A major investigation has exposed deep-rooted service delivery failures across Cape Town’s informal communities, revealing ongoing issues with sanitation, housing, and environmental management that continue to affect thousands of residents.
A report presented to the City of Cape Town’s Municipal Public Accounts Committee has highlighted serious shortcomings in the provision and maintenance of basic services, with Imizamo Yethu identified as one of the most affected areas.
According to the findings, the city failed to adequately provide and maintain sanitation facilities, water access points, and waste removal services. These failures have contributed to recurring sewer overflows, environmental pollution, and persistent public health risks. The report also points to non-compliance with key legislation, including the Water Services Act and the National Environmental Management Act.
Conditions on the ground reflect these findings. Residents continue to rely on communal taps located significant distances from their homes, while shared sanitation facilities are often insufficient for the number of households they serve. In some areas, sewage has been reported flowing openly, creating hazardous living conditions.
The report further identifies breakdowns in project oversight and contract management. It states that responsible officials failed to adequately monitor contractors and did not enforce corrective action when service delivery standards were not met. This has resulted in repeated infrastructure failures, with temporary repairs failing to resolve underlying issues.
Beyond Imizamo Yethu, the investigation also examined the Gugulethu Infill Housing project, where progress has been significantly delayed. Only a limited number of housing units were completed under earlier agreements, and subsequent phases revealed further concerns. Some structures were reportedly built without approved plans, while others were handed over without final safety certification from the National Home Builders Registration Council.
Environmental risks were also highlighted at the Vissershok landfill site, where the system responsible for treating toxic leachate has been non-operational since June 2022. As a result, the city has been required to transport the hazardous liquid to alternative facilities, at a cost of approximately R29.5 million. During periods of heavy rainfall, the containment system is at risk of overflowing, raising concerns about potential contamination of surrounding land and water sources.
In response, the City of Cape Town stated that it has taken note of the findings and is implementing corrective measures aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening internal controls. However, for many residents, the report reflects long-standing challenges that remain unresolved.
Source: IOL – Brandon Nel
