Cape Town ANC caucus concerned about Khayelitsha sewerage collapse

The African National Congress (ANC) caucus in the Cape Town council has raised concern over the city's response to a sewerage collapse in Khayelitsha.

Residents in wards 93 and 96 have had to endure sewage spilling into the streets for more than three weeks.

ANC caucus spokesperson Judy-Ann Stevens says the party acknowledges the city's emergency efforts, but they are dismayed by the reluctant response.

"Residents have been left to suffer without adequate support, facing health risks, damaged infrastructure and environmental hazards." Stevens said.

Member of the Mayoral Committee for Water and Sanitation Zahid Badroodien says they are engaging with community leaders after residents refused to accept relocation offers while repairs commence.

"Had that not been an issue, the city would have been able to attend to this collapse much faster, but unfortunately the reality is that the biggest delay here is the residents on the ground as a result of the illegal structures."  He said,

Badroodien says repair work will only be completed once the illegal structures are removed from the affected area.