CoCT disconnects illegal electricity connections to sewer pump station in Mitchells Plain
Officials said the illegal connections posed serious safety risks to the community and compromised the functionality of the pump station.
FILE: Illegal electricity connection. Picture: Christa Eybers/EWN
CAPE TOWN - The City of Cape Town says it's been made aware of illegal electricity connections by residents of the Monwabisi Zone 4 informal settlement to a sewer pump station along Swartklip Road in Mitchells Plain.
Officials said the illegal connections posed serious safety risks to the community and compromised the functionality of the pump station.
It's contributed to frequent sewer blockages and overflows, that's negatively impacted surrounding areas.
Following several meetings with the community and local ward councillors, the city has taken the decision to disconnect these illegal connections.
Mayco member for water and sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, said while the city understood the frustrations raised by residents, the illegal use of municipal infrastructure cannot be allowed, due to the significant safety, operational and environmental risks involved.
"This has resulted in our pump station tripping frequently, causing sewer overflows in parts of Mitchells Plain. We have taken back our pump station by disconnecting those illegal electrical connections and this was difficult but necessary."
Protest action broke out along Swartklip Road in the vicinity of Khayelitsha on Thursday morning.
It's, however, not clear at this stage, if the protests are linked to Wednesday's disconnections.