WEC Projects

Join Us at WISA 2024! 🌊

Tim Fisher, our Process Engineering Manager, will present on the performance and lessons learned on the non-sewered sanitation system (NSSS) NEWgeneratorᵀᴹ technology installed at informal settlements, at this year's WISA 2024 Biennial Conference, happening 12 - 14 June 2024 at the Durban ICC.

We invite you to visit the Water Research Commission’s stand 111-113 to view our NEWgeneratorᵀᴹ model.

Let's collaborate to turn the tide towards a sustainable future!

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Exciting news! Our MD, Wayne Taljaard, is gearing up for the Comrades Marathon this weekend. Let's show Wayne some love and wish him the best of luck for the race! 💪🏅

Today, on World Environment Day, WEC Water proudly supports 's focus on land restoration, combatting desertification, and enhancing drought resilience.

Did you know that up to 40% of the planet’s land is degraded, directly impacting half of the world’s population and posing a threat to roughly half of global GDP (US$44 trillion)? The alarming increase in the number and duration of droughts, which has risen by 29% since 2000, underscores the urgency of our actions. Without immediate intervention, droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world's population by 2050.

At WEC Water, we understand the vital importance of land restoration and ecosystem revival. Our commitment to engineering innovative water solutions aligns seamlessly with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), which calls for the protection and rejuvenation of ecosystems worldwide to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

As we mark the 30ᵗʰ anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification in 2024, WEC Water reaffirms its dedication to environmental sustainability and resilience. Through our projects and initiatives, we strive to contribute to the restoration of degraded lands, combat desertification, and build resilience against droughts.

Join us in embracing for a sustainable future. 🌱🌾

We're excited to announce our latest project with a major copper mine in the DRC!

Leading the charge, we've engineered, installed, and are in the final stages of commissioning the largest packaged, filtered water treatment plant our company has ever built in Africa!

The 16 MLD modular water treatment plant consists of two treatment trains, treating a blend of the mine’s tailings water, boreholes and surface water through clarification and filtration. The treated water is used as service water in the operations of the mine.

This project signifies a significant milestone, highlighting our commitment to innovation and excellence in water treatment solutions.

Stay tuned for updates as we pave the way for sustainable resource management in the heart of Africa! 💧🌍

Visit our website for more information about this project: https://loom.ly/nAgeTJY

We are proud to announce that Gunter Rencken, our Technical Director, will be presenting the NEWgeneratorᵀᴹ at the Water Research Commission's Community Info Session of the Next Generation Sanitation Knowledge Hub, in partnership with Haskè Conseil on the 14th May. This digital platform aims to educate stakeholders about waterless sanitation innovation in Africa.

The NEWgeneratorᵀᴹ, an off-grid, biological sanitation system, uses treated water to flush toilets for safe toilet use.

Keep an eye out for updates!

Join us in welcoming Jade Mc Nicol to the WEC team! 🎉

Jade has recently joined our Process team as a Process Engineer, specialising in the design and commissioning of water and wastewater treatment plants. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pretoria and boasts 1.5 years of experience as a System Integrator, adept in designing, configuring, and implementing process control and automation solutions.

Jade's skills and passion for innovation will undoubtedly drive our projects to new heights. Welcome aboard, Jade! 🌊

Exciting Project Announcement! 🚀

WEC is thrilled to announce our latest endeavour with a municipality in the Free State! 💧

We're undertaking the design, supply, manufacture, delivery, installation, and commissioning of a state-of-the-art 4 MLD water treatment plant. The plant will treat river water to potable water standards, ensuring safe and clean drinking water for the local community. The existing 2.6 MLD water treatment plant and abstraction works will also be upgraded under the next phase of the project.

The treatment train consists of clarification, filtration, and final disinfection, ensuring reliable, high-quality water.

Once both projects are completed, the local community will have access to 6.6 MLD of potable water, transforming lives and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this transformative journey! 💧🌍

Photo: water.org

As Sofia Iserentant, our vibrant marketing intern from Belgium, prepares to conclude her enriching 3-month internship with us by the end of this month, we take a moment to reflect on the invaluable contributions she has made to the WEC Water team.

From HELMO Sainte-Marie Campus in Liège, Sofia's final year of marketing studies has been marked by her enthusiasm and work ethic, balancing studies with two jobs in Belgium . One involves creating marketing content for a jewellery store’s social platforms, contributing to her marketing skills, and the other working in a restaurant.

Choosing to seek out an internship experience that transcends borders, Sofia deliberately embraced the unknown by venturing to a different continent. Throughout her time with us, Sofia immersed herself in our culture, quickly falling in love with the country and, above all, the kindness and friendliness of its people.

We are immensely grateful to Sofia for choosing WEC Water and for the passion and dedication she brought to her role. Over the past 13 weeks, Sofia has been an integral part of our team, contributing to our company's growth and development through her daily work, innovative marketing ideas, and insightful market analysis.

As Sofia returns to Belgium to complete her thesis on the marketing analysis of WEC Water, we're grateful for her dedication and wish her success. Thank you, Sofia, for your energy and hard work.

On International Mother Earth Day, we're reminded to protect our planet's delicate balance. The Earth and its ecosystems are our home, and to ensure a sustainable future, we must promote harmony with nature and environmental sustainability.

At WEC, we understand the significance of this collective responsibility. Our mission of "Engineering the water of tomorrow" goes hand in hand with the goal of achieving environmental sustainability. Through pioneering water solutions, we strive to minimise environmental impact while meeting the water needs of communities throughout Africa.

As we commemorate International Mother Earth Day, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting harmony with nature and protecting the Earth's precious resources. Together, we can make a tangible difference in preserving the planet for present and future generations. 🌍

Exciting Project Announcement!

We're thrilled to share that WEC Water is embarking on a new journey with Ceres Fruit Processors (CFP), supplying a full turnkey 1,300 m3/d industrial trickling filter plant. Here's a glimpse into the project:

CFP operates an existing wastewater processing facility, discharging treated wastewater to the Witzenberg Municipality. The system consists of upfront solids reduction, high-rate anaerobic digestion and aerobic polishing.

The wastewater and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) production at the facility is highly cyclical, relating to the seasonality of fruit harvesting, especially apples and pears.

WEC Water is supplying CFP with a trickle filter polishing plant to reduce the COD. In addition, WEC Water will also upgrade the existing oxidation ponds and install a dedicated solids dewatering system.

𝐖𝐄𝐂 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐩𝐡 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐢

We're excited to introduce Joseph Merementisi, our newest addition to the WEC Assist team, stepping into the role of Senior Operations Supervisor!

Joseph brings with him an impressive 10 years of experience as a Water and Wastewater Plant Process Controller. His expertise is underscored by his NQF Level 3 accreditation in Water and Wastewater Process Control and his NQF Level 5 Higher Certificate in Project Management. Notably, Joseph is also registered as a Class III Process Controller with the Department of Water and Sanitation.

His knowledge and practical operational and maintenance experience make him a valuable asset to our team. Joseph's commitment to maintaining the highest standards align perfectly with WEC Assists’ values.

We extend a warm welcome to Joseph as he joins the WEC Assist family and look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly contribute to our operations. Here's to a successful journey ahead!

We're Hiring! Please email your CV to [email protected]

Join us in welcoming Michael Bernhardi to the WEC Water family!

With a BSc. Eng in Chemical Engineering with first-class honours from the University of Cape Town, Michael brings passion and expertise to our team. Michael describes himself as confident, energetic, and approachable. He enjoys spending time with friends and partaking in team sports.

His keen interest in sustainable development, tackling challenges head-on and passion for shaping a greener future through innovative solutions make him a perfect fit for WEC Water. As a Proposals Process Engineer, Michael is excited to merge technology with sustainability to pioneer greener futures. His energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to shaping a brighter tomorrow make him a valuable addition to our team.

Congratulations, Michael! We're thrilled to have you onboard. 🌊✨

Ready to enhance your plant’s efficiency? 🚀

Discover how our comprehensive operations and maintenance (O&M) services can transform your water and wastewater treatment plant operations.

From customised service packages to supply of chemicals, spares and consumables – the WEC Assist team is available to help you navigate the complexities of O&M.

For a deeper dive into our services or to discuss your needs with one of our expert engineers, visit our website or get in touch with us today. https://loom.ly/6Wu5XVU

Today marks World Water Day, a day close to the heart of WEC Water and our team. 🌍❤️

This year, with the theme "Water for Peace", we're reminded of water's crucial role in not just sustaining life but also in promoting peace and security across communities. As a fundamental human right, access to water is pivotal for peaceful coexistence and prosperity.

Addressing the greatest challenges of our time often starts with water, a vital resource at the core of WEC Water's mission.💧

We are dedicated to providing optimally engineered solutions in the water and wastewater treatment industry across Africa, aspiring to a world where economic growth and environmental sustainability go hand in hand, ensuring better living standards for all. 🌍

As part of National Water Week 2024, WEC is proudly participating in the Water Research Commission (WRC) Provincial Road Show in Kimberley taking place on 12 and 13 March.

This year’s National Water Week theme, "Accelerating Change", resonates deeply with our mission, emphasising the urgent role of water in the current climate crisis.🌍💧

Our journey to Kimberley isn't just a showcase; we're able to demonstrate the unique NEWgenerator off-grid, non-sewered sanitation system that provides clean sanitation to communities in water-scarce areas. It is part of our commitment to highlight innovative solutions for sustainable water management and sanitation.🌍

We're inspired by the collective drive toward accelerating change for water conservation. Let's keep pushing the boundaries for a water-wise world!💧

We are proud to showcase our NEWgenerator technology in collaboration with AECI Water at the National Waste to Energy and Circular Economy Indaba, taking place on 7 and 8 March at the Avianto Conference Centre in Muldersdrift.

This pioneering, non-sewered, off-grid sanitation system highlights our shared commitment to providing resource-scarce communities with sustainable sanitation solutions. By operating as a resource recovery unit, the NEWgenerator not only eliminates waste but also recycles 99% of the water for toilet flushing, showcasing our dedication to environmental protection.🌍

This event, organised by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the National Development Plan, and Mogale City, serves as an ideal platform for exploring the transformation of waste into valuable resources. ♻️ We extend our gratitude to AECI as a technology partner as well as the dignitaries and attendees for their commitment to embracing innovative solutions for a sustainable future. 🤝

🔗Explore our website for a detailed exploration of how the NEWgenerator works and its impact: https://loom.ly/r9uvRgk

We're thrilled to share our latest accomplishment in water treatment at a site in Eswatini. WEC Water has proudly supplied and successfully installed a 2 MLD clarifier with an integrated flocculation tank and associated dosing equipment. 💧

This project is a cornerstone in our mission to ensure the district enjoys a reliable supply of potable water, addressing both present and future demands with advanced technology and sustainable practices.

🔊 Stay tuned for more updates on our projects and how we're making a difference in water treatment across regions!

Infrastructure News has recognised the NEWGenerator from WEC Water as the product of the month🥇

This groundbreaking system is transforming sanitation and water access in resource-scarce areas, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional pit latrines.

"Sanitation is often needed in rural areas with no grid structure or water source. This is where the NEWgenerator system shines as it does not require a full sewer network or power supply. Furthermore, up to 98-99% of water can be recycled for reuse in the system. A complete paradigm shift is needed when addressing sanitation and absolutely everyone involved needs to be on the same page. The NEWgenerator system has given good results, and we believe it is the future for sanitation," says Gunter Rencken, Technical Director at WEC Water.

Learn more about how the NEWgenerator is leading the way toward a cleaner future and addressing critical sanitation needs in the full article: https://loom.ly/uavwMK8

Thrilled to share our recent experience at the DRA Supplier Day!

As one of the 60+ distinguished companies participating, WEC Water had an opportunity to showcase a model of a 5 MLD potable water treatment plant consisting of flocculation, clarification and filtration.

The event served as a vibrant platform for networking with industry peers, engaging with DRA representatives, and gaining insights into current and future projects.

A big thank you to DRA Global for organising such an enlightening event. Here's to building stronger relationships and exploring new horizons together!

This Valentine's Day, WEC champions a "succulent" perspective on love and sustainability! 🌵
In celebrating love this season, we're inspired to adopt practices that ensure water flows... sparingly, reinforcing our commitment to a sustainable future where every drop counts.
Love blossoms in the most water-wise ways! ❤️💧

A Wake-Up Call on Water Quality in South Africa: Insights from the Latest Blue Drop Report💧

The Blue Drop Watch Report has cast a revealing light on the state of water quality in South Africa. While the data points to areas of concern, it also underscores the potential for collective action and improvement.

Here are three hard-hitting stats that underscore the urgency of this issue:
1. Critical Condition of Water Systems: A concerning 15% of the 151 Water Supply Systems (WSS) inspected are in 'poor and critical' condition, notably in provinces like Free State, Limpopo, Northern Cape, and North West.
2. Challenges in Microbiological Water Quality: Only 38% of systems achieve 'excellent' microbiological quality, with over half (51%) facing poor to bad microbiological water quality, posing a significant public health challenge.
3. Financial Implications of Restoration: The estimated cost to restore and refurbish dysfunctional systems stands at a staggering R1.5 billion, highlighting the significant investment needed.

These statistics not only paint a sobering picture but also serve as a catalyst for action. Through the Blue Drop programme, there's a path to enhance water management and quality across South Africa.
In this effort, WEC Water has been at the forefront, by supplying a drinking water plant to a large municipal area in Northern KwaZulu Natal and a multi-stage water treatment plant to Kasane in Botswana. These projects exemplify WEC's commitment to providing vital solutions for safe drinking water, reinforcing our collective responsibility to ensure sustainable and safe water for all.

Happy New Year from WEC Water! 🎉

As we embark on this new year, our commitment to progressive solutions in water and wastewater treatment remains unwavering.

We're excited to dive into a year filled with innovation, growth, and sustainability. Wishing everyone a year ahead filled with prosperity, joy, and endless possibilities!

Stay tuned for more updates and sneak peeks of the new face of WEC Water. 🌐💧

Our year-end function was nothing short of spectacular as we celebrated in superhero style! At WEC, we know that every team member, client, and supplier is a hero in their own right.
Cheers to all the incredible heroes at WEC for their hard work, dedication, and passion!! 💪🌟

Embrace with us! This year's theme 'Accelerating Change' calls on us to speed up our response to the on-going sanitation crisis (click here for more info: www.worldtoiletday.info/learn). We at WEC are proud to be part of sanitation revolution with the NEWgenerator non-sewered sanitation (NSS) system.

Explore the latest innovations in the development of the NEWgenerator and learn more about how we are transforming sanitation in Africa for a better future. From proof of concept, to community acceptance in Slovoville Soweto, and to WEC's latest installation in Bizana Eastern Cape. You can read all about it as presented at the IWA NSS Conference https://loom.ly/XdECCDI

We take this opportunity to look back on the two years of making a difference with the NEWgenerator since we first launched the Slovoville site in time for World Toilet Day 2021. Many lessons have been learned specifically regarding effective operations and maintenance, equipment selections and localised sourcing. We look forward to renewing our maintenance contract and continuing this journey with the NEWgenerator.

Watch this space for more exciting news and innovations!

Let's talk about Men's Health! This November, WEC is joining the Mo-vement to raise awareness about mental health, su***de, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

We are challenging you to support the Mo-vement – click here https://loom.ly/up5m1ww to help us raise funds
or Mo your own way! (https://loom.ly/gKlPKQ8)

Together, we can make a difference. 💙👨

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important time to promote awareness, education, and support for those affected by breast cancer. 🎗️
By embracing the power of pink and supporting the cause, you're contributing to a future without breast cancer. Early detection and advocacy are crucial in the fight against this disease.
It's inspiring to see organisations like WEC Water joining the effort to make a difference and stand in solidarity with survivors and advocates. Together, we can make progress in the fight against breast cancer. 🎗️

The Non-Sewered Sanitation Conference served as a remarkable platform for the exchange of knowledge and technologies addressing sanitation security and infrastructure challenges.

The IWA CEO hit the nail on the head with a resounding closing message: Maintaining the status quo in the face of the current sanitation crisis is not a viable option. It's evident that the stage is set for a shift towards decentralised and distributed sanitation, with the responsibility resting on governments to facilitate this transition and private institutions to drive the circular economy.

The conference was a thrilling showcase of technical advancements, funding opportunities, and rollout initiatives, such as SASTEP, along with the newly established Water Partnerships Office.

From the perspective of the NEWGenerator, it was well-represented, with a number of presentations and posters that ignited in-depth discussions. During these talks, a multitude of complementary technologies to our NEWGenerator were identified, including innovative solutions like low-flush toilets.

To cap it off, it was truly inspiring to witness our technical partners, USF, receive two prestigious conference awards. Prof. Daniel Yeh was honoured with the IWA Specialist Group Chair Award, and Hsiang-Yang Shu and Robert Bair were recognised for the best poster.

We are all feeling incredibly motivated and inspired to continue our work! Be sure to stay tuned for more updates.