Sewer line project launched to protect graves in Mlungisi cemetery

The Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) says it has begun technical work in Komani to reduce the volume of sewer flowing through the cemetery in Mlungisi Township, following ongoing concerns from residents about spillages and damage to graves.

According to the municipality, its technical team is currently working to redirect sewer infrastructure by connecting the pipeline from Pambo Street through Khayelitsha directly to the Mlungisi Pumpstation. The project is aimed at reducing the amount of sewage passing through the cemetery area and improving the municipality’s ability to maintain and repair the sewer network.

Municipal officials said the intervention forms part of broader efforts to address long-standing sanitation challenges in the area. The initiative will also be strengthened by the upcoming Rathwick Phase 5 – Enkululekweni Sewer and Mlungisi Pumpstations Project, which is expected to start in the 2026/27 financial year.

The municipality said the work was necessary to respond to community complaints about sewer spillages and graves caving in due to water seepage from underground sewer lines.

Officials believe that once completed, the project will improve environmental conditions, protect public health, and reduce cultural distress among families who have loved ones buried in the cemetery.

Blockages causing repeated sewer spillages

CHDM has also warned that frequent blockages in sewer pipelines are worsening the sanitation problem in many areas. The municipality said that in many cases the blockages originate from private residential properties, resulting in sewage spilling into streets and posing serious health risks to communities.

According to the municipality, the most common causes of sewer blockages include:

• Illegal sewer connections by residents

• Foreign objects being flushed or thrown into sewer systems

• Failure by property owners to maintain toilets and internal sewer connections

• Stolen manhole covers

• Tampering with sewer infrastructure

• Damage to manholes and sewer lines not being reported by contractors

• Walls being built or trees planted within two metres of sewer line servitudes

• Vandalism of sewer systems

Municipal officials have urged residents to play their part in preventing blockages and protecting the sewer network.

Residents are encouraged to report sewer blockages, overflows, or suspected violations of the municipality’s wastewater by-laws by contacting the CHDM Call Centre on 0800 100 100.