31 May Zimile nears completion on landmark water supply project
31 May 2022: Zimile Consulting Engineers continues to build on its reputation as the go-to firm for rural water supply projects, as the team nears completion on a large-scale water supply scheme covering seven villages in uMuzimkhulu Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal. This small, young and dynamic company is setting a high bar in the provision of quality water infrastructure.
The implementation of project started in early May 2021, and the project is set for handover to the municipality by the end of May 2022. The scope of work was vast, from borehole drilling; to network refurbishment; electrical work; design and construction of rising mains; water storage solutions; and more. The objective of this project is to support rural communities with clean and safe, drinkable water, and to cater for additional families coming into the areas.
Vuyokazi Radebe, a Junior Technologist at Zimile Consulting Engineers, comments: “We were honoured to be awarded this contract, as the project was multifaceted, to say the least. With several sites needing our attention – each with its own unique requirements and challenges – we were able to put our skills to the test. We needed to be dynamic and flexible for this undertaking, to ensure the right solution was matched to each village’s water system.”
Radebe added that there is ‘no one-size-fits-all’ approach to rural bulk water supply, particularly when it comes to old, deteriorating infrastructure. “Many of the sites were in a poor condition, had illegal connections, and had insufficient water treatment processes, deeming the water unsafe.”
Across the seven villages, Zimile drilled a total of four new boreholes, refurbished one, and refurbished two springs. In addition, three new water reticulation systems were designed and executed, with the refurbishment of another three. A total of three new water storage tanks were added. The team at Zimile made sure that each site was equipped with the right control and monitoring technology where necessary, and repairs and replacements were made to the pipes to ensure the new water infrastructure would hold firm for many years to come.
Importantly, additions were made in terms of water treatment, with two sites being fitted with chlorine dosing plants to ensure the borehole water does not pose any dangers to the communities.
“Providing clean and safe drinking water is a priority for many local governments. We are glad to be playing our part by offering comprehensive and reliable water infrastructure solutions to public sector clients. As we near the end of another successful project, we have added even more experience to our team. Working across scattered and remote communities was no simple task, but we rose to the occasion and are ready to apply the lessons learnt to our next rural infrastructure project,” concludes Radebe.
ENDS
About Zimile Consulting Engineers
Zimile Consulting Engineers is a 100% black-owned, multi-disciplinary consulting engineering, project and construction management firm. By embracing the dynamism that is in the built environment through technological advancement, Zimile Consulting Engineers seek to offer value adding and innovative engineering solutions to South Africa’s infrastructure landscape.
Contact:
Abimbola Sole| Business Operations Manager
Zimile Consulting Engineers
+27 11 466 8576 | +27 67 227 8213
For Media Enquiries:
Nikita Blaauw| Account Manager
SWM Communications
+27 81 025 4408
nikita@swmcommunications.co.za