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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape welcomes the commencement of construction on the much-anticipated R8.6 billion Potsdam Wastewater Works upgrade yesterday. This will be the Western Cape's second-largest infrastructure project and is set to double the plant's capacity - a crucial step towards restoring Milnerton Lagoon.

Nestled along Cape Town’s scenic coastline, Milnerton Lagoon has long been an integral part of our natural heritage and a haven for diverse flora and fauna. Over the years, this precious ecosystem has faced environmental challenges due to pollution and degradation, threatening local water security and quality.

I want to commend the City of Cape Town, under the leadership of Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Dr Zahid Badroodien, for overseeing this significant upgrade. The upgrade is scheduled to be completed by 2027, with the operational trial starting in 2026. I also acknowledge the ongoing efforts of the community and civil society in the restoration efforts.

During the recent Quarterly Milnerton Lagoon engagement, it was explained that alongside this major upgrade, other sewerage infrastructure projects are underway in the vicinity, including the R430 million Montague Gardens Bulk Sewer Rehabilitation and the R118 million Koeberg Pump Station Upgrade. These projects are vital in cutting off sources of pollution sources and restoring the lagoon's health.

The construction of the Montague Gardens Bulk Sewer and Koeberg Road Pump Station upgrades is progressing, with some delays due to unforeseen challenges. The City of Cape Town is actively addressing these issues to ensure the projects stay on track.

The ongoing Bioremediation initiative is further exploring innovative ways to break down sediment organic matter in the lagoon into non-toxic substances. It focuses on breaking down sediment organic matter into non-toxic substances through natural biological processes, aiming to reduce pollution sources and improve water quality. The results so far are promising, and the City has committed to continuing this research to find effective and sustainable solutions.

Finally, the interventions to address illegal connections and wastewater discharges in Phoenix and Joe Slovo have been flagged as a priority. Contravention notices have been issued, and the City is actively working to rectify these issues, collaborating with residents to find sustainable solutions.

While I commend these successes, I also note with concern that there are areas in need of improvement. Short-term actions, such as the installation of litter nets along the Diep River and a waste interception in other rivers and canals, are going a long way in addressing this. However, there is a need for ongoing maintenance and strict enforcement to ensure their effectiveness in combating pollution.

Engagement with communities, including Joe Slovo, must remain a key aspect of this action plan. This includes working closely with local communities and civil society stakeholders to address pollution challenges effectively. By continuing to share information, involving the public, and ensuring community participation, we can make significant progress in restoring the health of the Milnerton Lagoon. Transparency and monitoring progress are essential to ensure successful restoration.

The DA in the Western Cape remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders in restoring the Milnerton Lagoon to its pristine state.

Issued by Cayla Murray MPL - DA Constituency Head, Blaauwberg-Durbanville