Military Road pump station to be rebuilt

The overflow of sewage water next to the pump station.

Residents of Lavender Hill, Seawinds and the surrounding areas are elated that a problematic sewer pump station in Military Road will be rebuilt.

For the past few years the pump station has been the cause of much concern because massive dams of raw sewage water often next to the pump station in Stephen Road.

Residents complained about the stench and potential danger of being exposed to raw sewage.

The City of Cape Town claimed the problem with the spillage of sewage had been caused by a blockage downstream that was due to ongoing repairs to the sewer main in the Overcome Heights area.

This flow restriction is affecting the operation of the pump station.

The City of Cape Town’s water and sanitation department said the pump station had reached the end of its life span and had allocated R85 million to construct a new pump station.

When Southern Mail spoke to residents they said they felt like they’re living in a toilet pot, children were playing in the filthy water, dumping garbage in the water and it attracted flies.

Although the rebuild will definitely happen, it will take some time with construction having started at the end of August and should be done in 15 months, said Mayco member for water and waste, Xanthea Limberg.

During the course of the construction, the contractor will be required to do temporary additional pumping to accommodate the existing sewage flows, which includes the rehabilitation of a 1.2km sewer line, which is situated in St Peter and St Patrick roads in Seawinds.

Ms Limberg said the construction of the new pump station will drastically improve operations in the Retreat and surrounding areas.

“The work to be conducted will include the construction of a new concrete structure above and below the ground, including all mechanical and electrical components. Once the new sewage pump station has been commissioned the old sewer pump station will be demolished.”

Seawinds resident Charmaine Brandt said the construction of new pump station was a huge relief.

“For years we have been complaining about this pump station. It stinks, our homes smell like a toilet, we can’t open our doors and we have to eat with that filthy smell in the air 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s about time something gets done. At least now we know our tax money is being spent on something that is actually needed.”

Lavender Hill resident Garth Levere said it was about time the City took action.

“If it was in another area then it would have been fixed a long time ago. But nonetheless we are happy that it is finally happening,” he said.

The City apologised for any inconvenience that may be caused while the construction is under way.