Cape Town is advancing plans for its first permanent desalination plant, set to be located in Paarden Eiland and operational by 2026, Cape {town} Etc reports.
This initiative is part of the City’s broader New Water Programme (NWP), aimed at bolstering water security in response to climate shocks and seasonal droughts.
The desalination plant, currently in the feasibility stage, is expected to produce between 50 and 70 million litres of potable water daily. This forms part of the City’s strategy to increase drinking water supply by 300 million litres a day by 2030.
‘Desalination is a critical part of the City’s action plan to meet the rising demand for drinking water while addressing the risks of climate change,’ said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, mayoral committee member for Water and Sanitation.
The NWP combines multiple initiatives, including desalination, water re-use, groundwater schemes and the clearing of invasive plant species. These efforts are supported by Cape Town’s largest-ever capital expenditure (CAPEX) allocation for Water and Sanitation.
‘We are future-proofing our city by investing in infrastructure at a rate far outpacing any other metro,’ said Badroodien. ‘Over the next three years, we will invest R43 billion—more than Johannesburg and Durban combined. Water and Sanitation now accounts for 42% of Cape Town’s R120 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline.’
Desalination, a process that removes salts and other impurities from seawater to make it safe for human consumption, has become a cornerstone of Cape Town’s efforts to ensure long-term water resilience.
At the recent Energy Water Waste Forum (EWWF), industry experts shared innovations in desalination technology, while City officials emphasised the importance of public engagement to build trust and address concerns ahead of implementation.
‘Our Water and Sanitation teams are working hard to make sure that desalination and other measures benefit both residents and businesses in Cape Town,’ added Badroodien.
By prioritising sustainable water provision, the City aims to secure a stable water supply for future generations and position itself as a leader in infrastructure investment.
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