The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has achieved 95% utilisation of its capital budget, amounting to R2.385 billion, during the 2022/23 fiscal year.
The City stated that this achievement emphasises its unwavering dedication to investing in critical infrastructure that ultimately grants access to high-quality drinking water and dignified sanitation, especially in informal settlements.
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Councillor Zahid Badroodien, the mayoral committee member for water and sanitation, lauded the Water and Sanitation staff, whom he said expertly managed the highest allocation of capital expenditure within the City during the 2022/23 financial year.
‘Some of the major successes have been in enhancing wastewater treatment capacity. R248 million was spent on upgrades to Zandvliet Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) and R129 million on the commencement of the extension of Potsdam WWTW, after years of delay,’ he said.
Several other projects have contributed to this capital expenditure, including:
- R221 million was invested in the Cape Flats Aquifer Recharge.
- R159 million was allotted for the replacement and enhancement of the sewer pipe network.
- R104 million was directed towards upgrades for sewer pump stations.
- R118 million was earmarked for the rehabilitation of the Cape Flats sewer pipeline.
- R117 million was utilised for upgrades to the water pipe network.
In an effort to address power disruptions, the Water and Sanitation Directorate spearheaded the implementation of Uninterrupted Power Supply Systems (UPS) at pump stations, coupled with security improvements to curb vandalism.
Councillor Badroodien said that looking ahead, the upcoming fiscal year will introduce fresh challenges as the City’s capital budget doubles to R4.3 billion.
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This allocation will allow the City to fulfil the objectives outlined in its water strategy. Notably, R604 million will be allocated to advance the New Water Programme, benefiting the Cape Flats, Atlantis, Table Mountain Group aquifers and the Faure New Water plant.
Councillor Badroodien emphasised the significance of these investments.
‘This financial year will present new challenges as our capital budget doubles. R4.3 billion has been allocated to enable us to deliver on the objectives set out in the City’s water strategy. R604 million will be going towards the New Water Programme for the Cape Flats, Atlantis and Table Mountain Group aquifers, as well as the Faure New Water plant,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
Furthermore, an additional R38 million has been earmarked for the installation of new taps and toilets in informal settlements. The ongoing efforts to repair leaks in indigent households will persist beyond the already improved conditions for 534 households.
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Picture: City of Cape Town / Facebook