Name of the Project
Athlone Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTWs).

Location
City of Cape Town, in the Western Cape, South Africa.

Project Owner/s
City of Cape Town Water and Sanitation Directorate.

Project Description
The project will improve the WWTWs’ treated effluent quality and minimise odours emanating from the site. 

The project will be completed in phases.

Phase 1 entails the completion of a new blower house to enhance the aeration system, which is critical for maintaining the biological processes that treat wastewater. This phase also entails replacing the aeration systems, mixers and recycle pumps, which is ongoing. 

Work on Reactor A has been completed, and work on Reactor B is in progress. 

The upgrades to the aeration and disinfection systems are crucial to ensuring that the effluent discharged into the Black river meets environmental standards. 

The Phase 2 upgrades will result in the plant’s capacity increasing to serve more households. Key measures include:

• Enhancing the inflow system to improve the initial treatment of wastewater.
• The refurbishing of the disinfection facility to improve the final treatment stage, ensuring safer effluent discharge.
• The installation of new odour-control systems to significantly reduce the emission of gases, which will address the persistent issue of foul odours – a primary concern for nearby residents.
• Upgrading the dewatering systems, which will help manage sludge more effectively, reducing the likelihood of odours and improving overall plant efficiency.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
R4-billion.

Planned Start/End Date
The project started in 2022 and is expected to be concluded by 2026. 

Latest Developments
The City of Cape Town has reported that steady progress is being made towards completing the multibillion-rand upgrades to Athlone WWTW. Ongoing repairs and maintenance continue to keep this plant operational. Currently, 25% of the first phase of the programme has been completed, with most of the new equipment required already delivered.

The city has further indicated that operations are being closely monitored to keep project timelines on track.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None confirmed.

Contact Details for Project Information
City of Cape Town, email contact.us@capetown.gov.za.