Diep River pollution - appeal decision made | Western Cape Government

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Diep River pollution - appeal decision made

27 January 2021

The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape has taken a decision to modify an existing Directive issued to the City of Cape Town regarding the Diep River Catchment.

The Minister took the decision following an Appeal lodged by the City of Cape Town in the matter which relates to the pollution and degradation of the Diep River Catchment including the Milnerton Lagoon.

Anton Bredell, the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, says the modification to the existing Directive includes requesting the City to submit revised incident protocols and contingency plans for the Koeberg and Sanddrift pump stations.

“In addition, some of the dates and timelines have been addressed. The Directive remains in effect and instructs the City to continue to implement its action plan to address the pollution and degradation concerns.”

Bredell says the City is currently implementing more than fifty interventions in ongoing efforts to improve the water quality and reduce the pollution in the catchment area and the lagoon. “This includes major infrastructure upgrades that are at various stages in the Diep River catchment. The largest of these is the R2.2 billion Potsdam Waste Water Treatment Works Upgrade which is expected to be complete by August 2025.”

The Province will continue to monitor the situation.

Media Enquiries: 

James-Brent Styan

Spokesperson for the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell

Mobile:                   084 583 1670

Telephone:            021 483 2820

E-mail:                    James-Brent.Styan@westerncape.gov.za