Collaboration for Safe Wastewater Management in Thabazimbi (2023 – 2024)
Published by MCP-Programme in Strategic Water Management · Friday 11 Apr 2025 · 2:15
Thabazimbi Local Municipality (TZLM) faces significant challenges in wastewater management, these challenges include outdated infrastructure, non-functional treatment plants, and a lack of operational support. These issues have led to a decline in the municipality's Green Drop score from 28% in 2013 to 0% in 2021, as reported by the Department of Water and Sanitation. In response, the Municipal Capacity and Partnership Programme (MCPP) has initiated targeted interventions to address these critical issues and enhance wastewater management in the region.
MCPP interventions focused on improving wastewater treatment, particularly at oxidation ponds suffering from overflow due to infrastructure failures and stormwater ingress. By conducting on-site assessments and providing technical coaching, the MCPP team supported municipal officials in developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for better wastewater management. These efforts will not only enhance environmental sustainability but also contribute to long-term service delivery improvements.
MCPP Interventions:
- Technical Support & Capacity Building:
Conducted technical coaching to municipal officials on wastewater treatment processes, plant operations, and compliance with Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) wastewater quality monitoring standards. Additionally, the team provided technical support for implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for oxidation ponds and conducted Infrastructure Asset Management training for six municipal officials, including senior technical leadership, to strengthen their operational capabilities.
- Assessments & Audits:
Conducted an inspection of the Thabazimbi Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTWs) to assess operational conditions and drafted a process audit while collecting key asset information to support informed decision-making. Additionally, the team carried out a capability assessment through site visits to the WWTWs, engaging with Process Controllers and reviewing the operating plans to identify areas for improvement and enhance operational effectiveness.
Results
- Capability Assessment Report as part of Process Audit Report for Thabazimbi WWTW
- Final Process Audit Report for Thabazimbi WWTW was completed as part of the municipality’s’ Green Drop compliance requirements.
- Established relationships with Water and Wastewater Department officials.
- Co-developed draft SOPs and status quo reports for wastewater treatment works.
- Identified need for capital investment to upgrade oxidation ponds.
- Facilitated training for plant controllers.
This collaboration aims to improve service delivery and ensure safe wastewater management for the community.
Acknowledgements:
Anglo Platinum, Amandebult Mine, Thabazimbi Water Treatment Works Team, MCPP Implementation Team.
For more information, please see [2023 MCPP Annual Report]
