FISH WATER FLATS WASTEWATER TREATMENT 80 PERCENT COMPLETE

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is proud to announce that the Fish Water Flats wastewater treatment refurbishment project has reached a significant milestone, with 80% of the construction now complete. This achievement marks a crucial step towards enhancing the region's wastewater management capabilities and ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable environment for all residents around the Deal Party industrial area.

The Fish Water Flats Wastewater Treatment Plant, a key infrastructure project for Nelson Mandela Bay, is designed to significantly improve the treatment and management of wastewater in the area. Once the R15 million refurbishment project, that started in June 2023, is completed, the plant will have the capacity to process millions of litres of wastewater daily, reducing environmental impact and supporting the health and well-being of the community.

The construction teams have worked diligently to ensure the highest standards of quality and efficiency. The remaining 20% of the project will focus on finalising the installation of equipment, conducting rigorous testing, and ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure.

"We are thrilled to have reached this important milestone," said MMC Ngqisha, Political portfolio head for Infrastructure and Engineering.

"This project is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and the well-being of our community. We look forward to completing the remaining work and delivering a an efficient facility that will serve Nelson Mandela Bay for decades to come."

Approximately, R12 million has already been spent on the project. Part of the work that is complete includes the following:

•Refurbishment of the electrical panel.

•Replacement of power cables.

•Changing from direct online to soft starters.

•Replacement of busbars & other electrical equipment.

On completion, this work will improve the performance of the equipment on site, helping to achieve better wastewater treatment and to produce good quality effluent to the end users. On a medium to long term, the Municipality plans to build and design a panel that will be energy efficient, cutting the high cost of power consumption.

Vandalism and population growth in areas like Kwazakhele, New Brighton and Motherwell, and the growing number of industries around Deal Party, compels the Metro to keep the capacity of this facility at its peak. This doe not only improve the sanitation system, but minimises the risk of spillages of untreated affluent into the sea and nearby streams and rivers.

The Metro is also working on several water treatment works infrastructure with the intention to improve the sanitation services.

However, we plead with all residents and businesses to help protect this critical infrastructure, and appeal that acts of criminality be reported to law enforcement.