The City of Cape Town Council has granted in-principle approval for the procurement of two major water projects: the Faure New Water Scheme (FNWS) and the Paarden Eiland Desalination Plant. This forms part of the City’s New Water Programme (NWP), which aims to diversify water sources and enhance long-term water security.
Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, explained that a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model was deemed the most suitable approach. “This option is the best not only because it reduces the financial impact on our residents, but it also ensures that the assets remain the property of the City of Cape Town. Essentially, these will never be privatised,” said Badroodien.
PPPs allow the private sector to design, build, finance, and operate the projects for a set period, while the City retains ownership and regulatory control. Payments are only made if performance standards are met, ensuring accountability and value for money.
The Faure New Water Scheme will add 70–100 million litres of purified, recycled wastewater per day, while the Paarden Eiland Desalination Plant will contribute 50–70 million litres per day. Both projects are expected to deliver their first water in the 2030/31 financial year.
Badroodien emphasised the broader benefits: “Through the PPP model, we harness private sector expertise and innovation while maintaining firm public ownership. Every litre of water, every pipe, and every pump remains the property of our city. This is progress built on trust, delivering jobs, economic opportunity, and the certainty our residents and businesses deserve.”
The procurement process will follow a two-stage competitive bidding approach, ensuring transparency, competitiveness, and compliance with the City’s Supply Chain Management policies.
VOC News
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