Cape Town has hit a significant milestone in one of its largest infrastructure undertakings, the R5.2 billion upgrade of the Potsdam Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) in Milnerton.
Construction, which kicked off in April 2023, has now reached 60% completion and remains firmly on schedule for completion in late 2027, as noted by the City of Cape Town.
City officials describe the project as a ‘future-proofing’ effort to ensure essential water and sanitation systems can keep pace with the demands of a growing metro.
Once finished, Potsdam’s daily treatment capacity will more than double, jumping from 47 million litres to 100 million litres per day. This expansion will not only accommodate population growth but also improve the quality of treated water flowing into the Diep River and the Milnerton Lagoon.
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The project also aims to broaden access to high-quality treated effluent for reuse in sectors like farming, business, and recreation, part of Cape Town’s wider strategy to conserve and recycle water resources.
Recent updates from the City outline several milestones already achieved:
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Ultrafiltration plant: Entered a year-long trial in June 2025. New systems, including micro-screening, ultrafiltration membranes, and UV disinfection, are currently being tested to enhance water quality.
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Treated effluent pump station: Construction is finished, and once final tests are completed, supply will be available for users in Milnerton, Century City and nearby areas.
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Dewatering plant: In operation since May 2025 and set for full trial operations in October 2026. The facility has already improved biological stability and reduced solids in the treatment process.
Meanwhile, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, highlighted that Cape Town is investing more than Joburg and Durban combined.
‘Over the next three years, we will invest R16.4 billion in Water and Sanitation. Furthermore, Cape Town is investing more than Joburg and Durban combined,‘ he stated.
Badroodien called the two-thirds completion mark a key breakthrough, pointing out that the project will ensure critical infrastructure continues to serve residents for decades to come.
‘It shows our commitment to delivering the end result on time and to high quality standards. Restoring the health of the Milnerton Lagoon and improving the quality of water flowing into the catchment is a top priority for the City,‘ he added.
At present, Potsdam faces challenges such as inflows beyond its design capacity and sand ingress from sewer collapses, issues that the upgrade is expected to resolve.
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Picture: Facebook/CoCT
