Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has responded to over 1,000 sewer blockages in Camps Bay, Bakoven, Clifton, and Sea Point since July 2023—with wet wipes identified as the main culprit.

Wet wipes account for 26% of blockages this financial year, with 487 incidents recorded. Some properties have required multiple cleanups in a single week. Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahed Badrudian, called the situation “entirely avoidable.”

“We’re appealing to everyone: only flush human waste and toilet paper,” Badrudian said. “Wet wipes, nappies, earbuds, and sanitary towels do not break down and cause serious damage to our infrastructure.”

Despite maintenance efforts, 33% of blockages remain untraceable, while 18% are caused by tree roots and 9% by rags. Badrudian warned that repeated incidents drain resources and harm the environment, particularly in high-traffic tourist areas.

“Let’s bin it, don’t flush it,” he urged.