MyZA

News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff

You are here: Home / News / The R284 Million Stink

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.

Category: Tag:

If you feel strongly about this article then feel free to send MyZA a ‘Letter to the Editor’ using the submission form below:

Letter to the Editor

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
If this is in response to an article please include that article title here or as the lead in for the first paragraph of your Letter below.

Separate tags with commas

Localise your letter by naming the city your words are about. Add relevant words describing your subject. Single comma separated words of no more than 5
Your Name(Required)
Your Name will be linked to the website below.
Your personal, business or social media web site
Choose NO to not set up a user account on MyZA. User Accounts will allow you to submit letters under your own Author Name

3 Latest Letters to the Editor:

  • Fun South African fact

    Dear Editor Fun South African fact: towns like Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are home to world-class wine farms set in stunning, scenic surroundings. Regards Aressa Smith In Response to/From: Luxury Properties Seized in New Lottery Crackdown

  • Condolences on the Passing of Lusanda Dumke

    Statement by Leander Kruger MPL – DA Buffalo City Constituency Leader: The Democratic Alliance in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality mourns the passing of Springbok Women’s rugby player and Mdantsane trailblazer, Lusanda Dumke, who lost her battle with cancer at the age of 28. South Africa has lost an exceptional athlete, a leader, and a source…

  • Rape Kits Delivered, But…

    Statement by Nicholas Gotsell MP – DA NCOP Member on Security & Justice: The DA can confirm that 2 840 rape kits arrived in Cape Town on Monday, following sustained DA oversight and pressure after multiple police stations across the Western Cape were found to be without this critical forensic evidence tool. While this delivery…

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Germany: You have two cows. One lives in Deutchsland, the other lives in Germany. You still can\’t tell them apart.

  2. Fun South African Fact: Table Mountain in Cape Town is believed to be one of the oldest mountains in the world and one of the planet’s 12 main energy centres, radiating magnetic, electric or spiritual energy.