The City of Cape Town has kicked off a new series of online public briefings on the Water and Sanitation Directorate’s R5,08 billion budget for 2025/26, outlining how funds will be spent on critical upgrades and new water supply projects.
Hosting the first session, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation Councillor Zahid Badroodien unpacked residents’ water bills and detailed upcoming capital investments, from wastewater works and sewer rehabilitations to the City’s New Water Programme.
“There are some real big-ticket items needed to keep services running—like upgrades to Macassar Wastewater Treatment Works, rehabilitation of the Trappies sewer network, and progressing desalination and water reuse schemes,” said Badroodien. “This series builds on our Budget of Hope by explaining, transparently, how the budget improves infrastructure for a better future.”
The budget includes more than R1,8 billion for wastewater treatment works, with major expansions at Potsdam, Macassar, Bellville, Wesfleur and Wildevoëlvlei. A further R1,25 billion has been allocated to sewer network upgrades, with significant work in Philippi, Cape Flats, Trappies and Milnerton. The New Water Programme will receive R538,5 million to expand desalination, water reuse and groundwater schemes. Another R259 million has been set aside for water pipe replacement, while R198 million is allocated for waterways and flood prevention, including upgrades to the Manenberg Canal and Sir Lowry’s Pass River.
Badroodien said sustained capital investment is the foundation of an efficient, well-run city, and the briefings are designed to keep residents involved as projects roll out.
Upcoming webinars will cover a range of topics including underground water extraction and recharge on 17 September 2025, desalination on 1 October, safe wastewater reuse on 29 October, alien plant clearing on 12 November, pipe replacement on 26 November, the future of marine outfalls on 10 December, cleaning up rivers and vleis on 21 January 2026, and Project 7 000 road repairs after pipe work on 4 February.
Residents who would like to participate in the upcoming online sessions can email mmc.waterandsanitation@capetown.gov.za for more information and login details.
