The Sea Point, Fresnaye & Bantry Bay Ratepayers & Residents Association (SFB) is pleased to update our community on the City of Cape Town’s long-term plans for treating effluent discharged from the Green Point marine outfall, which services our area.
A comprehensive scoping study initiated in 2023 is exploring potential alternatives for effluent treatment, including the possibility of new Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) in Green Point. The estimated cost for these developments is R6 billion, not including annual increases in construction costs.
Marine outfalls like the one at Green Point are designed to safely release screened effluent far from shore, where ocean currents and natural biological processes help to break down harmful bacteria. Currently, the Green Point outfall serves a wide area, including Sea Point, Fresnaye, and Bantry Bay, along with the City Bowl and parts of Woodstock.
The Green Point marine outfall operates well within its design capacity of 40 million liters per day, currently functioning at about 65% of that capacity. However, recognizing the need for more sustainable solutions, SFB has been actively lobbying for improvements and is excited to see these plans moving forward.
Immediate efforts by the City include refurbishing and maintaining existing infrastructure, with an investment of R140 million required for these upgrades. Notably, R100 million has already been budgeted for the next financial year to cover mechanical and electrical upgrades, as well as structural enhancements.
Looking ahead, the City is considering the development of new WWTW facilities near the existing Green Point outfall pump station, with proposed sites being carefully evaluated based on space availability and environmental considerations.
SFB is committed to continuing our advocacy for sustainable and effective wastewater treatment solutions. We will keep our community informed on the progress of these initiatives and encourage public participation in future consultations to ensure the best outcomes for our environment and public health.
For more information, please visit the City of Cape Town’s website here.
