Cape Town’s long-running effort to modernise its ageing water and sewer network is steadily advancing, with thousands of metres of new piping already installed this year as part of a broader plan to protect essential services and reduce water losses across the metro.
During January and February 2026 alone, municipal teams replaced roughly 11,9km of water pipes and 3,5km of sewer infrastructure across multiple suburbs, stretching from the deep south to northern industrial areas, as per the City of Cape Town.
Over the first eight months of the 2025/2026 financial year, nearly 47,7km of water pipes have already been replaced, placing the city just above 95% of its 50km annual target. Sewer upgrades, meanwhile, have reached 37,6km, just over a third of the 100km goal.
In January, water pipe installations were completed in areas including Fish Hoek, Heathfield, Steenberg, Wynberg, Retreat and Gordon’s Bay, alongside upgrades in Bellville, Gardens, Rondebosch and Parow Industrial. Sewer work during the same period focused on Bellville, Rylands, Gatesville and Wetton among others.
February saw activity expand further, with water infrastructure replaced in Hout Bay, Kommetjie, Noordhoek, Lotus River, Macassar and Kuils River, as well as central suburbs such as Oranjezicht and Rondebosch. Sewer upgrades continued across Plumstead, Brackenfell, Wallacedene and surrounding neighbourhoods.
As outlined by the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate, replacing ageing infrastructure plays a direct role in conserving water, particularly important as dam levels remain vulnerable to shifting rainfall conditions.
Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, said the progress reflects sustained investment in essential systems.
‘I am encouraged by the steady progress being made across multiple projects in the city, which reflects our continued commitment to investing in and maintaining critical water and sanitation infrastructure. In the coming weeks, new projects are expected to start in Atlantis, Flamingo Vlei, Bellville South, Brackenfell and Kraaifontein.’
‘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 added.
‘Continued investment in the sewer network is just as important. It helps ensure reliable sanitation services and reduces the risk of overflows. We thank residents for their patience and understanding while this essential work is under way.’
Not all projects have progressed without challenges. Recent developments resulted in the immediate termination of certain contracts affecting pipe replacement work in Macassar, Kuils River and Rondebosch.
Municipal teams say contingency plans are already in place, including appointing alternative contractors through framework agreements to keep projects moving and limit delays for residents.
One of the current flagship projects is unfolding in Lotus River, where a water pipe replacement initiative valued at more than R5,3 million is under way.
Construction began earlier in February and is scheduled for completion by the end of June this year. The project will replace 1,25km of ageing fibre cement pipelines with more durable UPVC pipes along Stanley Road, Buck Road and Bontebok Road, upgrades expected to improve long-term reliability in the area.