The City of Cape Town‘s Water and Sanitation Directorate has delivered outstanding results for the 2024/2025 financial year, achieving 94,1% capital spend of R3,741 billion – the largest municipal water infrastructure investment in Africa. This exceptional performance, which exceeds the combined investments of Johannesburg and eThekwini, demonstrates Cape Town’s unwavering commitment to building world-class water and sanitation infrastructure for residents.

Through strategic planning and exemplary project management, the Directorate invested R3,741 billion across more than 150 major capital projects, delivering tangible infrastructure that residents can see and benefit from daily. Cape Town’s investment significantly outpaces other major South African cities, with the city’s capital budget being 91,2% larger than Johannesburg and 116,9% larger than eThekwini over three years.

‘This exceptional 94,1% capital spend represents the largest municipal water infrastructure investment in Africa, demonstrating our commitment to building resilient systems that will serve Cape Town for generations. Every rand invested delivers real value – from new water sources and upgraded treatment plants to modernised pipe networks and flood protection,’ said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.

Record-breaking achievements for 2024/2025

Transforming wastewater treatment – R1,2 billion invested:

• Potsdam WWTW extension: R1,089 billion invested in this flagship project, with major progress on bioreactor, MBR and inlet works structures. This expansion will significantly increase the city’s wastewater treatment capacity
• Athlone WWTW Capacity Extension: R97,3 million invested with reactors C and D successfully commissioned, and complete refurbishment of reactors E and F

Securing Cape Town’s water future – R435 million invested:

• Cape Flats Aquifer development: R222 million invested across multiple groundwater sites, including major progress at Hanover Park and Philippi with water treatment works construction well under way
• Cape Flats Aquifer Recharge: R112,8 million invested in this innovative project, with civil construction completed and mechanical/electrical contract commenced, creating new water security through managed aquifer recharge
• Bulk water infrastructure replacement: R99,9 million invested in critical water supply infrastructure upgrades

Modernising water and sewer networks – R688 million invested:

• Sewer network replacement: R294 million invested citywide, achieving 117 kilometres of pipe replacement – earning the prestigious ‘Golden Pipe Award’ for exceeding the 100km target by 17%
• Water network upgrades: R173 million invested across 58 priority projects, delivering improved water supply reliability to communities across Cape Town
• Sewer pump station upgrades: R154 million invested in critical pumping infrastructure to prevent spillages and improve system resilience
• Bulk sewer rehabilitation in Milnerton: R121 million invested to improve regional sewerage capacity and reliability

Major infrastructure milestones:

• Gordon’s Bay Sewer Rising Main: R82,1 million invested with 2,6km of new pipeline installed and pump station construction progressing steadily
• Sir Lowry’s Pass River Upgrade: R84,9 million invested in comprehensive flood alleviation infrastructure protecting communities and businesses
• Fleet and equipment modernisation: R103 million invested ensuring operational teams have the vehicles and equipment needed for service excellence
• Meter replacement programme: R71,2 million invested in replacing water meters across the city for improved billing accuracy and water management

Building resilience for the future

Cape Town’s comprehensive investment strategy positions the city as a continental leader at a time when Africa faces a US$30 billion annual water investment gap. By demonstrating how substantial municipal investment delivers tangible results, Cape Town provides a model for cities across Africa working to achieve water security and meeting Sustainable Development Goal 6 targets by 2030.

The Directorate’s exceptional performance earned recognition with a Certificate of Recognition for joining the City’s ‘Billionaires Club’ for exceeding R1 billion in capital expenditure, plus the Golden Pipe Award for outstanding infrastructure replacement achievements.

‘These results showcase what’s possible when a City prioritises infrastructure investment and excellent project execution. From groundwater development and advanced wastewater treatment to network modernisation and flood protection, every project builds Cape Town’s resilience and improves residents’ quality of life. This is infrastructure investment that delivers real impact,’ concluded Councillor Badroodien.