Cape Town has submitted a report to the Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Environment summarizing the results of a recent 60-day public comment period regarding discharge permits for the city’s marine outfalls. The report includes comments and concerns raised by the public, and the Minister will consider these inputs before deciding on appeals to permits granted by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Environment (DFFE).
The City commissioned a scoping study in 2023 exploring future alternatives for treating effluent currently discharged through marine outfalls. The study outlines short-, medium-, and long-term options to improve the treatment of effluent, along with associated estimated costs.
“The City thanks every person who made a submission during the 60-day comment period,” said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation. “There is a clear public desire which aligns with the City’s strategic objectives to improve the treatment of the effluent currently discharged at the outfalls.”
Public feedback indicated the biggest concern was effluent treatment quality, with technology and methods being a common theme in the submitted comments. The City of Cape Town is committed to investing significantly in infrastructure to improve wastewater treatment and sewer systems for the benefit of inland and coastal water quality.
Addressing the Future of Outfalls
The scoping study presents several options for the City to consider:
- Short-term: Refurbish existing outfall infrastructure (estimated cost R100 million).
- Medium-term: Extend marine outfalls further offshore or develop a new wastewater treatment plant near existing outfalls (estimated cost R2-R3 billion).
- Long-term: Build infrastructure to divert wastewater to existing treatment works, build a new comprehensive treatment works near outfalls, or construct a new treatment works in phases adding on different levels of treatment (estimated costs ranging from R3 billion to R8 billion).
The City emphasizes that coastal outfalls are common practice worldwide and follow local environmental guidelines. Currently, 95% of Cape Town’s wastewater is discharged from wastewater treatment works, compared to 5% from marine outfalls.
Public Outcry Over Raw Sewage Outflows: Cape Town Residents Demand Change
Cape Town residents are voicing fierce opposition to the continued practice of pumping raw, untreated sewage into the ocean at Camps Bay, Hout Bay, and Green Point. A flood of public comments submitted to the City of Cape Town highlights widespread concern over the environmental and health hazards posed by this outdated practice.
Mounting Concerns: Health, Environment, and Tourism
Residents are deeply worried about the impact of sewage outflows on marine life, human health, and the city’s reputation as a premier tourist destination:
- Marine Ecosystems at Risk: “It’s unacceptable to pump raw sewage into our proclaimed Marine Protected Areas,” states one outraged resident. Many others express concern about the buildup of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and bacteria threatening the fragile balance of ocean ecosystems.
- Health Hazards: “Raw sewage contains harmful microorganisms that can cause waterborne diseases in humans,” warns a commenter. Residents report contracting illnesses after swimming or engaging in watersports in affected areas, describing the situation as “a serious health threat.”
- Blow to Tourism: “How can we have a city voted the most beautiful in the world yet we have an ocean that is hazardous for all to go into?” asks a concerned citizen. Others worry the polluted waters will deter tourists, damaging the city’s image and harming the local economy.
Call for Sustainable Solutions
The resounding sentiment among Cape Town residents is that the current sewage disposal system is unacceptable. They are demanding a shift towards sustainable, responsible waste management:
- Urgent Need for Treatment Plants: “It’s illogical and irresponsible to imply that effluent discharged through the outfalls is not impacting the marine receiving environments,” emphasizes a resident, citing the City’s own research. Many are calling for the installation of sewage treatment plants to remove harmful contaminants before disposal.
- Demand for Accountability: Residents express a lack of trust in self-regulation, stating, “Oversight should not be done by the local authority who is failing to keep itself accountable.” They are pushing for greater transparency and independent monitoring.
Conclusion From Public Comment
The public outcry over Cape Town’s marine outflows reflects a growing awareness of the dire environmental and social consequences of outdated waste management practices. Residents are no longer willing to turn a blind eye to the pollution of their beloved ocean and are demanding urgent action from the city to find safe and sustainable solutions.
Full Report: Marine_Outfalls_PP_Outcomes_Report.pdf
Public Comments: Marine_Outfalls_PP_Outcomes_Report_Appendix_E.pdf
