Development of Wastewater Infrastructure

The project concerns the ongoing upgrading of mainly waste water infrastructure and the treatment of waste water. Due to the direct relationship between water use and waste water generation, the project therefore inherently includes the water supply component.

The objective within this Municipal partnership project is to improve service delivery of waste water and water reticulation to maximise waste water re-use and to minimize fresh water wastage.

The main focus will be capacity building on the operation, maintenance, monitoring and care of infrastructure. The improvement of the administration and management of waste water and water supply are therefore inherent components of this project. 

The expected results are: 

• Containment of waste water and reduction of pollution to the environment.
• Reduced waste water infrastructure component malfunctions at pump stations and at other appurtenant works.
• Reduced blockages and surface pools of waste water.
• Re-use of waste water to irrigate green spaces.
• Reduced freshwater wastage through the use of semi-purified effluent for irrigation.
• Reduced water losses from pipe bursts, leakages and water theft as a result of upgraded infrastructure components.
• Savings on natural water reserves (water bank) and the water bill.
• Satisfied customers through an attractive and healthy environment free from waste water pollution and a reliable supply of good quality water.
• A green Omaruru as a result of more green spaces that are wisely irrigated. 

The main activities are outlined below: 

A mini treatment plant was built in 2010 by the Municipality at the northern waste water disposal site (oxidations ponds) where wastewater was previously discharged into a stream leading to the Omaruru River. This mini plant comprises a reed bed constructed at a slope of 1% to allow a gentle flow of wastewater through the reed bed. From the reed bed the wastewater is filtered through a rock – sand medium after which it is collected in a 1,8 m deep concrete manhole. Before the manhole floods the semi-treated effluent drains to a second set of ponds located approximately 100m downstream of the primary ponds to the west via a 160mm uPVC gravity line.

This semi-treated effluent was tested in March 2011 and again in September 20211 and meets the Department of Water Affairs Standards for Waste water Treatment and Discharge. The effluent can be pumped to the Parks via a pump or alternatively it can drain to the second set of ponds for further evaporation or for use for gardening or fish farming. All the pipes and electricity to the recreation areas are installed and it is planned to commence with the irrigation of these two test sites using this effluent in October 2011.

Upon approval of this proposal it is planned to implement the following main activities:

• Formalize and improve the wastewater purification at the northern waste water disposal site (oxidation ponds) by adding a second natural treatment medium of a bigger size stone – sand filter at least 40m x 20m x 2m deep. This way the quality of the two systems can be compared and improvements made accordingly.
• Line the primary oxidation ponds to prevent groundwater pollution resulting from leachate.
• Add a chlorination plant at the ponds as the final treatment step before irrigation.
• Set up a mini lab at the Head office for basic water and sewage testing. 
• Upgrade the wastewater pump stations which are currently operating in a crisis mode.
• Set up gardening projects where suitable crops can be harvested using locals, who can then sell their produce. This way the entire wastewater disposal site becomes a green area which looks aesthetically appealing and is also pollution free while addressing socio economic concerns.
• Set up a fish farming pond at the final pond in the chain, diluted with fresh water which is already available on the site, managed by the community.
• Copy the same technology (a natural treatment plant) at the bigger ponds in Ozonje. This site is a serious contaminant of ground water as it is located uphill and within 100m of the river. There is clear evidence of surface and ground water pollution along this section of the river.
• Provide technical training to Operators on pumps and systems, reticulation networks and appurtenant works.

Through this improvement of wastewater and water management, infrastructure upgrading, capacity building on the operation, maintenance and care, wastewater treatment and quality control, the community will be satisfied with the services delivered and the Municipality will save on fresh water wastage while preventing pollution. In this process unemployment and poverty are also addressed at the end of the chain, in line with the Government interventions for poverty reduction and economic growth such as the TIPEEG program.