During the one-week stay, the technical focus was on the “East Bank” wastewater treatment plant in East London. At the outset, the team gained an overview of the existing processes during a site tour, with particular attention to the process control system and the sensor technology in use. In the following days, sampling points were specifically defined, and samples were prepared and taken in order to analyse key chemical and physical parameters. As part of this, a laboratory technician also received practical training.
Based on the analytical data obtained on site, the experts from the Wupperverband were able to develop concrete recommendations for optimising plant operations.
Within the operator partnership, these findings will now be taken forward: plans include, among other things, the development of standard operating procedures as well as training for BCMM staff on the regular maintenance and calibration of sensor technology. In addition, training in sampling and laboratory practices is planned in order to firmly establish the importance of reliable analysis in the long term.
A particular highlight during the stay was the official opening ceremony of the ecReUse pilot plant. The facility serves as a prime example of innovative approaches to sustainable resource use in wastewater treatment. As part of the event, a representative of the Wupperverband presented, among other things, a newly constructed photovoltaic system developed within the FFKP-funded “model project for the development of an energy-efficient wastewater treatment plant in East London”, which covers around ten per cent of the total plant’s energy demand.
Participants in the opening ceremony on the South African side included the Mayor of the BCMM as well as other representatives from the fields of infrastructure, water and sanitation. On the German side, attendees included, in addition to the Wupperverband, a representative of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN).
The event received a strong response: social media posts, a television report and coverage in the local press underline the high level of public attention and the positive reception.
The commissioning of the ecReUse pilot plant clearly demonstrates how successful international cooperation can contribute to the implementation of innovative and sustainable solutions. At the same time, the working visit highlights the importance of the operator partnership, which, through knowledge transfer and joint commitment, contributes to the long-term development of wastewater treatment on site.
Moreover, it underlines the central role of cooperation and networking between the individual projects: through the continuous exchange of experience, data and best practices, synergies are created that not only enhance the efficiency and quality of the respective measures, but also facilitate the transferability of successful approaches to other locations. In this way, shared learning is enabled, accelerating innovation and strengthening the overall sustainability and impact of the projects.