Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Gary van Niekerk, has hailed the launch of a R68 million water treatment plant at Orion Engineered Carbons South Africa as a major boost for water conservation.

Based in Deal Party, Gqeberha, the only carbon Black producer in Sub-Saharan Africa, 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.

Van Niekerk said the launch is a testimony of what the city is capable of when it works closely with big business.

“These symbiotic relationships can be in the interest of the common good and not just the bottom lines of the business community. Thank you to the international and local management of Orion South Africa for making today possible.

“It is truly a trendsetting step that will hopefully encourage other major businesses to follow in their footsteps. Thank you for the vote of confidence in our city. We truly appreciate your investment,’ Van N
iekerk said.

The usage of treated wastewater at its production plant in Deal Party, frees up drinking water that will no longer be used by the company and translates to a long-term financial benefit as treated wastewater is cheaper while also contributing towards the preservation of precious drinking water.

Orion Chief Director, Corning Painter said the investment is meaningful since it contributes to water conservation in a water-scarce area.

‘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,’ Painter said.

Source: South African Government News Agency