Down the Drain: Contractors Paid Millions Through ‘Double Charging’ While Sewage Plant Fails

Johannesburg Water contractors were paid millions through alleged ‘double charging’ practices while a critical sewage treatment plant continued to fail, according to an investigation by News24 published on April 25, 2026.

The report details how Johannesburg Water’s managing director, Ntshavheni Mukwevho, and chief operating officer, Gugulethu Phakathi, oversaw contracts where service providers billed for the same work multiple times. This occurred despite ongoing failures at the utility’s sewage treatment infrastructure, which has struggled to meet basic operational standards.

Energy consumption remains a significant challenge for wastewater treatment facilities globally. Aeration processes in activated sludge plants—which are commonly used in municipal wastewater treatment—account for 30 to 80 percent of total electricity demand, according to research from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

For municipal wastewater treatment plants, capital costs are heavily influenced by local operating conditions, regulatory requirements, and system flexibility needs rather than any single technology choice. Key baseline inputs such as design flow, peak flow ratios, and influent strength variability directly impact both initial investment and long-term affordability, as noted in industry guidance from Water and Wastewater International.

The Johannesburg Water case highlights broader concerns about accountability in public utility contracting, particularly when infrastructure failures persist despite significant financial outflows to private contractors.

This article is based on verified reporting from News24 and authoritative technical sources on wastewater treatment operations and costs.