| Global wastewater treatment company spreads its proficiency |
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| Written by Staff Reporters | |
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Specialist water treatment company VWS Envig is active throughout sub-Saharan Africa in both the industrial and municipal markets. As part of the global Veolia Environment group, the company is able to draw on resources and expertise from all industries and translate that knowledge into benefits for local clients.
The Veolia group offers expert, often-pioneering solutions. This is
especially evident in Veolia Water’s involvement in the WINGOC
(Windhoek Goreangab Operating Company) consortium in Namibia.
WINGOC comprises Veolia Water AMI, Berlinwasser International and VA-Tech Wabag, and is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the new Goreangab Water Reclamation plant in Windhoek, catering for the City of Windhoek on a Private Public Partnership basis. The new Goreangab Water Reclamation Plant comprises high-tech water treatment and processing technology, and has been operated by WINGOC since 2001. The plant purifies wastewater and semi-purified sewage for direct potable reuse through the Windhoek drinking water system. This pioneering project is the only one worldwide that provides potable water commercially on such a large scale. The plant has a capacity of 21 000 m³ per day and provides up to a third of the city’s total potable water supply, serving almost 300,000 people. According to Francois Gouws, Director of Design and Build Projects at VWS Envig, the reclamation plant is of extreme significance considering that Namibia comprises approximately 80% desert and semi desert and has a low annual rainfall. “With its primary water sources being surface and ground water, future water supply is not guaranteed. Thus alternative means of water production need to be considered and this project, going for almost 40 years is a prime example,” says Gouws. “The new plant is equipped with a series of water treatment processes that ensure the highest quality of potable water.” Due to the stringent quality requirements that the water must meet, the plant encompasses a multiple barrier concept, including five barriers for the removal of organic substances and micro pollutants. Treatment processes include pre-ozonation, coagulation, dissolved air flotation, dual media filtration, main ozonation, biologically activated carbon (BAC), activated carbon filtration, adsorption and ultra filtration. The plant meets World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, US EPA guidelines, Rand Water guidelines and Namibian Guidelines for Group A water. WINGOC is also ISO 9001 certified. |
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