Water, Power Fears Stall Equinix Cape Town Project

A proposal by U.S.-listed Equinix to construct two data centers in Cape Town is currently facing significant opposition from local activists and non-profit organizations. These groups have lodged a formal objection with city planners, demanding complete transparency regarding the project's water, power, and environmental impact. The Housing Assembly and Foxglove argue that crucial details needed for officials to properly assess the development are missing.

Equinix confirmed the purchase of land in Cape Town but stated that no planning applications have yet been submitted. The company expressed commitment to transparency should development proceed. The proposed facilities have a combined projected power usage of up to 160 megawatts. Activists are particularly concerned about water consumption, given Cape Town's history of severe water scarcity, notably the 2017-2018 'Day Zero' crisis.

Organizations like Foxglove and the Legal Resources Centre are calling for a thorough impact assessment, citing a lack of substantive information on emissions, electricity demand, backup generators, and potential pollution. City officials are currently evaluating the application and all submitted objections. South Africa's government is simultaneously pledging to boost digital infrastructure investment.