 | Drakenstein Municipality sets benchmark with R1.4 billion mega infrastructure project
27 March 2026 | Press Releases |
24 March 2026
As South Africa commemorates National Water Month – an expansion of World Water Day observed annually on 22 March – Drakenstein Municipality is on track to deliver the largest infrastructure project in its history: a R1.4 billion upgrade and rehabilitation of its Paarl Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) and bulk sewer system in Southern Paarl.
The project will ensure the sustainability and resilience of the Municipality's sanitation infrastructure.
During an oversight visit on Thursday, 19 March 2026, the National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) commended Drakenstein Municipality for its strong project performance and delivery record.
“This is a showcase of government's ability to execute infrastructure projects of this magnitude. Drakenstein Municipality has a solid history of implementing major infrastructure upgrades. This project will achieve its intended outcome of improving wastewater services in Drakenstein," said Ntombizanele Bila‑Mupariwa, Western Cape Head of the DWS.
Now in Phase 3, the upgrade will significantly expand wastewater and sludge treatment capacity to meet the needs of Paarl, Mbekweni, Simondium, Wellington and surrounding communities.
In March 2023, following years of detailed technical planning and preparation, National Treasury approved Drakenstein Municipality's application and awarded funding through its Bulk Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) grant. This funding instrument is reserved for major, high‑impact national infrastructure investments and projects selected for their long-term contributions to economic growth, social equity, environmental resilience, and employment creation.
With supplementary co‑funding from Drakenstein Municipality, construction commenced in September 2023.
Louis Pienaar, Executive Director: Engineering Services; Councillor Lorenzo Arendse, Mayoral Committee Member: Electricity, Water and Wastewater; and Alderman Anré Koegelenberg, Mayoral Committee Member: Waste, Roads and Stormwater – all three from Drakenstein Municipality - during the site visit on 19 March 2026.
According to Louis Pienaar, Executive Director: Engineering Services at the Municipality, expansion is vital for safeguarding the area's water resources. “Increasing our treatment capacity improves effluent quality, strengthens sludge and compliance monitoring, and ensures safe discharge into the Berg River. These upgrades address current service demands while creating room for sustainable future development."
As part of the modernisation effort, decades‑old components at the Paarl WWTW have already been replaced with advanced systems, including new inlet works, pumps, maturation ponds, settling tanks and large‑scale screw pumps. These upgrades form part of a modern, energy‑efficient treatment process designed to manage higher volumes and deliver improved environmental compliance.
“The new infrastructure optimises operational efficiency and reduces long‑term maintenance costs," adds Pienaar.
The project is progressing according to schedule and will continue through to the 2027/28 financial year. It is an investment in Drakenstein's long‑term water security and economic potential while aligning with one of the National Water and Sanitation Masterplan's key objectives, namely effective infrastructure management, operation and maintenance.
Photo captions:
Ntombizanele Bila‑Mupariwa, Western Cape Head of the National Department of Water and Sanitation, listens to a briefing by Drakenstein Municipality at the Paarl Wastewater Treatment Works on 19 March 2026.
Ntombizanele Bila‑Mupariwa, Western Cape Head of the National Department of Water and Sanitation, and Councillor Lorenzo Arendse, Mayoral Committee Member: Electricity, Water and Wastewater at Drakenstein Municipality, inside the new administration building at the Paarl Wastewater Treatment Works on 19 March 2026.
Officials of the Western Cape Office of the National Department of Water and Sanitation meet with Drakenstein Municipality officials at the Paarl Wastewater Treatment Works on 19 March 2026.
5.
Representatives of the National Department of Water and Sanitation's Western Cape Office and officials of Drakenstein Municipality at a site inspection of the Paarl Wastewater Treatment Works on 19 March 2026.
[END]
Issued by: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
About Drakenstein Municipality
Located an hour's drive from Cape Town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, Drakenstein Municipality encompasses the towns of Paarl, Wellington, Gouda, Hermon, Saron and Simondium. It boasts the largest economy in the Cape Winelands and is home to 311 601 residents. Drakenstein Municipality is one of the country's most financially sound, well-governed, stable and sustainable municipalities - recognised specifically for its good governance and service excellence. The Municipality has been rated South Africa's number one secondary city and has, since 2011, achieved 11 clean audits.
Visit our website at www.drakenstein.gov.za or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
