R12m bill to replace 6 590 stolen and vandalised sewer drain covers

Vandalism and theft have forced the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate to spend more than R12-million to replace and repair 6 590 stolen and vandalised sewer drain manhole covers between July last year and June this year. The city says it has to replace these covers as the exposed infrastructure poses a risk to public safety, while it also acts as a gateway for foreign objects to enter the sewer system, causing blockages and damage.