Luthando Tyhalibongo, City of Cape Town spokesman
In response to “Sewage overflows in Town Centre”, Plainsman June 12, City staff investigated the matter during the first week of June and found no evidence of a sewer blockage or stormwater overflow.
The shop owners had also already mopped up the area, making it challenging for the staff to trace a possible cause.
The sewer team inspected the area again on Friday June 14 and confirmed that the City’s sewer pipes were clear.
The City’s road infrastructure management department has also been proactively cleaning stormwater drains leading up to winter. It should be noted that they clean the stormwater drains at the Mitchell’s Plain Town Centre four times a year, normally after hours due to access constraints.
The area is very busy so it is best to do the planned maintenance after hours.
The team also responds to ad-hoc stormwater complaints when required.
In the future, businesses are encouraged to send the City photographs of the incident to help provide context to their service requests, which can be used as part of the investigation.
Businesses are reminded to use the available solid waste services to dispose of their waste; not to pour fats and oils down sinks and drains or flush them down toilets, as this blocks sewer pipes; and to report service requests as soon as possible. WhatsApp 060 018 1505, go to www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests, email water@capetown.gov.za, SMS 31373 or call 086 010 3089.
Siseko Mbandezi, mayoral committee member for finance, adds:
The affected businesses may submit their claim applications to the City insurance claims section for compensation by completing public liability claim forms and providing all supporting information.
This includes all supporting information including, but not limited to, invoices in respect of expenses incurred, such as proof of expenses of loss of stock and the repairs to damaged property. Alternatively, quotations in respect of the estimated costs of the damage to the property and loss of stock, as well as photographs depicting the damage can be submitted.
It is important to note that each claim is assessed on its own merit, which includes assessment of whether there has been any negligence or omission on the City’s side.
Once the City has received the claim form or formal correspondence, a reference number will be provided for all future liaison.
Visit the City’s website to find and complete the City’s public liability claim form.