Second public meeting on Cape Town’s first permanent desalination plant concludes
23 February 2025
The City’s Water and
Sanitation Directorate successfully hosted its second public meeting on the
proposed permanent desalination plant in Paarden Eiland, at Milnerton Library
on Wednesday, 19 February 2025. Residents have until Monday, 3 March 2025 to participate
by submitting their comments.
The City is exploring the
feasibility of providing desalinated drinking water
through an external service delivery mechanism. This meeting formed part
of the broader public participation process required under Section 78(3)(b) of
the Municipal Systems Act (MSA).
The project is a key component
of the New Water Programme, as outlined in Cape Town’s Water Strategy (2019),
which aims to diversify water supply sources and build resilience in the face
of climate change and population growth.
‘Water security is not just an
option, but a responsibility we carry to provide for the generations to come.
All input on the options being reviewed for how best to finance, operate and
implement desalination, will be considered.
‘Cape Town is investing more in
infrastructure than Johannesburg and Durban combined, with a capital budget 91%
larger than Joburg and 117% larger than eThekwini over the next three years.
Water and Sanitation represent 42% of our approximate R120 billion 10-year
infrastructure pipeline, funding critical projects from our New Water Programme
that will produce 300 million litres of drinking water daily by 2030. Unlike
other metros, Cape Town is proactively securing its water future through
innovative solutions that ensure resilience against climate change and
population growth,’ said the City's Mayoral
Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
How to submit comments
The deadline for submissions is Monday, 3 March 2025:
Email: Public.Participation@capetown.gov.za
Online: www.capetown.gov.za/collaborate
Written submissions can also be delivered to any local subcouncil office
Progress on the feasibility study and next steps
The feasibility study to assesses the affordability, value for money and potential risks associated with an external service delivery mechanism, is well under way.
The following milestones have been completed:
- Stage 1: Needs analysis
- Stage 2: Technical solution options analysis
- Stage 3: Service delivery options analysis
- Stage 4: Delivery mechanism summary and interim recommendation
Stages currently in progress:
- Stage 5: Due diligence – Ensuring legal, environmental, and logistical considerations are addressed.
- Stage 6: Value Assessment and Economic Valuation – Evaluating affordability, risk transfer, and procurement options.
- Stage 7: Procurement plan – Developing timelines, governance processes, and approval requirements.
Looking ahead:
Another round of public participation is planned before the submission of the Feasibility Study Report to Council (Stage 8), planned for later in 2025. It is anticipated that Council will make a decision on the appropriate service delivery mechanism by the end of the year.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
