Ceenex helps Thembisile Hani Local Municipality engineer water security for constituents
07-08-2024
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Ceenex, a leading provider of quality water engineering solutions, recently handed over the new Mathyzensloop Booster Pump Station to Thembisile Hani Local Municipality (THLM), and its constituents.
This state-of-the-art infrastructure is supplying water to about 57 000 people residing within Kwaggafontein by extending supplies from the Bundu water supply system.
One of the largest service-delivery infrastructure projects to have ever been undertaken by THLM, the Bundu water supply system is one of many Ceenex flagship water projects. Water is pumped from the waste-water treatment plant via a rising main into the two Boekenhouthoek B reservoirs. They are connected to the new existing pipeline that feeds the Boekenhouthoek A reservoirs. From there, the pipeline feeds the new 10ML command reservoir and two water-retaining structures in Matheysenloop.
“Considering our longstanding professional relationship with THLM which started when we were initially engaged to determine available surface water sources in the jurisdiction, we were again consulted to extend supply to Kwaggafontein. This would be done by constructing a booster-pump station in Matheysenloop where the Bundu water-supply scheme terminated,” Kabelo Ringane, a Ceenex Project Manager, says.
The new booster pump station has a capacity of 7,5Ml/day. It delivers water from Bundu reservoir to a new water-retaining structure in Kwaggafontein via a 250mm-diameter OPvc pipeline.
The water infrastructure comprises of three booster pumps. Provision was made for a fourth unit to bolster capacity should demand increase at a later stage. Two pumps operate simultaneously interchanging with the third unit to reduce strain on the system.
Housed in a well-ventilated room, a generator was also installed to supply back-up power during loadshedding and unforeseen interruptions in grid electricity supply.
The booster pump station is also equipped with an overhead gantry crane to handle heavy items for maintenance and repair.
This otherwise straightforward structure also comprises an office, kitchen and ablution facilities.
Working with two very competent contractors, Ceenex achieved practical completion of the infrastructure within 16 months. Notably, this was two months ahead of the initial contractual completion date. By completing the project ahead of schedule, THLM was able to bring urgent relief to community members earlier than anticipated.
The Mechanical scope of work for the booster pump station was successfully completed by Mbako Group, while Tshwele Logistics was tasked with constructing the pipeline.
Ceenex worked with both contractors on the Bundu Water Augmentation Scheme. Therefore, excellent team dynamics were already established between the engineering and contracting teams when they mobilised to site.
“Already familiar with the contracting teams’ capabilities, we could anticipate challenges and take the necessary action timeously. Moreover, we were able to work well together to troubleshoot and find solutions to unforeseen challenges quickly. This helped to keep the project progressing according to schedule,” Ringane says.
One of the biggest challenges was excavating the pipe trench in mountainous terrain. This required extensive blasting, including conventional and chemical, in addition to the use of hydraulic hammers to break oversize material. Where blasting had to be undertaken close to dwellings, extra safety measures had to be implemented. This was over-and-above the excavation standards implemented to ensure trench safety.
Due to fluctuating water flow and stresses, some of the pipes also had to be restrained so that they remained connected. Nevertheless, Tshwele Logistics successfully overcame all civil -engineering obstacles. It also demonstrated sound mechanical engineering capabilities when installing the scour, surge anticipating, isolating, air and Float Control valves.
As is the case with all Ceenex projects, an optimised life-cycle centred philosophy was adopted in the design of the water infrastructure. This included the innovative use of fit-for-purpose materials to construct the booster pump station.
For example, top-of-the-range KSB Pumps were specified. Locally based, KSB can provide fast and efficient technical support to THLM to mitigate downtime. Moreover, high quality imported valves that are supplied by a local company were deployed. This is considering that they comply with the ISO Valve International Standard, namely ISO – 5209 – 77. The use of high-quality equipment will ensure the longevity of the water infrastructure. This while also reducing maintenance and operating costs, one of Ceenex’s many water-engineering value propositions.
As far as possible, materials were sourced locally. When they were unavailable in Mathyzensloop and Kwaggafontein, the construction teams still sourced materials in the province.
Notably, the project exceeded its socio-economic development targets for this project. All of the labour requirements were sourced locally. This provided over 60 employment opportunities, as well as skills development and training opportunities for community members.
In addition, the project did not experience a single incident of community unrest. This can be attributed to THLM’s approach of engaging the community early and proactively managing expectations through the PMU unit and the services of the social facilitator. These were complemented by its transparent communication and procurement processes. Both Mbako Group and Tshwele Logistics also have experience working with construction small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and community members, further facilitating good community relations.
The hand over of the infrastructure was undertaken at a prestigious event hosted on the 24th of May 2024. Considering this important milestone in engineering water security in the THLM jurisdiction, it was attended by honourable Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo. He was joined by Executive Mayor of THLM and Nkangala District, Lesetja Dikgale and T.D Ngwenya, respectively. The professional team also hosted Eunice Malekana, who represents Technical Services on the THLM Members of Mayoral Committee. She was joined by Municipal Manager, Dumisani Mahlangu, and THLM Councillors.
Zeph Nkosi, THLM’s hands-on Project Manager, best describes the importance of this occasion and the project as follows “Water is life, but access to water and sanitation is dignity”, a motto well echoed by The Department of Water and Sanitation. With Ceenex’s help, we delivered exactly that!”
For more information contact:
David Poggiolini
Debbie Poggiolini
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