PPPs offer opportunities to address environmental challenges

Regulatory and fiscal stability is required for PPPs

SOUTH AFRICA: Stressing the importance of a stable regulatory and fiscal framework that supports investment in sustainability solutions, Dean Thompson, CEO of EnviroServ is calling for collaboration through public-private partnerships (PPPs) to overcome the environmental challenges facing the country.

He says that these partnerships can combine the private sector’s innovation, technology, and expertise with the public sector’s regulatory framework and that PPPs represent an essential mechanism for tackling South Africa’s complex socio-economic and environmental challenges.

“The collaboration between the public and private sectors can provide not only much-needed funding but also access to global best practices, infrastructure and specialised expertise. Together, we can build a sustainable and circular economy for the country. We can address most of the issues plaguing communities,” he explains.

As the country grapples with interconnected environmental challenges—including the recent unexpected stage 6 load shedding, water supply shortages, and growing waste management crises—EnviroServ, part of the global SUEZ Group, a global leader in waste and water, is calling for holistic and sustainable solutions.

EnviroServ is committed to playing a pivotal role in South Africa’s environmental management and is eager to collaborate with government bodies, municipalities, and other stakeholders to improve the quality of life for all South Africans.

A holistic approach to waste management

South Africa continues to struggle with waste management practices. This issue has led to public health concerns including illegal dumping, and rodent infestations. Rats, for instance, can thrive due to access to food, water, and shelter created by improper waste disposal. According to Thompson, “By tackling the root causes of waste mismanagement—such as illegal dumping—we can reduce public health risks.”

EnviroServ advocates for a holistic waste management approach, guided by the principles of the waste hierarchy, which focuses on reducing waste, recycling, and waste-to-energy initiatives. With years of experience in managing complex waste streams, EnviroServ is committed to providing tailored solutions that help industries and municipalities meet their waste management goals.

South Africa is facing landfill space shortage, and EnviroServ has a number of integrated waste management facilities that can accept collected waste.

Waste-to-Energy Solutions for Load Shedding

Waste to energy is a robust way of dealing with waste at scale, especially considering the diminishing capacity of landfills in South Africa. With load shedding continuing to disrupt businesses and households, Thompson says that the country can ease its dependence on the national grid through waste-to-energy solutions.

By converting waste into renewable energy, EnviroServ, with the support of SUEZ, aims to support energy resilience and help mitigate the environmental impact of waste disposal. Thompson concludes, “We need to explore scalable solutions to address waste and energy challenges while advancing sustainability.”

Tackling water challenges

As one of South Africa’s most pressing issues, water and sanitation challenges demand urgent action. With decades of expertise in drinking water, non-revenue water, managing aquifers, and wastewater management, SUEZ, through EnviroServ, is well-equipped to address water challenges across the country.

From infrastructure investments to leak detection and repair, to the development of desalination plants, EnviroServ, a SUEZ company, is committed to providing sustainable, reliable water solutions that ensure the resilience of communities and industries.

With the recent acquisition of EnviroServ by SUEZ, a global leader in water and waste management, along with local partners like Royal Bafokeng Holdings and African Infrastructure Investment Managers, EnviroServ is committed to advancing sustainability in South Africa.

The company is dedicated to supporting the country’s shift towards a circular economy. By fostering collaboration through PPPs, EnviroServ aims to unlock innovative solutions to the country’s most pressing environmental challenges.

“We are ready to partner with government, industry, and local communities to improve service delivery in South Africa,” says Thompson.

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