Milnerton Library was packed last Wednesday for the second public meeting on Cape Town’s first permanent desalination plant in Paarden Eiland.
Residents have until Monday 3 March to participate by submitting their comments.
At the meeting the City highlighted 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 Services Act.
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.
Mayco member for Water and Sanitation Zahid Badroodien said 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,” he said at the meeting.
Badroodien added Cape Town is investing more in infrastructure than Johannesburg and Durban combined, with a capital budget 91% larger than Johannesburg 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.”
How to submit comments
The deadline for submissions is Monday 3 March and comments can be submitted via email (Public.Participation@capetown.gov.za), online: www.capetown.gov.za/collaborate or written submissions can also be delivered to any local Subcouncil office.
The feasibility study to assess the affordability, value for money and potential risks associated with an external service delivery mechanism, is well underway. 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.
More participation is planned before the Feasibility Study Report is submitted.
