rehabilitation.
The current collapse adds pressure on the City to accelerate the full implementation of the bulk sewer upgrade, which is due for completion in 2026. Until then, officials say robust monitoring and emergency response plans are in place to prevent further escalation.
“Public safety and environmental protection remain our top priorities,” Badroodien assured. “We thank residents and road users for their continued patience as we work to restore critical infrastructure and build a more resilient sewer system.”
The City has urged road users to avoid Montague Drive where possible and to follow official updates on detours and progress.
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