Joint compliance monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental laws
On Monday 19 June 2023, the National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), Western Cape Environmental Affairs, Development Planning and Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries conducted an audit at the Potsdam Wastewater Treatment Works and other facilities.
Ms Boniswa Hene DWS Western Cape Director Regulations says the purpose of this joint operation was to assess the level of compliance of Waste-Water Treatment Works (“WWTW”) and its associated infrastructure. The importance of complying with water use licence conditions of the authorisations is to protect both freshwater resources as well as marine resources.
This was achieved by conducting audits at the said facilities. Also accompanying enforcement teams to Potsdam was Anton Bredell, Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning. Bredell applauded the joint monitoring of compliance by the respective parties.
Potsdam Wastewater Treatment Works in particular has come under sharp scrutiny due to high pollution levels in the Diep River and Milnerton Lagoon which continue to negatively impact residents' health.
According to the City of Cape Town, the plant will be upgraded and the upgrade is expected to be finished by 2027.
The joint compliance monitoring will conclude on the West Coast on 23 June 2023, and results will be communicated to various communications platforms.
For more information, contact Wisane Mavasa Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation on 060 561 8935.
