The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has commissioned the R450-million Mpophomeni wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW), in Mpophomeni, in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

This strategic infrastructure development project aims to significantly improve sanitation services for over 27 000 households and protect sensitive wetland ecosystems in the Mpophomeni, Khayelisha and surrounding communities.

The Mpophomeni WWTW, boasting a treatment capacity of six-million litres a day, with provision for future expansion to 12-million litres a day, is designed to produce high-quality effluent that complies with standards set by the DWS.

The facility includes a seven-kilometre treated effluent pipeline and the rehabilitation of the Mpophomeni wetland.

The WWTW will support a new housing development in the Mpophomeni area.

The commissioning of this critical infrastructure was the outcome of strong and deliberate collaboration across all three spheres of government, with the DWS working in partnership with the uMgungundlovu district municipality, the uMngeni local municipality and water utility uMngeni-uThukela Water.

“This is what happens when the Government of National Unity puts party politics aside and focuses on the people. We have witnessed effective and visible work delivered because institutions worked together, with discipline, urgency and a shared purpose,” says Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo.

Sello Seitlholo, the other Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, has issued a firm call to action to municipalities: “The success of Mpophomeni proves that service delivery is possible when all spheres of government work together. But we cannot stop here. Municipalities must build on this momentum and address governance gaps, strengthening technical capacity and accelerating delivery. Our citizens deserve systems that work and leaders who make that happen without delay.”

The Mpophomeni WWTW is part of a broader government commitment to roll out bulk water infrastructure projects in water-stressed communities across KwaZulu-Natal and in the rest of the country. It forms part of a long-term strategy to secure water resilience and inclusive development.

The Deputy Ministers provided updates on several interventions, including progress on the Vulindlela Bulk Water Supply Scheme, reaffirming government’s commitment to ensuring equitable and reliable water access for all communities.

Beyond infrastructure, the project delivered meaningful economic opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme, which created consistent local jobs averaging 19 a month throughout the construction phase.

The department reiterates that the long-term sustainability of such infrastructure depends on sound operations and maintenance practices.

This includes adequate funding, skilled management and active community involvement to secure water quality, safeguard ecosystems and achieve the constitutional right to clean water and dignified sanitation for all.