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The R284 Million Stink

Cape Town: The first phase of the mechanical and electrical work at the Athlone Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) is 74% complete. This major project forms part of a R4 billion-rand upgrade and follows the completion of the civil works contract in 2022.

The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate initiated this major mechanical and electrical upgrade in 2022, following the completion of the R125 million civil contract that included the construction of all the buildings and major infrastructure to house the new mechanical and electrical equipment.

The first phase of electrical and mechanical work is expected to be concluded by early 2026. The new aeration blower installation and back-up generators are under way and will be commissioned in the upcoming months. With the new plant installation, residents can expect improved treated effluent quality and minimised odours emanating from the treatment works.

‘Progress is being made towards completing the multi-billion rand upgrades to Athlone WWTW while, at the same time, ongoing repairs and maintenance continue to keep this vital plant operational. During August 2025, teams will be commissioning all six of the newly-refurbished biological reactors. The biological reactors will treat the organic matter in the wastewater with improved nutrient removal capability.

‘As a result, residents in the surrounding area can expect a significant improvement in the final effluent as well as address odours. I would like to thank residents for their patience while this transition is taking place,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien.
The City has spent over R284 million (excluding VAT) on the first phase of the electrical and mechanical contract. This saw the installation of the biological treatment process equipment, including the Fine Bubble Diffused Aeration (FBDA), submersible mixers, aeration blowers, the upgrade of the Return Activated Sludge (RAS) East and West pump stations – all of which will contribute to improving the treatment process that will reduce odours. The nutrient recirculation systems of the odour control units will also be upgraded.

The commissioning and taking-over of the entire contract will be completed in the upcoming 2025/2026 financial year.

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