Name of the Project
Wildevoëlvlei WWTW upgrade.

Location
Kommetjie, Western Cape, South Africa.

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

Project Description
The City of Cape Town is upgrading the Wildevoëlvlei Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW), improving treated effluent quality and helping to safeguard local waterways and the surrounding environment.

The WWTW was built in 1977 with a maximum capacity of 7.5-million litres a day. Its first upgrade was in 1999, when capacity was increased to 14.5-million litres a day. 

The facility uses a conventional activated sludge system. 

The current refurbishment includes a new, larger-capacity dewatering facility featuring the latest mechanical equipment. 

The upgrade also involves the refurbishment of existing mechanical equipment, such as mixers and aeration systems, to enhance biological treatment efficiency. 

These improvements will increase operating capacity, boost operational efficiency and further improve effluent quality. 

Plans are also in place for a treated effluent pumpstation. 

This facility will improve access to treated effluent in Kommetjie and neighbouring areas, supporting the city’s goal of reducing pressure on drinking water resources.

A further capacity upgrade is planned for 2032, with current planning and design work already under way.

Potential Job Creation
The plant employs eight permanent and three Expanded Public Works Programme staff.

Capital Expenditure
The City of Cape Town is investing R280-million to upgrade the WWTW. It will also spend an estimated R40.4-million on the proposed treated effluent pumpstation.

Planned Start/End Date
The WWTW project is scheduled for commissioning by November 2026. Full project completion is expected by April 2027.

The construction of the treated effluent pumpstation is expected to start in early 2026.

Latest Developments
None stated.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
City of Cape Town Department of Water and Sanitation, email water@capetown.gov.za.