The Europe Water point upgrade project is the result of years long efforts supported by the Rotary Foundation and undertaken by the Rotary Club of Newlands, The Rotary Club of Noon Gun and the Rotary Club of Weert, Netherlands.

The water point upgrade is located in Europe, an informal settlement in Gugulethu, Cape Town. Europe is underserved both in terms of basic services and urban infrastructure. The settlement experiences severe flooding and ponding due to a lack of drainage, has no formal sewer system and access to potable is from communal tap points. The target distribution of standpoints (tap points) is a ratio of 23 households to 1 tap point. However the ratio in Europe is 40 households to 1 tap point. These challenges are compounded by a profound lack of safe open space and the small improvised public spaces and access routes available are routinely flooded, often polluted and prone to erosion. 

This project is located at an emerging community node within the settlement and aims to solve the service requirements of the area whilst striving to address the need for positive public space within the settlement. The proposed intervention is a multifunctional infrastructure and public space solution that stretches from a key intersection (located at the watershed) within the settlement along the main pedestrian access route to Klipfontein Road. The intervention comprises two new paved plazas associated with ergonomically designed water points as well as a storm water channel that doubles as a pedestrian access route as well as a grey water diversion system.

The proposal tests the ideas of sustainable urban infrastructure by creating operative designs that work with the day to day experiences of residents within the settlement to improve the health and well-being of the community. The project has been a collaborative effort between the community leadership of Europe, Africa Unite, The City of Cape Town, JG Afrika and the Rotary Team. The project is due to begin construction towards the end of 2021.