Polluted water entering the Milnerton Lagoon has long been a source of frustration for the community. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE
The City's efforts to tackle pollution at the Milnerton Lagoon through a R5 billion overhaul of the Potsdam sewage plant has Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Sello Seitlholo's stamp of approval, but he warns that rapid growth of Dunoon's shanty-town sprawl has had a big impact on the water body.
Mr Seitlholo wrapped up the Western Cape leg of his anti-pollution oversight visit in Cape Town on Saturday January 25. The City outlined infrastructure work and other steps being taken to improve inland water quality while leading the delegation through sewage plants, pump stations and sections of the Diep River.
Mr Seitlholo met with mayoral committee member for water and sanitation Zahid Badroodien and other officials over efforts to curb water pollution, particularly in the Milnerton Lagoon and the Diep River.
“The oversight visit provided valuable insights into the state of pollution and the efforts being made to address it. Our focus has been on two critical areas: the City's significant investment in upgrading and maintaining wastewater treatment infrastructure, and the growing challenges posed by rapid population growth," said Mr Seitlholo.
The delegation visited the Potsdam sewage plant, which is a busy construction site undergoing the upgrade to boost its capacity and improve effluent quality.
While the full advantages of the project wouldn't be seen until its completion - expected to be around 2027 - some improvements to effluent quality should be noticeable by mid-2025, Mr Seitlholo said.
“I am satisfied with the City’s interventions to address the challenges facing the Milnerton Lagoon through the upgrade of the Potsdam Wastewater Treatment Works. However, the rapid expansion of informal settlements in Dunoon has created additional pressure on water resources, significantly impacting the lagoon," he said.
"Looking ahead, the national department, local authorities, and the City will work together to formulate short- and medium-term plans to tackle the pressing issues affecting the Milnerton Lagoon."
Dr Badroodien said the City had described several measures to alleviate the pollution that gave the Milnerton Lagoon its stench. They included improvements to the Potsdam plant and the Koeberg pump station, the replacement of ageing sewerage infrastructure, and investigating the use of micro-organisms to reduce odour and enhance water flow over time.
“The City is pleased to have hosted the deputy minister and to have had the opportunity to walk him through essential parts of the City’s water and sanitation system. The contributions supported continued efforts towards effectively resolving the compromised condition of the Diep River and Milnerton Lagoon. We also look forward to further collaboration and engagement in our shared commitment to improving water quality across the city," he said.