THE Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCM), in partnership with the City of Oldenburg, Germany, launched the East Bank Wastewater Treatment Works Solar, Biogas, and Water Re-Use Project on Tuesday, October 22.
According to a statement by the BCM posted on Facebook, the total value of this project is more than R28 million. The statement said the goal of this project is to strengthen the capacity of municipal water utilities through knowledge exchange and cooperation.
“The pilot plant will treat sewage water to produce clean water suitable for industrial or agricultural use. Its core focus areas are Water Conservation and Environmental Awareness (focused on training and promoting environmental stewardship) Water Quality Management and Bulk Water Supply (aimed at improving water quality management in critical supply systems), and Wastewater Treatment (which enhances operational efficiency through monitoring systems, training, and technology integration),” the statement read.
During the ceremony, Executive Mayor Princess Faku said the BCM is working hard to increase the pace at which it improves social, economic, and environmental sustainability outcomes. “We appreciate your cooperation aimed at helping us overcome the persistent development challenges, particularly in the areas of environment, energy, water, and sanitation,” she said.
“Our municipal climate change partnership agreement is a game changer in our efforts to build sustainable development. It ensures that everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being and that we protect our environment through reasonable legislative measures,” said Faku.
Minister of Interior and Sports from Lower Saxony Province, Daniela Behrens, said: “This project is a pioneering effort in demonstrating how municipalities can leverage renewable energy to build more sustainable, cost-effective wastewater treatment solutions, while contributing to global climate action.”
