R20.7 million waste water project set to transform Hankey community

HANKEY – Kouga Local Municipality, in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements (ECDHS), has launched a multi-million-rand infrastructure project that will bring reliable sanitation services to the Weston community for the first time in years.

The Weston Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) and new sewer reticulation project marks a major investment in sustainable infrastructure, with Phase 1 valued at R20.7 million and funded by the Provincial Government. Construction officially commenced in July 2025, following the release of project funds earlier this year.

“This project is a significant step toward improving the quality of life for Weston residents,” said Kouga Local Municipality Deputy Executive Mayor, Timothy Jantjes.

“It will not only restore vital wastewater infrastructure but also enable the development of new service connections to hundreds of households.”

Two-Phase Approach

The Department of Human Settlements appointed IMVU Construction Group as the main contractor, with Bosch Projects (Pty) Ltd serving as the engineering and contract management agent.

Phase 1 focuses on refurbishing and reinstating the non-operational Weston Waste Water Treatment Works. The scope of work includes:

• Refurbishment of the treatment plant
• Upgrades on the inlet works, reactor and mechanical systems.
• Renovation of admin- and chloride building.
• Installation of upgraded electrical supply.
• Construction of security fencing.

Phase 1 is expected to take 18 months to complete.

Phase 2 will include water and sewer reticulation lines, with erf connections to 550 households in Weston.

The new sewer network will gravity-feed directly to the refurbished WWTW, eliminating the need for an additional pump station.

Funding and Project Oversight

While the overall cost of Phase 2 will be confirmed at a later stage, the project has been structured in two phases to ensure financial feasibility. According to municipal officials, the high cost of wastewater infrastructure prompted an agreement with the Provincial Government to phase the development over a 36-month period.

Progress and quality control are being closely monitored by Bosch Projects, who did the Condition Assessment of the WWTW and Civil Designs.  They will oversee on-site implementation and contract compliance.