Rand Water
By Mpho Moloi
Rand Water is set to host a comprehensive two-day media tour of the Sedibeng Wastewater Treatment Plant network on 20 and 21 May 2025. This initiative aims to showcase the significant progress made under the Section 63 intervention project, which commenced in 2021. The project, a collaborative effort between Rand Water, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), and the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM), focuses on revitalising Emfuleni’s deteriorating water and sanitation infrastructure.
Background: Addressing a Long-Standing Crisis
Emfuleni Local Municipality, situated in Gauteng’s Sedibeng District, has grappled with severe water and sanitation challenges for years. Aging infrastructure, financial mismanagement, and service delivery failures have plagued the municipality, leading to environmental degradation and public health concerns. In response, the DWS invoked Section 63 of the Water Services Act in 2021, appointing Rand Water as the implementing agent to manage, operate, and maintain the municipality’s water and sanitation services. 
Tour Objectives and Itinerary
The upcoming tour will provide media representatives with an in-depth look at the rehabilitation efforts undertaken at key facilities, including the Leeuwkuil Wastewater Treatment Plant. Senior officials from Rand Water, DWS, and ELM will lead the tour, offering insights into the technical and operational advancements achieved. Key highlights of the tour include:
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Showcasing the refurbishment of critical components such as pump stations, pipelines, and treatment modules.
• Capacity Enhancements: Demonstrating the increased treatment capacities at facilities like Leeuwkuil, which is being upgraded from 36 million litres per day to 51 million litres per day. 
• Environmental Impact: Discussing the reduction in sewage spillages into the Vaal River and improvements in effluent quality. 
Progress Achieved Under Section 63
Since the inception of the Section 63 intervention, notable strides have been made in restoring Emfuleni’s water and sanitation infrastructure:
• Treatment Plant Upgrades: Facilities such as Sebokeng and Rietspruit have undergone significant enhancements, increasing their treatment capacities and operational efficiencies. 
• Pipeline Rehabilitation: Extensive repairs and replacements of aging pipelines have been executed, mitigating frequent blockages and overflows.
• Pump Station Refurbishments: Key pump stations, including Rothdene, have been overhauled to ensure consistent wastewater conveyance. 
• Community Engagement: Local Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) have been actively involved, fostering economic growth and job creation within the municipality.
Challenges and Ongoing Efforts
Despite the progress, Emfuleni continues to face challenges:
• Financial Constraints: The municipality’s collection rate stands at 76%, below the 85% target, leading to revenue shortfalls that hinder further infrastructure investments.
• Debt Accumulation: Significant debts to service providers like Eskom and Rand Water persist, impacting service delivery and operational sustainability.
• Service Delivery Backlogs: Historical neglect has resulted in substantial backlogs in housing, billing, and basic services, prompting investigations by the Gauteng Legislature.
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