Across Africa, bold infrastructure is opening new possibilities for communities and economies.
Through partnership, expertise and catalytic finance, DBSA helps turn vision into lasting development impact.
Stanford Wastewater Treatment Works Upgrade
Through the upgrade of the Stanford Wastewater Treatment Works, DBSA supported Overstrand Local Municipality in strengthening essential sanitation infrastructure, improving wastewater treatment capacity and enabling the municipality to better respond to current and future service delivery needs.
The project increased treatment capacity from 0.5ML/day to 1.2ML/day, supported the construction of a 5km sewer network extension, and included the installation of three pump stations to improve the movement and treatment of wastewater. The intervention now supports improved sanitation services for 1 546 households, reaching approximately 6 210 people in Stanford.
University of the Free State Student Residence Programme
Through the expansion of student residence infrastructure at its Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa campuses, DBSA supported the University of the Free State in addressing a critical shortage of safe, affordable student accommodation - strengthening access to higher education for students who might otherwise have struggled to study close to campus, and enabling the university to better meet current and future housing demand.
The programme delivered 520 new beds across the two campuses, completed ahead of the 2015 academic year, with DBSA contributing R64.5 million of the R119.6 million total.
Beyond the buildings, the residences created a safer, more supportive and academically conducive environment - 96% of students reported feeling safer, 91% found their accommodation comfortable, 94% would recommend it, and 80% said it improved their academic performance.
Students also saved an average of R534 and more than eight and a half hours of travel each month. During construction, the project created temporary work for 45 women and 60 young people, subcontracted temale-owned SMEs, and incorporated sustainable features including rainwater harvesting, passive-solar orientation and energy-efficient design.
Infrastructure impact at scale
The Development Bank of Southern Africa plays a pivotal role within projects from inception to fulfilment and with full support throughout. This is our involvement in the Overstrand Local Municipality by the numbers
Our Role
The Development Bank of Southern Africa plays a pivotal role within projects from inception to fulfilment and with full support throughout.
Development Finance
Supporting the implementation of critical infrastructure upgrades through long-term development finance.
Project Preparation Support
Helping structure the project and prepare it for investment, implementation and long-term sustainability.
Municipal Partnership
Working alongside the municipality to deliver sustainable infrastructure that strengthens service delivery and supports community development.
Environmental Sustainability
The project also demonstrates how municipal infrastructure can support environmental stewardship.
Treated wastewater from the Stanford Wastewater Treatment Works is discharged into reedbeds before reaching the Klein River, supporting natural filtration and helping reduce environmental risk.
The evaluation also notes that Overstrand achieved an 89% Green Drop Score, reflecting strong wastewater management performance.
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Standford Wastewater Project
Education Swartruggens-Krugersdorp
Energy Kaxu
Development Impact at glance
SOCIAL
Expanded access to higher education, improved student wellbeing, and reduced travel burdens
ECONOMIC
Reduced financial pressure on students and families, and termporary employment during construction
INSTITUTIONAL
Strengthened UFS accommodation capacity in support of national student-housing goals
ENVIRONMENTAL
Sustainable building systems and reduced transport-related emissions
Infrastructure impact at scale
Our Role
The Development Bank of Southern Africa plays a pivotal role within projects from inception to fulfilment and with full support throughout.
Development Finance
Supporting the implementation of critical infrastructure upgrades through long-term development finance
Project Preparation Support
Helping structure the project and prepare it for investment, implementation and long-term sustainability.
Municipal Partnership
Working alongside the municipality to deliver sustainable infrastructure that strengthens service delivery and supports community development.
View Our Project Gallery
WHAT WE OFFER
The Development Bank of Southern Africa is one of the leading African Development Finance Institutions, wholly-owned by the government of South Africa
Connect with DBSA to explore infrastructure solutions that unlock sustainable development and investment impact.