Cape Town - The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Department now boasts several new high-tech trucks and vehicles that will amplify its efforts to deliver much-needed services across the greater metro.
According to the City, the additional vehicles will enhance the Directorate’s fleet capacity to clear sewer blockages, provide water during water disruptions and even assist in refuelling generators at City pump stations and treatment plants.
Water and Sanitation Mayco Member Zahid Badroodien announced the addition of the resources to the City’s working fleet for the Department earlier this work.
Badroodien shared that over R105 million was spent to purchase light motor vehicles, plant equipment, new specialised trucks, and a mobile laboratory for the Directorate.
He said: “We’re investing in new trucks constantly to ensure that every Capetonian gets a quick turnaround on their service requests. It was a pleasure to see these new trucks arriving and even to learn how to use them. I respect our hardworking teams who service our City, and I’m pleased they’ve now got new, improved trucks and equipment to fulfil their responsibilities.”
The technologically advanced vehicles added to the Department’s fleet to supplement its existing fleet include three jet-machine trucks used to clear sewer blockages, with a built-in capacity of 7000 litres.
‘This is an increase from the previous jet-machine trucks, which had a 5000-litre capacity.’
Four combination-unit trucks with a combined capacity of 14 500 litres can carry 9 500 litres of sewage waste and 5000 litres of potable water. Six super-sucker trucks with a capacity of 12500 litres, able to suck up approximately 200 litres in six seconds via a 60-meter pipe.
As well as, one 4x4 crew cab mobile laboratory for immediate off-site water testing conducted by the Scientific Services Branch.
In the 2023/2024 financial year, the City made another significant investment to enhance its fleet. To date, the City boasts 109 vehicles, 39 of which are additional to the existing fleet while 70 are replacing ageing or redundant fleet.
Badroodien said: “While the City is investing in water and sanitation infrastructure to ensure blockages can be cleared effectively, among other things, we also remind residents they can help us reduce sewer overflows. Please do not use toilets, kitchen sinks and sewer drains to dispose of dirt. Let’s be mindful of what we are flushing down our toilets, pouring down our sinks and allowing to enter the sewer drains.”