Kouga’s R42m upgrade of wastewater plant to unlock housing project

The Kouga municipality is forking out more than R42m to upgrade the vandalised wastewater treatment plant in KwaNomzamo, Humansdorp.

The 18-month project, designed to enhance the treatment capacity of the plant, will also clear obstacles holding back the progress of a 400-unit housing project in KwaNomzamo. The plant was vandalised in 2016.

Mayor Hattingh Bornman said the project included several crucial upgrades such as the installation of a new mechanical front rake, a washer compactor, an ultrasonic level detector, sludge pumps, a gearbox and motors.

The wire and baffle plates in the clarifiers would also be replaced.

“It furthermore includes the refurbishment of the bridge structure and reinstatement of the sludge dewatering belt press.

“A new security fence will also be erected,” he said.

“Incorporating state-of-theart treatment technologies and processes, the upgraded wastewater treatment works will play a crucial role in unblocking the development pipeline for the KwaNomzamo housing project.

“The increased treatment capacity of 2.5ML a day and efficiency will provide the necessary infrastructure support for new residential areas, contributing to the municipality’s efforts to address housing demands in a rapidly growing community.”

The housing project was one of 10 approved by the provincial human settlements department in 2009.

However, the municipality said it could not proceed with the project because of challenges related to essential infrastructure such as for water, sewage and stormwater.

“We have included the KwaNomzamo 400 project now in the upgrading of the informal settlements programme, for the provision of permanent service, and a business plan was submitted to the provincial human settlements department to use the money for the unlocking of bulk infrastructure,” municipal spokesperson Monique Basson said.

“If permission is received from provincial human settlements, Kouga Municipality will be able to unlock this project and apply for a more formal housing project.

“The upgrading of the wastewater treatment plant will surely assist with the unlocking of this project.”