EnviroServ is now a SUEZ company. How does this benefit your customers?

DT: The acquisition has added water capabilities to EnviroServ’s portfolio. Present on the African continent since the construction of the Sherbine Water Treatment Plant in Egypt in 1948, SUEZ has built more than 500 drinking water and wastewater plants that service over 80% of all major cities in Africa.

SUEZ saw an opportunity in South Africa from an infrastructure perspective to use EnviroServ as a platform to launch water activities locally.

EnviroServ now offers efficient, circular and innovative solutions to ensure that water resources are managed responsibly. We cover the entire water value chain.

Many of our existing customers require expertise and solutions in both water and waste management, as these areas often fall under their broader sustainability strategies. In some cases, water—specifically effluent—is classified as waste and must be treated before being discharged. By incorporating water management into our portfolio, we are enhancing our service offering and providing clients with a more comprehensive, sustainable solution.

As a SUEZ company, EnviroServ has gained even more intellectual property, skills and knowledge in the waste and water sectors. We have access to global references and broader expertise.

What in your opinion are some of the most pressing issues that the water sector is facing?

The first issue is water scarcity. More than half of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa lack access to safe drinking water and an estimated 160 million people across the African continent live under water scarcity conditions. South Africa ranks as one of the 30 driest countries in the world, with an average rainfall of about 40% less than the annual world average rainfall. Climate change and population growth will continue to put pressure on the resource.

In South Africa, aging infrastructure is another issue. Water and wastewater treatment plants, supply pipes, and drainage systems have been neglected and are aging without adequate maintenance. This results in pollution, deteriorating water quality and water losses.

Then there are the rising levels of non-revenue water (NRW). According to the latest No Drop Report, NRW increased from the 35% recorded in 2015 to 46.4% in June 2022, and has even further deteriorated since then.

With the support of our shareholder, SUEZ, we are well positioned to assist with the water crisis and can partner with government through public private partnerships (PPPs) to build new and improve upon existing infrastructure.

We offer expertise in desalination, and can design, build and operate water and wastewater treatment plants. We have technologies that can improve drinking water quality and reduce pollution as well as leak detection tools for distribution networks, thereby reducing NRW and making water an economically viable resource for the public sector. We also have proprietary technologies around smart metering.

Are there any proud achievements you want to mention? And what are EnviroServ’s plans for the upcoming year?

SUEZ acquired EnviroServ in October 2022, and we have successfully integrated with them from a human resource, operational and commercial perspective. That has been a massive undertaking and as mentioned before, is a positive move; both for EnviroServ itself and the local waste and water industry.

Due to the nature of our activities, health and safety are key priorities for our company. EnviroServ won the SUEZ Health and Safety Award last year.

We are now working within the water sector, we have created a strategy and placed the necessary resources in place to deliver on that strategy.

Another key focus area for us are our waste to energy solutions, particularly within the municipal space that makes a positive difference by freeing up air space in landfills while increasing energy supply.

What excites you about EnviroServ?

EnviroServ creates economic, environmental, and social value by delivering sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the planet.

Our commitment to environmental responsibility drives us to build a better future for generations to come. Being part of a company with such a meaningful purpose is truly inspiring.

“We offer expertise in desalination, and can design, build and operate water and wastewater treatment plants. We have technologies that can improve drinking water quality and reduce pollution as well as leak detection tools for distribution networks, thereby reducing NRW and making water an economically viable resource for the public sector. We also have proprietary technologies around smart metering.”