31 Jul Rural water supply project brings relief and opportunities to disadvantaged communities
31 July 2023: Lubisi Consulting Engineers states that it is nearing completion of a Regional Water Scheme project, which is a five year water augmentation scheme to eradicate the water supply backlog in some of the villages in Mpumalanga.
Managing Director Chalmers Pagiwa explains that the project was comprehensive and comprised five phases, commencing in September 2018, with a completion date expected in September this year..
The scope of work entails:
- Phase1: The upgrading of a Water Treatment works from 7Mℓ/d to 14Mℓ/d, including abstraction works and a pump station.
- Phase 2: The installation of a 350 mm diameter pumping main pipeline to supply a village and nearby areas.
- Phase 3: A further 350 mm diameter pumping pipeline to supply a village and nearby areas.
- Phase 4: The construction of two reservoirs – 3Mℓ capacity and a 2Mℓ reservoir in two villages in Mpumalanga.
- Phase 5: A 1Mℓ reservoir in a village in Mpumalanga.
“The contract conditions stipulated the appointment of local contractors and the creation of employment opportunities for the local population, where possible. We were pleased to contribute to the creation of employment opportunities by up-skilling a number of youth in the area and surrounding villages, some of whom will secure permanent employment in the operation and maintenance of the completed scheme.
“A particular challenge was that in the rural area such as this, contracting skills are in short supply, and our site staff were particularly vigilant to ensure quality work was achieved,” Pagiwa adds.
Regrettably, one contract had to be terminated due to poor performance by the contractor, where under-pricing was identified as a major cause of poor performance due to a lack of experience and cash flow management issues.
Pagiwa explained that to counter this impediment, support and training was provided by Lubisi’s resident engineer and two assistants to both contractors and the community through the establishment of a project steering committee comprising counsellors and local community members, assisted by municipal officials.
“This ensured that the communities were always aware and consulted throughout the duration of the contract, explaining the scope of work and how they could participate directly in the project.”
Flooding necessitated a fast response
During 2020, the area was hit by severe flooding, which caused major disruption on construction activities on the inlet and abstraction works, setting back completion by several months.
“However, it became apparent that our original designs weren’t appropriate for the conditions and using some proprietary software, our design team of civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineers redesigned the affected areas in record time, allowing work to continue on schedule without further delays,” reports Pagiwa.
Key takeaways from this project, he adds, were the absolute need to engage with the local community through project steering committees, to encourage involvement and dialog by recognising their needs and desires for a better standard of life.
“Furthermore, it was important to commit to support, train and share skills and knowledge for the betterment of both the emerging contractors and local community members by creating as many employment opportunities as possible. This uplifts the community by leaving it in a better place than when we found it,” Pagiwa concluded.
ENDS
Lubisi Consulting Engineers is a professional services firm, which provides Water Resources Engineering and Structural Engineering Services. The firm was founded in 2004, and has since its inception supported and provided services to the public and private sectors.
Media Contact:
Phyllis Chikondo, Account Manager
Tel. +27 82 833 9109
phyllis@swmcommunications.co.za
Contact:
Chalmers Pagiwa, Managing Director
Tel. +27 82 883 8260