Comment on the feasibility of implementing and operating various wastewater facilities through an external service delivery mechanism

The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate: Wastewater Branch operates 26 wastewater facilities across Cape Town. External service providers (two long-term contracts and one short-term contract) operate three of these facilities, namely:

• Zandvliet Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW)
• Fisantekraal WWTW
• The Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) facility at Borcherds Quarry WWTW

Zandvliet and Fisantekraal WWTWs currently operate under recommendations of a Council-approved Section 78(3) feasibility study completed in 2009; and the Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) is operating through an external service provider for a period of three financial years.

The current contracts are due to expire in the near future.

In addition, the Water and Sanitation Directorate is in the process of constructing a Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) Facility at the Cape Flats WWTW. The civil works for the MAR scheme were recently completed and the mechanical and electrical contract has commenced.

The Constitution requires municipalities to provide certain services to the public. In Cape Town, we (the City) are the designated wastewater services provider, and we own and operate all of our wastewater treatment facilities, but the nature of the Managed Aquifer Recharge Facility means it might be more feasible to contract an external company to provide the services for this project.

We already use external companies to support us in providing some other services in the city, including solid waste management and public transport.

1. Facility: Borcherds Quarry Faecal Sludge Management (FSM)

Potential Service Model: Operate and maintain

2. Facility: Cape Flats Wastewater Treatment Works

Potential Service Model: Design, finance, construct, operate and maintain

3. Facility: Fisantekraal Wastewater Treatment Works

Potential Service Model: Operate and maintain

4. Facility: Zandvliet Wastewater Treatment Works

Potential Service Model: Operate and maintain

We invite you to submit your input in respect of utilising a suitable external service delivery mechanism to implement and operate the abovementioned facilities.

Notice is further given in accordance with Section 17 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, Act 32 of 2000, that you can submit comments in respect of the proposal.

We will consider all feedback in the finalisation and completion of the feasibility study report, which will be made available to the community for comments prior to its submission to and consideration by City Council.

• Council resolution and report
• Water reuse
• Water Outlook Report

Comment period

Submit your comments from 25 April – 25 May 2025.

Information sessions

Attend one of our information sessions to find out more about the feasibility study.

Date: 6 May 2025

Time: 18:00 - 20:00

Venue: Subcouncil 16, Council Chambers, 11th Floor, 44 Wale Street, Cape Town

Submit your comment

Online: Via the C"Comment" button

Email: Email your comments to public.participation@capetown.gov.za

Delivery: Deliver your written comments by hand to your nearest Subcouncil office.

Our Public Participation Unit will assist you if you would like to submit comments but have a disability or are unable to read or write. Call 0800 212 176 for assistance.