Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
16 March 2025 | 10:30 CAT

Green Point, where one of the City of Cape Town’s three marine outfalls is located. (Photo: Jean Tresfon)

Recent reports have reignited concerns over Cape Town’s marine outfalls, as advocacy groups and environmentalists push for urgent reforms in wastewater management. Despite assurances from city officials that marine outfalls in Camps Bay, Green Point, and Hout Bay meet regulatory standards, findings suggest otherwise.

Cape Town’s marine outfalls, where raw sewage is discharged directly into the ocean, have been in operation for over a century. However, Caroline Marx, Director at Rethink the Stink, warns that the situation has worsened due to increased population density and the presence of modern pollutants, including pharmaceuticals and heavy metals.

“The outfalls were established when the city’s population was much smaller, and sewage was largely organic,” said Marx. “Now, wastewater contains a cocktail of harmful substances, which pose serious risks to marine ecosystems and public health.”

Environmentalists argue that Cape Town’s unique marine protected areas are being directly affected by this practice. “The law explicitly states that waste disposal is prohibited in marine protected zones,” Marx emphasized. “Yet, we are still waiting—15 months later—for a decision on permit appeals that should prevent this harmful discharge.”

Among the key pollutants identified are E. coli, enterococci, suspended solids, and chemical oxygen demand levels that exceed acceptable limits. While the city has defended its position, arguing that some heavy metal limits, such as zinc, may be set too low, Marx counters that other critical pollution markers remain unacceptably high.

Public health concerns are also mounting, with swimmers, kayakers, and other water users potentially exposed to unsafe bacteria levels. “The city’s own modelling acknowledges that under certain weather conditions, plumes of sewage can reach the shore,” said Marx. “We have anecdotal reports of people getting sick after swimming in these waters.”

Advocacy groups are calling for independent oversight and the implementation of land-based treatment plants to properly process wastewater before it reaches the ocean. “The city has allocated R160 million for improvements, but most of that is general maintenance,” Marx noted. “What’s needed is a long-term commitment to real wastewater treatment solutions.”

As public pressure mounts, residents are urged to stay informed and hold officials accountable. Without decisive action, Cape Town risks long-term damage to its coastal waters and marine biodiversity.

Listen to the full interview on Radio Islam International with ML Ibrahim Daya and Caroline Marx.