R1.7bn upgrade at Zandvliet Wastewater Treatment Works under way

In its current form, the WwTWs has the capability to handle 72 million litres of wastewater per day. Upon completion of the massive upgrade project, the plant will be able to process an additional 18 million litres per day, bringing the total capacity to 90 million litres per day. This significant increase will foster investment in the area, as it will have the capability of safely catering for housing developments, schools, commercial developments and, by association, job opportunities.

In addition to the increased capacity that will be created, a new preliminary treatment process and upgrade of the existing treatment modules will ensure that the quality of the treated effluent being discharged is of an acceptable standard and complies with the license conditions issued by the National Department of Water and Sanitation.

Wastewater treatment best practice

"The treatment processes applied at the facility, being biological activated sludge processes, are considered best practice for municipal wastewater treatment. Additionally, the existing membrane bioreactor module, which incorporates membrane technology for solid and liquid separation, was the first application of this technology in the municipal sector in South Africa," said the City of Cape Town's mayoral committee member for water and waste, councillor Xanthea Limberg.

"The commissioning of the new plant is anticipated to be by December 2023. Soon thereafter, further expansion will be implemented to cater for continuing urban growth in the area. The existing plant will continue to operate and treat wastewater throughout this period.

"The city is immensely pleased that construction work is now well underway at the Zandvliet Wastewater Treatment Works. The project has been beset by various delays since 2010, including five (unsuccessful) tender appeals, a High Court appeal, and a land claim. Now that these have been resolved and boots are on the ground, it’s all systems go to adequately cater for one of the fastest growing catchments in the city," said Limberg.