Advancing Water Security in the Western Cape – The Paarden Eiland Desalination Plant
The Western Cape faces ongoing water challenges from climate variability and growing demand, particularly in industrial hubs like Cape Town and Saldanha Bay. The flagship project is the Paarden Eiland Desalination Plant in Cape Town, a R5 billion public-private partnership (PPP) approved in late 2025.
This permanent seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) facility targets 50–70 million litres of potable water daily by 2030–2031, prioritizing supply to industries such as food & beverage and chemicals for climate-independent reliability.
Procurement begins in 2026, featuring advanced pre-treatment, energy recovery, and post-treatment for high-quality output. It complements the Faure New Water Scheme (recycled wastewater) under the City's New Water Programme.
Broader Western Cape plans include potential desalination in the West Coast District, including Saldanha Bay, to support industrial growth and emerging green hydrogen projects requiring seawater processing.
These initiatives enhance resilience in water-stressed areas like Saldanha's industrial zone.
