Comment on using external service providers to operate four City wastewater treatment facilities
18 May 2025
The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate invites residents to comment on a proposal to appoint external service providers for the operation and maintenance of four wastewater-related facilities. This includes three existing Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTWs) and the new Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) facility currently under construction at the Cape Flats WWTW. The move aims to support the implementation of innovative technologies that can enhance service delivery. The deadline for public comment is Wednesday 25 June 2025.
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate currently owns and manages 26 WWTWs across Cape Town. Of these, three facilities are already being operated by external service providers under existing contracts:
• Zandvliet WWTW (Helderberg): Operated under a 15-year contract
• Fisantekraal WWTW (north of Fisantekraal): Operated under a 15-year contract
• Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) Facility at Borcherds Quarry WWTW (Matroosfontein): Operated under a three-year contract
In addition, the construction of a new Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) Facility at the Cape Flats WWTW is under way. Civil works have been completed and the mechanical and electrical installation phase has begun.
Why consider external service providers
In terms of the Constitution, municipalities are mandated to provide basic services. The City of Cape Town remains the designated wastewater services provider and retains ownership of its municipal wastewater infrastructure, regardless of any collaboration with external service providers.However, the unique technical nature of the new MAR facility and the drive to introduce more advanced and specialised technologies, make it potentially more effective and efficient to contract experienced external operators for this function. This forms part of the City’s broader strategy to explore alternative service delivery models that enhance capacity and service quality.
The City is currently undertaking a feasibility study on the proposed external service delivery mechanisms for the following facilities:
1. Borcherds Quarry Faecal Sludge Management (FSM)
Potential Service Model: Operate and maintain
2. Cape Flats WWTW
Potential Service Model: Design, finance, construct, operate and maintain
3. Fisantekraal WWTW
Potential Service Model: Operate and maintain
4. Zandvliet WWTW
Potential Service Model: Operate and maintain
‘We encourage residents to submit their comments by Wednesday, 25 June 2025. The City already partners with external service providers in other City service delivery areas. Public input is vital and will inform the completion of the feasibility study. Once finalised, the report will be made available again for public comment before being submitted to Council for consideration,’ said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.Submit comments by Wednesday, 25 June 2025:
Email: public.participation@capetown.gov.za
Online: www.capetown.gov.za/collaborate
Written submissions: subcouncil offices
End
Published by:
Media Office, City of Cape Town
