By Akani Nkuna
Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Gary van Niekerk has welcomed the launch of a R68 million water treatment plant at Orion Engineered Carbons South Africa, recognising it as a significant stride in water conservation efforts.
“[This] is a testimony of what we are capable of as a city when we work closely with big businesses,” he said at the launch.
“These symbiotic relationships can be in the interest of the common good and not just the bottom lines of the business community.”
The pioneering water management system will now pump treated wastewater from the neighbouring Fishwater Flats wastewater treatment plant, and treat it onsite to meet its production standards for non-drinking water use.
The water is for commercial and industrial purposes.
“It is truly a trendsetting step that will hopefully encourage other major businesses to follow in their footsteps,” said Van Niekerk.
The company’s strategic use of treated wastewater reduced its reliance on drinking water, lowering costs and supporting water preservation initiatives.
Orion CEO Corning Painter said that the investment held significant value as it supported water preservation in a region facing water scarcity challenges.
While several companies use treated wastewater from Fishwater Flats for various applications, Orion South Africa is one of the first to use large volumes of wastewater for the purpose of producing carbon black.
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