Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Sello Seitlholo wrapped up his oversight visit to Cape Town on 25 January 2025, highlighting the City’s ongoing efforts to combat water pollution, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The visit, which was part of a broader anti-pollution initiative, focused on key infrastructural upgrades and interventions aimed at improving the quality of inland water, specifically along Diep River and Milnerton Lagoon.
Accompanied by senior leadership from the City’s Water and Sanitation department, led by Mayoral Committee Member Councillor Zahid Badroodien, the deputy minister toured several critical sites, including wastewater treatment works (WWTW), sewer pump stations, and key sections of the Diep River. Together, they reviewed current projects aimed at addressing pollution, including the upgrading of wastewater infrastructure and measures to reduce sewer overflows.
Key infrastructure upgrades to combat pollution
One of the key highlights of the visit was a comprehensive overview of the significant investments being made in Cape Town’s wastewater infrastructure. The City presented improvements at major sites such as the Zandvliet and Potsdam Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW), as well as upgrades to sewer pump stations and a robust pipe replacement programme.
‘The oversight visit provided valuable insights into the state of pollution and the efforts being made to address it. Our focus has been on two critical areas – the City’s significant investment in upgrading and maintaining wastewater treatment infrastructure, and the growing challenges posed by rapid population growth,’ said Deputy Minister Seitlholo.
Zandvliet WWTW: A major upgrade
The Deputy Minister’s visit included a tour of the Zandvliet Wastewater Treatment Works, which has recently undergone a R2 billion refurbishment. This upgrade, which includes the installation of a second membrane bioreactor for advanced water purification, has greatly enhanced the quality of treated effluent. The Zandvliet facility plays a vital role in the City’s New Water Programme, which aims to add between 70 million and 100 million litres of purified recycled water to the drinking water supply system through the future Faure New Water Scheme.
Potsdam WWTW: A multibillion-rand upgrade
Another key stop was Potsdam WWTW, currently undergoing a R5.2 billion upgrade to boost its capacity and improve effluent quality. Though the full benefits of the upgrade are expected to materialise by 2027, some critical process units are expected to be completed by mid-2025, offering early improvements in treated effluent quality. Despite challenges, including sewer collapses affecting the Montague Drive pipeline, treated effluent compliance has already improved significantly.
Combating sewer overflows and wastewater challenges
During the visit, Deputy Minister Seitlholo also explored the Lourens River Sewer Pump Station, highlighting the vulnerability of sewer networks across the city. Improper disposal of materials such as construction rubble, wet wipes, plastics, and earbuds has caused blockages and mechanical failures in pump stations, leading to sewer overflows. The Deputy Minister urged residents to refrain from disposing of these foreign objects in the system to help prevent further damage.
Addressing pollution in Dunoon and Milnerton Lagoon
A drive through Dunoon, an informal settlement near the Malibongwe bridge, exposed the visible effects of water pollution caused by improper waste disposal and inadequate sanitation. The Deputy Minister expressed concern about the challenges presented by informal settlements, particularly regarding the increasing pressure on the city’s water resources.
At the Milnerton Lagoon, a major focus of the City’s pollution control efforts, several transversal interventions were discussed. These include upgrades to the Koeberg Pump Station, ongoing improvements to Potsdam WWTW, and the exploration of bioremediation technologies. The aim is to address the foul odour caused by pollution and improve the overall water quality of the lagoon. Councillor Zahid Badroodien expressed satisfaction with the ongoing work and emphasised the City’s commitment to long-term solutions.
Future collaboration for sustainable water solutions
The Deputy Minister concluded his visit on a positive note, expressing satisfaction with the City’s efforts but noting that the rapid expansion of informal settlements, particularly in Dunoon, continues to place pressure on water resources. Moving forward, the Deputy Minister highlighted the need for collaboration between the National Department, local authorities, and the City to develop both short- and medium-term plans to tackle the urgent water quality issues affecting the Milnerton Lagoon.
‘We are committed to working together with all stakeholders to improve water quality in Cape Town, and we look forward to our continued partnership in addressing these pressing environmental challenges,’ Deputy Minister Seitlholo said.
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Picture: City of Cape Town
