SA utility to complete Driefontein Waste Water Treatment expansion by 2013

South African water utility Joburg Water plans to complete the expansion works at its Driefontein Waste Water Treatment project in Johannesburg, by next year.

The works are currently underway at the project, which began in May 2011, to increase its capacity from 30ml/d to 55ml/d and 80ml/d in the future.

A total of ZAR528m ($69.08m) will be spent on the expansion of the plant which consists of an activated sludge module.

Joburg Water acting managing director Qondile Zimu said the upgrading of ageing water infrastructure topped the list of the company’s priorities.

"Furthermore, we have also increased the city’s coverage for basic water and 91 percent for basic sanitation," Zimu said.

"The ageing waste water treatment infrastructure in conjunction with the rapidly growing needs of the city prompted Johannesburg Water to invest in infrastructure upgrades as part of our broader vision for accelerated service delivery across the length and breadth of the city."

The Driefontein Waste Water Treatment Works catchment caters to the communities in northwestern Joburg, including Roodepoort, Diepsloot and Rietfontein.

The expansion is in line with the utility’s water infrastructure upgrade programme, which is being rolled out across the city.