Several families in Makhaza, Cape Town, were forced to evacuate their homes after a burst pipeline caused severe flooding in informal structures built directly above sewer lines.
According to the City of Cape Town, the location of the structures has made it increasingly difficult to maintain and repair the affected pipeline. Officials say the city is in the process of appointing a contractor to address the problem.
This latest incident comes just two months after a wastewater treatment pipe collapse in Zandvlei left around 300 families displaced. In Makhaza, sewage has been overflowing from manholes as repairs to the damaged pipeline remain outstanding, with waste now flowing along Khalipha Street and affecting more than 20 homes.
Residents forced to leave their homes have been left to make their own temporary arrangements, as no community halls will be opened for accommodation.
Despite the deployment of two mobile pumps on Sunday to drain excess sewage, large parts of the area remain flooded. The city has warned that relocating families from the sewer lines will be a lengthy process, citing limited available land due to ongoing illegal land occupations.