Disclosed Water and Sanitation budget for 2025/26 unveiled in public webinar series
In a significant move towards improving the city's waterways and flood prevention, as well as wastewater treatment, the City of Cape Town has announced a budget of R5.08 billion for the 2025/26 fiscal year.
This budget will fund various major capital investments, including upgrades to the Manenberg Canal and Sir Lowry's Pass River, as well as over R1.8 billion allocated for wastewater treatment works. Major expansions are planned at Potsdam, Macassar, Bellville, Wesfleur, and Wildevoëlvlei.
Councillor Zahid Badroodien, the Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, emphasised the importance of capital injections in upgrading and maintaining the city's infrastructure for an efficient and well-run city. He hosted an online public engagement session on September 3, 2025, to outline the plans for this budget.
The budget will finance investments such as the renovation and expansion of the Basdorf water treatment plant. Existing filters will be upgraded, and new ones installed to renew the facility, which has been in operation for over 30 years. Construction will continue during ongoing operations to enhance capacity and infrastructure for water supply.
The major capital investments projects also include wastewater and sewer upgrades, the City's New Water Programme, and water pipe replacement. R259 million is allocated for water pipe replacement to continue replacing ageing water infrastructure throughout the city.
The New Water Programme receives R538.5 million to expand desalination, water reuse, and groundwater schemes. This programme is crucial for the city's water security, especially in light of climate change and increasing water demand.
The budget also includes plans for residents' water bills. However, specific details regarding these plans were not disclosed during the session.
For those interested in learning more about these projects, online sessions are being organised. Topics to be covered include underground water extraction and recharge, desalination, reusing treated wastewater, clearing alien plants to help water supply, the strategy behind water pipe replacement, the future of marine outfalls, cleaning up rivers and vleis, and Project 7000 - fixing roads after pipe work.
Residents who wish to participate in these sessions can email [email protected] for more information and login details. Sessions are scheduled for September 17, 2025, October 1, 2025, October 29, 2025, November 12, 2025, November 26, 2025, December 10, 2025, January 21, 2026, and February 4, 2026.
In addition, R1.25 billion is allocated for sewer network upgrades, with significant work planned in Philippi, Cape Flats, Trappies, and Milnerton. These upgrades are essential for the city's overall sanitation and public health.
The session outlined plans for the Water and Sanitation directorate's R5.08 billion budget for 2025/26, marking a significant step towards improving the city's water and sanitation infrastructure.
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