Ongoing sewer overflows in Camps Bay alarm residents and threaten public health

Residents of Little Glen in Camps Bay claim recurring overflows from the sewer system have contaminated the Blinkwater Stream (adjacent to the Camps Bay Tidal Pool) for years due to the City's inaction.

The City has since indicated that they need to investigate the claims before delivering a response.

The matter has reached the attention of councillor Karl Bodin of the Cape Independence Party (CapeXit), who has responded to residents' concerns, that they are alarmed by the environmental damage to a nature reserve and potential health risks from the unbearable stench. 

Bodin said they were called on by residents to intervene.

His office explained: “For years, the Camps Bay sewer system has periodically overflowed next to houses in Little Glen and flowed into the Blinkwater Stream, which flows right next to the Camps Bay Tidal Pool. 

“The City of Cape Town has not implemented a plan to resolve these overflows from recurring.

“Councillor Bodin was requested by a group of concerned residents to intervene.

“This continued contamination of the stream (in a nature reserve), the ocean and possibly the Tidal Pool cannot be allowed to continue. 

“He is also concerned about the living conditions of those living near the overflow, as the stench is unbearable. 

“The residents' health should also be a priority to the City.

"A formal complaint will be registered with the national Department of Water and Sanitation as well as the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment to investigate and have this matter resolved.”

Chris Willemse of the Camps Bay and Clifton Ratepayers Association said they were concerned because the sewage spill could pose a health risk for residents and visitors.

“Yes, the CBCRA is aware of Councillor Bodin’s interest in the recurring sewerage spills in the Little Glen in Camps Bay and the impact this has on the Blinkwater River from an environmental health point of view,” he said. 

“Besides the fact that it is a criminal offence to pollute a watercourse, the spill affects an area where children and dogs play.

“Also, the Blinkwater River flows into the sea next to the tidal pool, which is used by many people.

“The major problem here is that this is not an isolated incident but a problem that has persisted over years and the City seems to only want to address the symptoms and not the cause.

“As with all sewerage issues in Camps Bay, like the Marine Outfall Plant, the City simply ignores the implications of massive densification and aging, outdated infrastructure.

“Councillor Bodin has a track record of holding the City accountable for sewerage pollution issues throughout the metropolitan area of Cape Town and his efforts, if they can lead to structural changes to clearly problematic systems, will be welcomed.”

The City of Cape Town said in their response: "The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is investigating the sewer overflow claims and will revert in due course.”

Cape Argus