IMIESA September 2011 Low Res

I SSN 0257 1978 V o l u me 36 No . 9 Se p t e mb e r 2011 R40.
00 ( i n c l V AT )
IMESA
Project
management
Mangaung
Road
rehabilitation
The revitalisation and beautification of Durbans inner city
p71
Insight
A delicate
resource

IMESA
MEDIA
The official magazine of the Institute
of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT MAINTENANCE SERVICE DELIVERY
I N N O VAT I V E T E C H N O L O G Y
250 000 metres of
TRENCHLESS PI PE
Successfully Installed
RENOVATE EXISTING PIPES BY:
Pipe Bursting Sliplining ClPP LV Cure ClPP Anbient Cure
Ribloo Lxpanda Ribloo Ribline Ribloo Rotoloo Pipe Lating
INSTALLATION OF NEW PIPES BY:
lorizontal Lireotional Lrilling Ouided Rook Lrilling Bores of "POOnn
Lengths up to 4OO netres liorotunnelling
Countrywide 08600 66 344 |nfo@trenchIess.co.za www.trenchIess.co.za
IMIESA SEPTEMBER 2011 - 1
I SSN 0257 1978 V o l u me 36 No . 9 Se p t e mb e r 2011 R40. 00 ( i n c l V AT )
IMESA
Project
management
Mangaung
Road
rehabilitation
The revitalisation and beautification of Durbans inner city p71
Insight
A delicate
resource

IMESA
MEDIA
I N N O VAT I V E T E C H N O L O G Y
VOLUME 36 NO 9 SEPTEMBERER 2011 Contents
Rural
water
Trenchless
technology
As a leader in several vehicle market seg-
ments, and as a local manufacturer for 63
years, Mercedes-Benz continues to give the
South African motoring public an array of
world-class mobility options. It entices cus-
tomers with its technologically advanced
vehicles; innovative finance, insurance and
fleet options; as well as its service and af-
fordable parts supply solutions
WWTW
upgrade
Dammed
countr y
Waste
63 Concrete masonry from recycled material
Women in engineering
65 Making a contribution to peoples lives
66 The dynamic dynamos
69 WiEBE Award winner
70 Technically and socially aware
Beautification
71 Revitalising Durbans inner city
Trenchless technology
75 Sliplining of trunk sewer
CAPSA 2011
81 Advancing sustainable practice
Insight
84 South Africa, a dammed country
Education and training
89 Caterpillar dealer instructors
Partnering with municipalities
People and events
90 No-Dig Live 2012
91 IPCC reviewer appointment
Appointment at Thuthuka
Aurecon appoints new manager
Products and services
93 The sky is the limit
95 Sewage in, water out
96 Water treatment solution for remote
locations
IMESA
12 Project and business management
examined
Industry news
15 Authorities urged to upgrade road
network
Government perspective
17 Assessment of governance
Industry perspective
19 Striving for quality
Water and waste water
22 Ways to support water service authorities
31 Meeting the demand for water
33 Expertise for growth in KZN
35 Rapid gravity filtration simplified
36 Preserving the integrity of rivers
38 A decade of achievement
41 Environmentally friendly filter press
43 Advanced training in demand
Blue and Green Drop
45 A brief look at the 2011 achievements
46 Tlokwe profile
48 City of Cape Town profile
Bloemfontein
51 Increased capacity for Sterkwater
WWTW
54 Service delivery excellence
56 Intermodal public transport
58 Upgrade of Mangaung sewage systems
Regulars
3 Editors comment
5 Presidents comment
Cover story
6 Mobility concepts showcased
United Nations
BEE LEVEL 1 ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS PROVIDER
Geosynthetics
Water Purification Piping
Bulk Water Supply
CONTACT US TODAY
M m www.tgast.co.za B info@gast.co.za T +27 (12) 660 1616 +27 (12) 660 2093
Richard Jansen van Vuuren, editor of IMIESA
IMIESA in your inbox!
PUBLISHER Elizabeth Shorten
EDITOR Richard Jansen van Vuuren
CREATIVE CHIEF EXECUTIVE Frdrick Danton
SENIOR DESIGNER Hayley Moore Mendelow
CHIEF SUB-EDITOR Cindy Maulgue
SUB-EDITOR Danielle Hugo
CONTRIBUTORS Johan Basson, Nathi Mthethwa, Jan Venter,
Khuthalile Mahlaba, Karen van der Merwe, Cobus Oosthuizen,
Robyn Tomkins, Edna Molewa, Garth Flores, Candice Landie,
Tony Stone, Adele de Lange
PRODUCTION MANAGER Antois-Leigh Botma
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Jaqueline Modise
FINANCIAL MANAGER Andrew Lobban (ACIS, FCIBM)
ADMINISTRATION Tonya Hebenton
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Nomsa Masina
DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Asha Pursotham
SUBSCRIPTION SALES Nomsa Masina
PRINTERS United Litho Johannesburg +27 (0)11 402 0571
___________________________________________________
ADVERTISING SALES
Jenny Miller Tel: +27 (0)11 467 6223
___________________________________________________
PUBLISHER: MEDIA No. 4, 5
th
Avenue, Rivonia 2056
PO Box 92026, Norwood 2117
Tel: +27 (0)11 233 2600 Fax: +27 (0)11 234 7274/5
E-mail: richard@3smedia.co.za
www.3smedia.co.za
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: R440.00 (INCL VAT)
ISSN 0257 1978 IMIESA, Inst.MUNIC. ENG. S. AFR.
Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.
___________________________________________________
IMESA CONTACTS
IMESA Administration Officer: Ingrid Botton
P O Box 2190, Westville, 3630
Tel: +27 (0)31 266 3263
Fax: +27 (0)31 266 5094
Email: imesa@webstorm.co.za
Website: www.imesa.org.za
BORDER BRANCH
Secretary: Melanie Matroos
Tel: +27 (0)43 705 2401
Fax: +27 (0)43 743 5266
E-mail: melaniem@buffalocity.gov.za
EAST CAPE BRANCH
Elsab Koen
Tel: +27 (0)41 505 8005
Fax: +27 (0)41 581 2300
E-mail: elsabek@africoast.com
KWAZULU-NATAL BRANCH
Secretary: Rita Zaayman
Tel: +27(0)31 311 6382
NORTHERN PROVINCE BRANCH
Secretary: Cornel Taljaard
Tel: +27 (0)82 899 8341
Fax: +27 (0)11 675 1324
E-mail: cornel@rchc.co.za
SOUTHERN CAPE KAROO BRANCH
Secretary: Henrietta Oliver
Tel: +27(0)79 390 7536
Fax: 086 536 3725
E-mail: imesa.southcape@gmail.com
WESTERN CAPE BRANCH
Secretary: Erica van Jaarsveld
Tel: +27 (0)21 938 8455
Fax: +27 (0)21 938 8457
E-mail: erica.van_jaarsveld@capetown.gov.za
FREE STATE AND NORTHERN CAPE BRANCH
Secretary: Wilma Van Der Walt
Tel: +27(0)83 457 4362
Fax: 086 628 0468
E-mail: imesa.fsnc@gmail.com
REST OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
Representative: Andre Muller
E-mail: imesa@webstorm.co.za
All material herein IMIESA is copyright protected
and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part
without the prior written permission of the publisher. The
views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of
the Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa
or the publishers.
Cover opportunity
In each issue, IMIESA offers advertisers the opportunity to get to the
front of the line by placing a company, product or service on the front
cover of the journal. Buying this position will afford the advertiser the
cover story on pages and maximum exposure. For more information on
cover bookings contact Jenny Miller on tel: +27 (0)11 467 6223.
e
f
a
I SSN 0257 1978 V o l u me 36 No . 7 J u l y 2011 R40. 00 ( i n c l V AT )
DWA
Working together
Kimberley
WWTW upgrade
p49
Mossel Bay

MEDIA The official magazine of the Institute
Another link for integrated public transport
BARLOWORLD
EQUIPMENT
CAT reclaimer
spearheads
road upgrade
0 ( i n n c ll V VV A AATT )))
pp49 49 449 49
Bay
MEDIA
port ort t
T reclaimer
earheads
ad upgrade
I SSN 0257 1978 V o l u me 36 No . 8 Au g u s t 2011 R40. 00 ( i n c l V AT )
IMESA
Job
creation
eThekwini
War on
wastage
R86 million regional road project complete by May 2012 p42
No-Dig SA
Panel
discussion

IMESA
MEDIA
COLAS
The road forward
EDITOR'S COMMENT
I
MIESA has been distributing a weekly
newsletter for several weeks and the
response from readers has been very
positive. A digital weekly newsletter
allows us to keep you more informed and
provides an avenue for a more personal-
ised reader experience. If you would like to
receive the newsletter, please e-mail me your
contact details and you will be included on
the mailing list which I am proud to say is
nearing 7 000 readers. Sections included in
the editorial content are news and industry
event listings.
On 26 August, the University of Johannesburg
and Group Five hosted the Women in
Engineering and the Built Environment
(WiEBE) Awards. This was a national competi-
tion celebrating women in engineering and
technology to highlight and acknowledge the
contribution women are making in engineer-
ing and the built environment.
The competition included three categories:
Excellence at sector level for nominees
with a minimum of 15 years experience.
Excellence at company level for nominees
with a minimum of six years and a maxi-
mum of 14 years experience.
The most promising young woman engi-
neer or built environment professional
for graduate nominees with up to five
years experience.
In this edition, IMIESA proudly profiles nomi-
nees and winners from these awards in. A
group of more committed and professional
engineers and technologists will be hard to
find gathered in one place!
IMIESA has also par tnered with the
Conference on Asphalt Pavements for
Southern Africa (CAPSA) 2011. This confer-
ence has been held for the past 42 years and
is an established showcase for best practice
in the construction, preservation, mainte-
nance and management of asphalt pavement
infrastructure. The conference, held from 11
to 14 September, will be conducted
under the theme
Roads of the
future: Living within the carrying capacity of
our planet.
More than 60 reviewed papers will be pre-
sented at the conference.
As this edition of IMIESA is a water-focussed
one, we have made sure that there is plenty
of informative and reliable information within
our water and wastewater feature. We publish
a paper titled Designing an innovative way to
support water service authorities, in which
the authors discuss municipalities that are
resource poor in terms of human capacity.
In addition, Tony Stone has written an
Insight article on South Africas reliance
on dams for its fresh water requirements.
He highlights that, according to the World
Commission on Dams Report, South Africa,
with 539 major dams and approximately
4 000 dams in total, is the 11
th
most
dammed country in the world. It is also the
seventh in size in water supply dams and
ninth in size in irrigation dams.
The article also poses a seemingly impos-
sible scenario: a search on Google lists
3 180 000 articles about future wars between
nations being fought over water. South Africa,
one of the 30 most arid countries in the
world, could well become a warmonger.
T
he Auditor-Generals recently released
report on the local government audit
outcomes for 2009/10 contains
some depressing findings: only the
following seven municipalities received clean
audits (with no adverse findings):
Mpumalanga: Ehlazini, Steve Tshwete and
Victor Khanye Municipalities
Gauteng: Metsweding District Municipality
Northern Cape: Frances Baard District
Municipality
Limpopo: Fetakgomo Local Municipality
Western Cape: City of Cape Town.
Looking at our constitution again, it clearly
calls upon us to promote service delivery
and the financial well-being of our municipali-
ties. Cities, in particular, are seen as crucial
economic agents as, when they are financially
healthy, they can become the catalysts for
efficient delivery of services and employment,
which in turn promote stability and general
prosperity. When they are poorly managed,
however, they induce general mistrust on the
part of the public, which can and has mani-
fested itself in service delivery protests.
A recent Institute for Democracy in South
Africa (IDASA) survey, based on the views of
persons in 21 municipalities, found that only
a paltry one in ten citizens is satisfied with
the quality of service delivery provided by his
or her municipal council (it was four in ten in
2006). These findings are worrying in that it is
stated that a local government crisis in South
Africa is deepening and starting to become a
systemic structural problem that seems likely
to become more embedded in our system of
local government for as long as the govern-
ance issues raised in the survey persist. The
PRESIDENT'S COMMENT
outside the box and seek to understand what
it is that we as engineers need to do to take
our wonderful country to the next level.
Possible ways to assist service delivery were
discussed at IMESAs strategic planning meet-
ing held in Johannesburg in January 2011.
Vital to this was finding ways to improve supply
chain management (SCM) and infrastructure
management. For as long as processes and
monitoring are focused purely on compliance,
and not on practical ways to improve ser-
vice delivery, we can expect service delivery
protests to con-
tinue.
Jannie Pietersen, president of IMESA
What are a municipalitys
main functions?
In my comment in the July issue, I said that we need to work together to find
a proactive, innovative solution that could solve two major national problems,
namely poor infrastructure asset management and large-scale unemployment.
With this in mind, it is worth taking another look at our objectives in the
IMESA constitution.
surveys depressing inference is that local gov-
ernment is widely considered by communities
to have deteriorated in both service delivery
and governance, which will inevitably lead to
a continuation and intensification of social
instability and protest.
Looking back to 2010, South Africans could
proudly claim to have embarked on a journey
to build what we believed were the best stadi-
ums in the world in which we hosted, almost
flawlessly, the worlds greatest sporting spec-
tacle, the Olympics aside.
Every single person who contributed to these
great projects made us very proud, and indeed
the entire country felt a degree of involvement,
ownership even, in this massive achievement.
While the time for celebration of that effort
has now past, we need to retain the mindset
which enabled the successes of 2010 and
show through our words and deeds that we
as a nation are truly capable of repeating that
success. Obviously, there have been a lot of
downs recently, but we will survive the current
storms better than would otherwise have been
the case, thanks to the lessons learnt during
the World Cup.
Just as municipal engineers were essential
to the World Cup effort, so they will be vital
to the future well-being of South Africa, and
I appeal to all municipal engineers to step
COMMENT
We need to retain the mindset which
enabled the successes of 2010 and
show that we are truly capable of
repeating that success
6 - IMIESA SEPTEMBER 2011
COVER STORY
A
s a leader in several vehicle market
segments, and as a local manu-
facturer for 63 years, MBSA will
continue to give the South African
motoring public an array of world-class mobil-
ity options. It will entice visitors with its
technologically advanced vehicles; innova-
tive finance, insurance and fleet options;
as well as its service and affordable parts
supply solutions.
Following their claim of inventor of the
automobile 125 years ago, the company will
demonstrate its commitment to vehicle perfor-
mance, combined with cleaner technology that
is kinder to the environment, whilst simultane-
ously offering a wide motoring audience vehi-
cles suited to each individuals needs.
The companys brand displays will be inte-
grated into consolidated show stands for both
passenger cars and commercial vehicles. The
MBSA stands will again be the largest since
the inception of the local forerunner exhibi-
tion, Auto Africa, in 1998.
Latest mobility concepts
from MBSA to be showcased
Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) will have an exciting and dominant
presence at the Johannesburg International Motor Show in October, where it
will showcase high-performance state-of the-art trucks, vans and buses.
The finest cars of impeccable quality have
been carefully selected to ensure that each
model is offered to the public in a man-
ner designed to demonstrate its remarkable
attributes. The company plans to substantiate
its leadership in keeping the engines of the
economy running on multiple commercial
vehicle wheels, as well as in the private and
public transport sectors.
To whet visitors appetite, here is a peek into
what will be on display:
MBSA commercial vehicles exhibition
in Hall 5:
The MBSA commercial vehicles stable (inclu-
sive of trucks, vans and buses) makes a truly
bold statement at the Johannesburg Motor
Show this year. In addition to the German
engineering of the Mercedes-Benz models, the
company also showcases the best of its class-
leading American and Japanese marques.
The ever-popular FUSO from Japan will have
three models on display a must-see is the
latest (and greenest) addition to the family,
the Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid.
Of American origin, the Freightliner Argosy
range will show the serious visitor what the
powerful Detroit Diesel engines can do for
their business.
Trucks can also be glamorous! Making a
real splash at the entrance to the truck
show at Hall 5 is a highly-polished, chrome-
finished Western Star model.
Leading the Mercedes-Benz commercial
vehicle exhibition will be its flagship Actros
range, represented by two models. The first
is an Actros Euro 5 BlueTEC, demonstrating
that the new green is BLUE. The second
is the Actros Special Edition, which comes
with a host of fuel efficiency measures and
safety systems making the worlds safest
truck even safer.
The new Axor 6x4 is tough and can endure
the harshest of conditions. No terrain or
operating conditions are too rugged for this
vehicle a solid truck that can endure the
toughest of environments.
Also at the stand is a firm favourite in South
Africa the UNIMOG. This iconic brand
has a rich and powerful heritage, having
recently celebrated its 60
th
anniversary.
An environmental angel in the form of a
Mercedes-Benz Econic NGT (natural gas
technology) will visit the truck stand. This
advanced, environmentally-friendly, low-
floor transport vehicle is successfully used
for municipal and short-radius distribution
applications internationally, which explains
why it dominates the inner-city mobility
vehicle system sector in Europe and some
South American markets.
MBSA vans exhibition in Hall 5:
Mercedes-Benz vans consistently invest in
products and technologies and therefore has
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY FOCUSED ON RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
COVER STORY
a very new product range on display:
Premiering at the Johannesburg Motor
Show is the award-winning; lithium-ion-bat-
tery powered Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL.
A world-first, a van with an electric-drive
system, supplied ex-factory, which supports
Daimlers claim to clean technology leader-
ship. This vehicle has made strong inroads
into the transport and logistics sectors with
its impressive strength and performance.
Continuing the focus on clean tech-
nology, the Viano FUN with the latest
BlueEFFICIENCY technology feature the
ECO start/stop system has exemplary
functionality, as well as offering spontane-
ity. It has a highly flexible variable system
for seven-passenger seating configurations.
Sprinter displays its versatility in the shape
of a mobile office. Standard safety fea-
tures, such as the ADAPTIVE ESP (elec-
tronic stability control), ensure sensitivity
and precision in critical driving situations.
MBSA bus and coach exhibition in
Hall 5:
Rea tsamaya We are going! This is the
mantra of the Mercedes-Benz bus and coach
team who will exhibit the Multego semi-luxury
coach, together with the OF1730 commuter
bus, specifically designed to meet South
Africas tough road conditions. These models
play an integral part in providing world-class
transport services in both the public and
private sectors.
MBSA value-add solutions exhibited
in Hall 5:
TruckStore offers customers used trucks in
three product classifications - gold, silver
and bronze all with a roadworthy certifi-
cate, and allows them to find the right vehi-
cle for their business quickly and simply,
and matched with their purchasing ability.
Predictable mobility is one of the most
important factors for success in todays
competitive transport and logistics sector.
CharterWay allows the customer to operate
with fixed monthly costs for the duration of
the lease contract. This makes it possible
to truly optimise vehicle use.
FleetBoard offers effective control and
management of a companys fleet. With
rising fuel, vehicle and maintenance costs,
and increased time pressures, fleet manag-
ers need to operate their fleets in the most
economical and efficient way possible.
IMIESA offers advertisers an ideal platform to ensure maximum exposure of their brand. Companies are afforded the opportunity of publishing a two-page cover story
and a cover picture to promote their products to an appropriate audience. Please call Jenny Miller on +27(0)11 467 6223 to secure your booking.
FleetBoard from Mercedes-Benz is a world-
leading telematics system that offers cus-
tomers a safe, reliable and economical
service to cut costs and ease the fleet
management function.
The Mercedes-Benz South Africa group offers
a tailor-made solution to every customer,
whether an individual driver or a fleet owner,
whether in need of appropriate finance and
insurance options, fleet management or after-
sales service and support.
As is evident from the above-mentioned,
MBSA is the largest exhibitor at the 2011
Johannesburg International Motor Show with
its the vast array of vehicles representing
both commercial vehicles, vans and buses;
the smallest smart car to executive passenger
car, as well as finance, insurance and fleet
management solutions.
Although constructed under the over-
all Mercedes-Benz South Africa banner,
each display, with its own particular vis-
ual hook, clearly defines every marques
distinctive attributes.
As exciting as the show will be for the
enthusiast and the family, it will also provide
an ideal opportunity to promote automotive
trade opportunities and a chance to engage in
one-on-one networking and business-building
opportunities with local companies.
The Johannesburg International Motor Show
will be held from 6 to16 October 2011 at the
MTN Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec,
Johannesburg.
For more information on the Johannesburg
International Motor Show visit: www.jhbmotorshow.
co.za. For more information on Mercedes-Benz
South Africa visit: www.mercedes-benzsa.co.za.
The Mercedes-Benz South Africa group offers a tailor-
made solution to every customer, whether an individual
driver or a eet owner
ABS hennie.basson@absgroup.com
Afri-Infra afri-infra@mweb.co.za
AJ Broom ajbroom@icon.co.za
Arup SA rob.lamb@arup.com
Aurecon Ian.VanWijk@af.aurecongroup.com
Bigen Group Africa otto.scharfetter@bigenafrica.com
BKS Consulting Engineers siyandan@bks.co.za
Bosch Stemele bsdbn@boschstemele.co.za
Bosch Munitech info@boschmunitech.co.za
BVI Consulting Engineers cask@bvigp.co.za
CBI Consulting Engineers durban@cbisa.co.za
Civil & Blasting Solutions jane@drillingandblasting.co.za
Concrete Manufacturers cma@mweb.co.za
CSIR Built Environment LAustin@csir.co.za
Davies Lynn & Partners dlpdbn@dlp.co.za
Development Bank of SA divb@dbsa.org.za
DPI Plastics mgoodchild@dpiplastics.co.za
EFG Engineers eric@efgeng.co.za
Elster Kent Metering keith.bailey@za.elster.com
EnviroServ Waste Management benoitl@millenniumwaste.co.za
Geotechnologies garry@geotechnologies.co.za
GLS Consulting nicky@gls.co.za
Goba trumang@goba.co.za
Hidrostal SA hstal@mweb.co.za
Huber Technology fstammer@lantic.net
Hydro-comp Enterprises dan@edams.co.za
I@Consulting louis_icon@mics.co.za
Iliso Consulting monde@iliso.com
Infraset fmyburgh@infraset.com
Jeffares and Green dennyc@jgi.co.za
Johannesburg Water rtaljaard@jwater.co.za
Kgatelopele Consulting kgatelopele@wol.co.za
Knowledge Base info@knowbase.co.za
KV3 Engineers cbrandsen@kv3.co.za
Lektratek Water general@lwt.co.za
Makhaotse Narasimulu & Associates mmakhaotse@mna-sa.co.za
Maragela Consulting Engineers admin@maragelaconsulting.co.za
Much Asphalt john.onraet@murrob.com
Nyeleti Consulting ppienaar@nyeleti.co.za
Odour Engineering Systems mathewc@oes.co.za
Power Construction nbarnard@powergrp.co.za
Pragma Africa deang@pragma.co.za
Rocla karen.devos@murrob.co.za
SBS Water Systems irene@sbsgroup.co.za
Sektor Consulting cradock@sektor.co.za
Sight Lines Pipe Survery Services sales@sightlines.co.za
SNA Inc snapta@icon.co.za
Siza Water Company tionette.bates@sizawater.co.za
SRK Consulting jomar@srk.co.za
SSI francisg@ssi.co.za
Syntell julia@syntell.co.za
Thm Engineers East London thmel@mweb.co.za
TPA Consulting roger@tpa.co.za
UWP Consulting zulchl@uwp.co.za
Vela VKE capetown@velavke.co.za
WSP Group Africa dirk.hattingh@mbs-wsp.co.za
WSSA nbinase@wssa.co.za
WRP ronniem@wrp.co.za
Zebra Surfacing andrew@zebrasurfacing.co.za

25 October 2011 08.30 to 17.00
OR Tambo Conference Centre, Birchwood Hotel, Gauteng
Cost per delegate: R500 (1 CPD point applies)
Registration through the IMESA office
Enquiries: IMESA Conference Secretariat: Judy Stephens @ 031 2663263 or
imesatrg@webstorm.co.za
Registration closes 7 October 2011
N Na at ti io on na al l M Mu un ni ic ci ip pa al l W Wa at te er r S Se er rv vi ic ce es s B Be en nc ch hm ma ar rk ki in ng g: : f fo or r m mu un ni ic ci ip pa al li it ti ie es s, , b by y
m mu un ni ic ci ip pa al li it ti ie es s, , t to o t th he e b be en ne ef fi it t o of f m mu un ni ic ci ip pa al li it ti ie es s
How best can you improve your operational efficiencies? How can you adopt
best practice efficiency innovations by your peers?
Municipal Engineers, Officials, Councilors, Service Providers and other practitioners are invited to
workshop your involvement in SALGAs new National Municipal Water Services Benchmarking
Initiative - improving efficiency and effectiveness through comparative process benchmarking,
peer-to-peer operational knowledge sharing, and iterative performance improvements
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP ON NATIONAL MUNICIPAL
BENCHMARKING INITIATIVE FOR WATER SERVICES
Tuesday 25th October 2011
12h00 - 16h00 REGISTRATION
19H00 MAYORAL FUNCTION: THE SERENGETI AT BIRCHWOOD
Wednesday 26th October 2011
07h00 REGISTRATION AND REFRESHMENTS IN EXPO AREA
08h30 Master of Ceremonies: Mr Moses Maliba, Past President, IMESA
SESSION ONE: WELCOME AND KEY NOTE ADDRESSES
Session Chairperson: Mr Jannie Pietersen
08h40 Welcome: Mr Jannie Pietersen - President, IMESA
08h55 Keynote Address: Councilor Kgosientsho Ramokgopa - Executive Mayor, Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
09h20 Introduction to Hon. Trevor Manuel: (to be announced)
09h25 Keynote Address: Hon. Trevor Manuel, Minister in the South African Presidency, National Planning Commission. (invited)
09h50 REFRESHMENTS AND EXPO VISIT
SESSION TWO: WATER ENGINEERING
Session Chairperson: Mr Frank Stevens
10h30 Improving Municipal Water Services Provision through the National Benchmarking Initiative: Mr William Moraka - South
African Local Government Association
11h00 Using Performance Measurement and Management Information to Improve Water Service Delivery - Yesterday, Today and
Tomorrow: Ms Sizani Moshidi,- Department of Water Affairs, South Africa
11h30 Sustainability through integrated Decision-making in WDM: Mr Kobus Du Plessis - University Stellenbosch
12h00 Questions from the Floor
12h15 Keynote Address The Long White Night: Mr Alex Harris
13h05 Lunch Sponsors Address
13h10 LUNCH IN EXPO AREA AND EXPO VISITS
SESSION THREE: SANITATION
Session Chairperson: Mr Ashley Pillay
14h00 Sustainable Low-cost Sanitation: Past, Present and Future: Dr Johan van der Walt & Max Pawandiwa - Ugu District Municipality
14h30 Innovative Procurement in a Municipal Environment to Achieve Elimination of Sanitation Backlogs: Mr Peter Allen - Peter
Allen Inc. Professional Engineers.
15h00 Beaufort West: First Direct Water Reclamation (Toilet to Tap) Plant in South Africa: Mr Pierre Marais - Water and Waste
Water Engineering. Risk Assessment and Risk Management for Beaufort West Water Reclamation: Mr Chris Swartz -
Chris Swartz Water Utilization Engineers.
15h45 REFRESHEMENTS IN EXPO AREA
SESSION FOUR: ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
Session Chairperson: Mr Danie Nothnagel
16h10 An Integrated Solution to Solid Waste Handling and Service Delivery in Rustenburg: Mr Darryl van der Merwe - BKS (Pty) Ltd
16h35 Determination of Additional Resources to Manage Pollution in Stormwater and River Systems: Mrs Nicole Nel - PD Naidoo
and Associates
17h15 IMESA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
EVENING AT LEISURE
Draft Programme
Venue: The Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre, Gauteng
To register
visit www.IMESA.org.za or
contact Sengezo@Hypertext.co.za
Tel: 011 - 023 8001/8005
Thursday 27th October 2011
07h30 REGISTRATION AND REFRESHMENTS IN EXPO AREA
08h15 Master of Ceremonies: Mr Moses Maliba
SESSION FIVE: ROADS
Session Chairperson: Mr Johan Basson
08h30 Generally Acceptable Minimum Principles of Road Design and Maintenance Proceedures: Prof. Wynand Steyn - University of
Pretoria
09h00 Job Creation Potential of Infrastructure Maintenance: Dr Kevin Wall - CSIR Built Environment
09h30J^[=Wkj[d]<h[[mWo?cfhel[c[djFhe`[Yj0Ch7b[nlWdD_[a[ha#DWj_edWbHeWZi7][dYo
10h15 REFRESHMENTS IN EXPO AREA : BEST LARGE AND SMALL STAND PRIZE PRESENTATION
SESSION SIX: STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Session Chairperson: Mr Gerhard Fritz
10h45 The Proposed South African National Guidelines for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) : Prof Neil Armitage - University
of Cape Town
11h15 Stormwater Systems Modelling, CCTV inspection and Data Capturing Project for eThekwini Municipalitiys Coastal
Stormwater & Catchment Management: Mr 9eb_dM^_jj[ceh[ - 7kh[Yed=hekf
11h45 A Stormwater Management System for Ekurhuleni Metro Municipality: MiBekZ[d[He[be\ip - Aurecon Group
12h30 Keynote Address: ?iIekj^7\h_YW8[Yec_d]W<W_b[ZIjWj[5: Dr Tjaart van der Walt - IMESA
13h00 LUNCH IN EXPO AREA
SESSION SEVEN: TRANSPORTATION / TRAFFIC ENGINEERING
Session Chairperson: Mr Duncan Daries
13h45 The Application of Integrated Rapid Public Transport Networks (IRPTNS) in smaller cities: Ms Pauline Froschauer - Namela
Consulting
14h15 The Gautrain - Past, Present and Future: Mr William DWchs - Gautrain Management Agency
15h00 TECHNICAL TOUR DEPARTS FROM BRICHWOOD RECEPTION
19H00 GALA FUNCTION IN OR TAMBO CENTRE, BIRCHWOOD
Friday 28th October 2011
07h30 REFRESHMENTS IN EXPO AREA
08H15 Master of Ceremonies: Mr Moses Maliba
SESSION EIGHT: FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF PROVIDING INFRASTRUCTURE / SERVICES
Session Chairperson: Mr Leon Naude
08h20 Financial Sustainability and Management of Public Infrastructure: Mr Chris Champion - International Federation of
Municipal Engineers (IFME)
08h50 Neighbourhood Development Partnership Grant: Technical Assistance to Emfuleni Local Municipality (via Sedibeng District
Municipality) - Mr Richard KrugerWdZCiB[hWjeI[aeXeje - WorleyParsons
09h20 Challenges of Global Urbanisation - Advantages of Trenchless Microtunneling: Mr Udo GerstmannWdZIm[dM[_d[h - Herrenknecht AG
09h50 The Engineering Profession - Regulation and Strategy: Mr Christopher Campbell - Engineering Council of South Africa
10h30 REFRESHMENTS IN EXPO AREA
SESSION NINE: PANEL DISCUSSION: ENGINEERING OF THE FUTURE
Session Chairperson: Mr Jannie Pietersen
11h00 Panel Members: Mr Jannie Pietersen (Chairperson), Dr Kevin Wall, Mr Dawie Botha, Ms Allyson Lawless and Prof. Romano
de Mistro
12h15 Presentations and Appreciations
12h30 CONFERENCE CLOSURE
12H45 LUNCH IN CLOVERS GREEN, BIRCHWOOD
IMESA
S
ome old portfolios were done away
with and new ones created at the
2010 conference. This particular
portfolio gives IMESA the opportu-
nity to focus attention on some technical
matters outside of the traditional technical
working groups on water and wastewater,
roads and storm water, computers, etc. and
includes national priorities such as job crea-
tion, asset management and project and busi-
ness management.
In thinking of what to focus on in the
Project and Business Management Portfolio,
it became clear that, besides the conventional
technical skills of management and running
projects, IMESA should also look at the wider
environment and the issues we are facing.
Although this will obviously be too much for
our limited voluntary members to deal with, we
are becoming involved with the priority issues
placed on our table, so to speak, by members
and other participants in the municipal envi-
ronment. This includes, among others, the
challenges with service delivery, procurement,
asset management and job creation. Through
consultation with different role players, IMESA
is trying to find new solutions and best prac-
tices to inform and assist our members and
the municipal engineering environment.
Common objectives
Before focusing on some of the issues, we
need to look at the common objectives I
believe we should share in our discussions.
When considering the objectives of the insti-
tute listed below, it becomes clearer how
IMESA should interact with its members, the
government, engineering and the social and
economic environment, in order to:
Promote the knowledge, art, science and
practice of infrastructure engineering in all
its aspects.
Promote and support the interests of infra-
structure engineering professionals and the
engineering fraternity involved.
Operate over a broad infrastructure engi-
neering membership base to increase indi-
vidual membership and affiliation.
Seek local and international partnerships
and recognition and market itself among
broad target audiences to improve aware-
ness levels, its image and reputation.
Promote and exchange views and ideas
on all aspects of infrastructure engineer-
ing, whether among engineers in the infra-
structure engineering environment or others
associated with, or having an interest in, its
field of operation.
Develop knowledge products and services
to support members in their profession.
Grow the revenue base and source funding
for development and research.
Develop strategic partnerships with gov-
ernment, semi-government and academic,
research and other institutions to the ben-
efit of the institute, its members and the
profession in general.
I believe we should always ask ourselves what
our ultimate goal in government is, meaning
that we should keep our goals in mind in dis-
cussing how, when, what and by which means
we support and do whatever is needed to
achieve these goals. This is probably summa-
rised in serving the people by providing, main-
taining and managing services and a healthy,
sustainable economic and social environment,
or as IMESA president Jannie Pietersen some-
times states, it is about services delivery,
asset management and good governance.
Strategic planning
The environments we operate in and do our
projects and conduct our business within
are filled with many different role players
and this surely demands management and
coordinating. Sometimes municipal engineers
feel frustrated by other sectors losing focus or
chasing other priorities by not understanding
this bigger picture. To some it feels like some
of these actions, rules and programmes are
making it even harder for municipal engineers
to fulfil their functions properly. We are some-
times too closely focused on short-term suc-
cess, with a maximum of three to five years
vision. This, together with five-year terms,
does not give enough support to proper long-
term planning. Yearly performance evaluations
with the emphasis, for example, on percent-
age spending as main criteria should play a
part, but seen in the context of longer-term
sustainability it is not necessarily a criterion,
as it could be that everyone gets short-term
performance bonuses, clean audits, etc. but
meanwhile there is raw sewer running into a
river or there are people remaining without
healthy conditions and clean water.
The lack of technically skilled professionals
in the top two to three levels of municipalities
and other spheres of government limits the
role of engineers, who are principally trained
Project and business management
In accepting the challenges of engineering in
Southern Africa, IMESA has restructured some
of its executive council portfolios. One of the
new technical portfolios is the Project and
Business Management Portfolio.
By Johan Basson, IMESA technical director
We are sometimes too closely focused on short-term
successes, with a maximum of three to ve years' vision
The only SABS-approved
dry-cast kerb in SA.
At Bosun, our approach to resolving engineering
challenges has always been to simplify and innovate.
Thats why weve taken the manufacturing of kerbs
further with our revolutionary dry-casting process. This
allows us to compact the kerb, making a stronger, more
durable end product.
And, making kerbs the Bosun way is kinder to the
environment. No acids and chemicals are needed as
mould release agents. Another great reason to specify
Bosun kerbs on your next civil engineering project.
Visit www.bosun.co.za for even more ideas.
Gauteng
Tel (011) 310-1176
bosunmidrand@bosun.co.za
Eastern Cape
Tel (041) 405-0100
bosunpe@bosun.co.za
North West Province
Tel (012) 250-1711
bosunbrits@bosun.co.za
E
+
I

1
5
1
2
9
Kerbs
Dry-casting means no exposed
aggregate or blowholes on the
surface of our kerbs.
not only to find short-term answers and solutions, but are by nature
also future-planning orientated to play a significant part in providing
strategic vision to their employers. IMESA tries to promote the notion
of The customer is the next process in aligning the different parts of
the municipal sectors to keep the public customer in mind in all our
different projects and daily functions.
Interaction
IMESA can play more of an important role in trying to get the engineer-
ing perspective across within the government. We have limited time and
resources in this country and especially in local government, and there-
fore cannot afford not to be successful and passionate in trying to work
towards achieving the common goals of service delivery, asset manage-
ment and good governance. Some of the actions IMESA is currently tak-
ing in playing pivotal roles in achieving our objectives are in running our
business as municipal engineers. This includes getting involved in inter-
governmental consultations with other role players such as the South
African Local Government Association, the Construction Education and
Training Authoritys treasury, the Development Bank of Southern Africa
and various national and provincial departments.
Procurement
One of the dialogues that IMESA is required to participate in is around
the issues involved with service delivery and procurement. With chang-
ing regulations, legal interpretations and the continued quest to quell
corruption, municipal engineering is being pressured into finding new
methods to provide and maintain services on time, to acceptable qual-
ity and sustainable standards.
The evaluation of service providers and contracts with life cycle costs,
sustainability, maintenance and operational risks of failure, technical
and social acceptance and value for money are currently proving to
be extremely difficult. Continued consultation with all role players is
required for better understanding, changing perceptions and finding
new solutions. IMESA will have to be part and parcel of this consulta-
tion and training process on best practices.
Asset management
IMESA has also embarked on providing a service to municipalities
through IMESAs Infrastructure Management System (IIMS) an initia-
tive to assist municipalities with GRAP 17 compliance and the manage-
ment of their infrastructure assets. Free IIMS asset management
software is provided to municipalities to assist with the prioritising of
infrastructure maintenance, development of asset maintenance budgets
and many other aspects of infrastructure asset management. IMESA is
currently involved in a number of municipalities in the Free State with
the IIMS, and is also becoming more involved in the training of municipal
staff and others in asset management throughout the country.
A project and business management focus gives IMESA the oppor-
tunity to get involved in the wider environment that affects our daily
operations, project cycles and the business environment we are
operating in.
If you would like to bring any other burning issues or comments in this
regard to our attention, you are most welcome to send an e-mail to the
IMESA head office or to Johan Basson at bassonj@velavke.co.za.
www.miningne.ws
| Register on miningne.ws! |
Receive up-to-date news via news feeds
Vote for the top stories
Network with mining professionals
Create your own blog, video and audio channel
Comment on news and blogs

| Advertise on miningne.ws! |
miningne.ws offers exclusive home page and
sector sponsorships for elite branding opportunities.
Advertisers can sponsor global or regional news,
and can purchase keywords or tags relating to specic
commodities and topics.
miningne.ws is a brand new website that offers
daily mining news and market information from
around the world.
Our powerful news aggregator draws information
from all available sources on the web.
VISIT
miningne.ws
INDUSTRY NEWS
To advertise on the e-newsletter contact Tania Milic
T:+27 (0)12 331 5168 | C: +27 (0)82 829 9285 | E-m: tania@dfcom.co.za
MEDIA
Since its inception at the beginning of July, the new IMIESA weekly e-newsletter is proving to be hugely
popular, with a total of 5 640 subscribers already receiving their copy directly every week.
Suubsscribe now to the wweekly IMIESA e-newwsleer
foor the most up-to-daate news in the induustry!
To subscribe e-mail unity@3smedia.co.za | Send your press releases & event information to richard@3smedia.co.za
T
he Gauteng Freeway Improvement
Project (GFIP) is the first urban toll
road to be tolled on such a large
scale. Consulting Engineers South
Africa (CESA) understands the significant
impact of toll fees on the Gauteng economy,
and given Gautengs economic significance,
even on the South African economy, and there-
fore considers it imperative that the secondary
road network receives urgent attention.
Without a toll this high-capacity freeway sys-
tem will potentially become congested, which
will negate the benefit to the users. If the gov-
ernment decides to pitch the quantum of the
toll at a level lower than that required to repay
the borrowings in the required time period,
in order not to harm the Gauteng economy
unduly, the shortfall may have to be made up
through a fuel levy or by making an allocation
from the fiscus.
The debate about a dedicated fuel level has
to be held with the National Treasury and
the government. CESA believes that the GFIP
project is not only very necessary to prevent
the smothering of the local economy, but that
the road widening and interchange improve-
ments are appropriate and commensurate
with demand.
CESA believes that SANRAL had no alterna-
tive but to borrow money in the open market
and opt for tolling. SANRAL does not have the
power to impose a fuel levy, be it regional or
national, be it ring-fenced or dedicated, be it
to cover all capital cost, or be it to reduce toll
fees to lower levels.
The national Department of Transport and
SANRAL has, over the years, constructed or
upgraded a number of intercity toll roads. In
contrast to these intercity freeways that carry
long-distance traffic, the Gauteng freeway
system is the first urban commuter route to be
tolled in South Africa.
CESA urges authorities to
upgrade secondary road network
CESA has urged authorities to budget for the upgrading of the secondary road
network in Gauteng, which has not been adequately developed to serve as a viable
alternative to the primary freeway system that will shortly be tolled.
ADVERTORIAL
CESA will be hosting its annual
conference this year in East London
at the ICC from 13 to 15 November
2011. The primary goal of this years
conference is to promote the theme
adopted by CESA for 2011 of Partnering
for Growth between the private and
public sectors.
Beside strategic inputs from both
national and international speakers,
the programme will include practical
methods and examples for achieving
partnerships. During the conference,
national and international engineering
trends will be explored with a view
to optimising the pace and scale of
infrastructure service delivery.
The conference offers excellent
networking opportunities in the form
of golf at the East London Golf Club,
welcome cocktails and a formal gala
dinner. Our Exhibition will ensure
that you have access to the latest in
product development.
Two CPD points will be awarded for the
full attendance of this conference.
NB: For those wishing to learn more
about the `Procurement of Consulting
Engineering Services and the `Road
to Registration (Pr Eng), one-day
workshops have been arranged for the
day following the conference for the
convenience of the delegates and to
minimise travelling costs.
This is a `not to be missed event
for clients and service providers
in the Infrastructure Service
Delivery sector.
CESA 2011 CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION
13 to 15 November, ICC, East London
PARTNERING FOR GROWTH
GOVERNMENT PERSPECTIVE
F
or many years, the affairs and insti-
tutions of traditional leadership
remained in the periphery of devel-
opment. That situation often led to
marginalisation of traditional leaders and their
institutions with regard to meaningfully influ-
encing the critical policy and programmatic
matters pertaining to development. The con-
sequence thereof has been that the com-
munities that live under traditional leadership,
most of which reside in rural areas, have not
had their development needs given the neces-
sary attention.
Through assessing governance in traditional
affairs, CoGTA will also look at ensuring that,
like any public representatives tasked with the
mammoth responsibility of serving the public,
the leaders and members of the houses
nationally and provincially be guided by princi-
ples of good governance.
The principles of good governance include:
promotion of service delivery
fostering unity and partnerships
accountability
clarification of roles
transparency.
The assessment exercise also seeks to estab-
lish the status quo in the various provinces on
issues such as the budget allocated to tradi-
tional leadership, resources allocated to hous-
es, traditional leadership and local government
structures, relationships among structures of
traditional leadership and implementation of
legislation on traditional leadership.
The assessment process will help identify
the discrepancies with regard to dealing with
traditional leadership in the provinces, with a
view to devising an effective traditional affairs-
wide strategy to deal with identified challeng-
es. The turnaround strategy will result in the
Assessment of governance
in traditional affairs
The assessment of the state of governance within traditional affairs in the
provinces by CoGTA constitutes a historic milestone in the efforts of government to
place all matters pertinent to traditional affairs, including their institutions, at the
centre of social, political and economic development.
Acting minister of cooperative governance and traditional affairs, Nathi Mthethwa
development of a partnership model between
traditional leadership and local government.
The discrepancies with regard to the salaries
and resources of traditional leadership will
also be addressed. At this juncture, we would
like to commend the leadership of the national
and provincial houses for being part of this
assessment process. This gives credence to
the stance that nothing for traditional leaders
without traditional leaders.
A report will be compiled after these assess-
ments and this will help give a clear picture of
the state of traditional affairs in the country.
That, in turn, will help inform policy and the
strategic interventions required to ensure the
strengthening of traditional leadership and
affairs in the provinces, and across the coun-
try as a whole. In order to effectively address
the challenges facing traditional leaders and
communities, including rural development, it
is important to strengthen traditional institu-
tions, especially with regard to governance
With the establishment of the department
of traditional leadership, matters of traditional
leadership are being dealt with more broadly,
systematically and in a focused and sustain-
able manner. One of the major responsibilities
of this department is to reclaim the ground
lost to other departments and structures. This
includes issues of heritage, traditional medi-
cine and healing and indigenous knowledge
systems, to mention a few examples.
The new department will, in a constructive
manner, vigorously engage with other national
departments and organs of state to ensure
that it plays a leading coordinating role on all
relevant matters. It is the role of the depart-
ment of traditional affairs to ensure that tradi-
tional leaders are effectively and meaningfully
involved on matters of rural development.
We are here to provide the necessary
political leadership. Administratively, the
director-general, Professor Nwaila and his
team of capable officials, will play a coor-
dinating role on matters of allocation of
roles by national departments to traditional
leadership and ensuring that the necessary
legislation and policies are in place and
implemented accordingly.
One of the critical areas that the depart-
ment of traditional affairs, with its expanded
mandate, is also busy amending is legislation
in order to create an enabling legislative and
regulatory environment for dealing effectively
and efficiently with traditional affairs. We aim
to ensure that matters of traditional leaders
are dealt with holistically and in a sustainable
manner. Accordingly, the National Traditional
Houses Act and Governance Framework Act
have been consolidated into one. This will
help simplify the governance processes.
ABOVE The acting minister of cooperative
governance and traditional affairs,
Nathi Mthethwa
INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE
T
he past year (financial period July
2010 to June 2011) was an excep-
tionally difficult one for the plastic
pipe industr y, with big decreases
in volumes and increasing pressure on
gross margins of manufacturers. It even
resulted in the demise of one of the biggest
pipe producers in South Africa.
In spite of these and
other difficulties, the
Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers
Association (SAPPMA) managed to operate
normally and generally achieved all the
objectives set for the year.
Product quality is at the
core of SAPPMA and
much of our activi-
ties are therefore
focused on it. It
became necessar y to formalise the asso-
ciations position on quality, which led to
the Position Paper on Quality of June 2011.
Because of experience
in the market relat-
ing to inferior
p r o d u c t
Striving for quality plastic pipes
This year marks the seventh anniversary of
SAPPMA and I can look back with satisfaction
over a period of activity and constructive
interaction with the plastic pipe industry of
Southern Africa.
By Jan Venter, chief executive officer of SAPPMA
Small-diameter
plastic pipe is a
popular choice for
domestic applications
INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE
quality in spite of the SABS mark of approval, a small pilot sur vey
was conducted on PVC pipe drawn at random in the market.
The result was shocking, with 56% of SABS mark-bearing pipes
(not SAPPMA members) failing the most basic tests in accordance
with the relevant national standards. It was therefore decided to
launch another project with a much bigger sample size and that
was more representative of available products on the market. At
the time of writing, this project has just been star ted, with final
results expected to be available soon. As with the first test, the
results will again be made public. We are prepared to repeat this
action until the market takes proper notice and the culprits are
weeded out.
During the year constructive interaction took place with the gov-
ernment in the form of the Depar tment of Trade and Industr y (DTI).
As a result, we could manage some positive input in the depar t-
ments Strategy for the Development of the Plastics Industr y.
Another spin-off was contact with the National Cleaner Production
Centre (NCPC). The centre provides (free) sur veys of factories in
terms of energy usage and other relevant matters.
We have identified several challenges that require attention and
resources. These include:
There is insufficient appreciation of the critical impor tance of
pipes in the infrastructure of the countr y. We need to continually
emphasise the message that a plastic pipe is not just another
plastic product, but that it is a crucial element in the conveyance
of water and sewage and that it needs to last at least 50 years.
We need to ensure that key decision makers in the industr y are
aware of the activities of SAPPMA and that there is a big differ-
ence between good pipe and good pipe!
We will continue interaction with SABS and press for more and
quicker action against transgressors.
Members need to resist all temptation to cut corners on quality,
par ticularly in light of the pressure on gross margins.
The SAPPMA Technical Manual must be distributed to all large
users of plastic pipe.
The decision seven years ago to launch an association for the
plastics piping industr y has proven to be a wise one. SAPPMA was
launched without any advice, guidance or blueprint from anywhere
in the world, but with the enthusiasm and suppor t of a couple of
key players in the South African market.
We now find ourselves with an established presence in the
industr y and with a lot of constructive achievements behind us.
The SAPPMA brand is recognised and respected widely in the
industr y and has proven to have strong commercial value. We have
a solid foundation to continue our work towards the well-being of
this industr y and as market leaders we have the responsibility to
embrace it.
SAPPMA will continue to eliminate inferior
quality within the plastic pipe industry,
says chief executive ofcer, Jan Venter
LEFT Large-diameter plastic pipe
22 - IMIESA SEPTEMBER 2011 22 2 222 222 222 22 22 22 222 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 2222 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 2 22 222 22222 22 22 222 22 222 2222 2222222222 222 2222222 222222 - I - I - I - I - I - III -- III - I - I - I - II --- II - II - I -- III - I - IIMIE MIE MIE MIE MIE MIE MMIE MIE MMIE IIE MIE MIE IE MIE MIE MIE IE MIE MIE MMIE MIE MI MIE MIE MIE E MIE MMMIE MI MIE MIE MIE MMIE MIE IE MIE MIE MIE E MMIE MIE E MMIE IE ME MIE MIE MIE MMME IE MEESSA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA A SA SA SA SA SSSSA SA SA A SA AA SA A SA A SSA SA SSA SA SA AAA SA AA SSA SA SA SA SA SA AAA SA SSA SA SA SA AA SA SA AAAA SA SA SA SA SA AA SSSSSA SA SSA SA AAAA S SEP SEP SEP SEP SEP S P SEP P SSEP SEP SEP SEP SEP SEP SEP SEP SEP EP EP SEP SEP SEP SEP SEP SEP SEP SSSEP SEP SEP SEP P SEP SEP SEP SSEP SSEP EP EP EP SEP SEP SEP SEP SEP SEP SSEP EP SSEP EP SSEP SE SEP PP SSEP SE SEP EPPP EP SEE SEP SEE SSSSSSEP SE E SSSEP SSSSSSS PTEM TEM TEM TEM TEM TEM TEM TEM TEM TEM TEM TEM EM EM EM TEM TEM EM TEM TEM TEM TEM TEM EM TEM TEM EM MM TEMMM TEM TEM EM TEM TEM TEM EM E TEM TEM TEM TEM TEM TEM TEM TEM TEM TEMM EM TEM TEM TEM TEM TEM EM TEM TTEMM TEM TEM EM EM EM M TEM TEM EM M TTEEMMM EM M EM EM EM EM EM TEMM EM M EM EEMMM EM EM MM EM EM EEMBER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BBER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BEER BER BER ER ER BER BER BER BER BER BER BER BBER BER BER BER BER BBER BER BE BER BER BER BER BER BBBER BE BER BEE BBER BE BBER BERR BBER BE BBERR BER BERR BBER B RRRRRR 20 220 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 200 20 20 20 20 2220 20 20 20 20 220 20 20 2220 20 2200 222000 22000 20 20 20 2000 200 200 20 2011 11 11 11 11 11 11111 11 111 11 11 111 11 11 11 11 11 11 1111 11 1111 111111111111 1
WATER AND WASTEWATER
H
owever, many of these municipali-
ties, particularly those located in
rural areas, are resource poor in
terms of human capacity, their abil-
ity to attract and retain technical capacity in
remote areas and their financial sustainability
based on peoples ability to pay for services
is important. In addition, there is a worldwide
and national scarcity of technical expertise,
including that of the water sector. Technical
capacity in the form of engineers, planners and
Designing an innovative
way to support WSAs
Water services authorities such as the Cacadu and Siyanda district municipalities
have a responsibility to ensure delivery in their area of jurisdiction, as mandated
by the Municipal Water Services Act (No. 108 of 1997).
By Khuthalile Mahlaba, Karen van der
Merwe, Cobus Oosthuizen and Robyn
Tompkins of Jeffares & Green
technicians is very limited in the country as
available capacity is made up of professionals
who are either approaching retirement or are
very young, with little or no experience.
Water services delivery is increasingly com-
ing under scrutiny by the general public and
the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) as
the national regulator, as new projects are
commissioned while existing infrastructure
requires effective operation and maintenance.
Since South Africa is a semi-arid country, water
services require effective management and
use to meet the increasing demand from the
socio-economic and environmental sectors.
Therefore, the concept of a shared services
centre (SSC) in the context of water services
delivery in the municipal sector is becoming an
increasingly attractive option.
What is an SSC?
An SSC is regarded as a business unit that
performs consolidated functions or services
across municipalities or water services author-
ity (WSA) boundaries. It brings together func-
tions that are common to multiple business
units under a single delivery organisation
(Bergeron 2003; Schulman et al. 1999).
These functions include human resources,
Rural water supply projects often provide
employment opportunities for local residents
GRUNDFOS (PTY) Ltd
HEAD OFFICE
Tel (011) 579 4800
Fax (011) 455 6066
DOSING AND DISINFECTION
Tel (012) 665 2077
Fax (012) 665 2063
www.grundfos.co.za
PUMPS FOR ALL PURPOSES
technical operation, procurement, financial
management and equipment.
In the context of local government and specif-
ically water services functions, an SSC forms
a unit in which scarce skills, capacity and ser-
vices that are currently unaffordable to WSAs
on their own can be made available. Skills
and services such as engineering, strategic
and project management, plant operators and
financial and audit management can be made
accessible to each of the participating WSAs,
with clear key performance areas (KPAs) and
key performance indicators (KPIs). Therefore,
the implementation of an SSC could be seen
as one possible way to assist resource-poor
municipalities with delivering on their mandate.
Why should resource-poor
municipalities implement an SSC?
Resource-poor municipalities often require
additional resources, such as human capac-
ity and additional funding, to improve ser-
vice delivery effectively. In a water services
unit, an SSC could provide such additional
resources on a shared or part-time basis to
support municipalities.
SSCs are often established to improve servic-
es, manage costs and improve organisational
efficiency (Searle 2006). The survey conducted
by A.T. Kearny in 2005 revealed that 70% of
senior executives have claimed success in
the implementation of their shared services
programmes. Further research conducted in
New Jersey BEA (2006) and Deliotte (2005)
has revealed an increased demand for shared
services in the public sector. The participating
government institutions responded that shared
services support their strategic goals and that
more than half of the government agencies
have implemented or are in the process of
implementing an SCC (A.T. Kearny 2005).
This research is largely based in the United
States. However, being business-sector orien-
tated, the operational needs and challenges
faced by both the private and public sector in
South Africa are similar and cannot be ignored.
Furthermore, with increasing encouragement
from various spheres of government and the
need for WSAs to manage water services as a
business, while faced with capacity and afford-
ability challenges, an SSC could be regarded
as a possible solution. Therefore, there is
great potential for the establishment of an
SSC to allow municipalities to access addi-
tional resources, which would provide various
opportunities, such as cost reduction, process
improvement, standardisation and consolida-
tion of goods and services, increased effi-
ciency and quality of service, improved system
control, the creation of a service-orientated
culture and better-trained employees.
According to Bergeron (2003), the effective
establishment and implementation of an SSC
requires the consideration of various key fac-
tors and lessons learnt from other public sec-
tor organisations that support sustainability
and the positive impact of shared services.
Key factors for successful
implementation of an SSC
International research conducted by Bergeron
(2003) has identified key factors that create
the foundation for a successful SSC in the
public sector. These include:
senior management support
strong project management skills
strong change management.
Furthermore, local research conducted by
Siyanda DM SSC case study
Siyanda DM, located in Upington in the Northern
Cape, is characterised by remote municipali-
ties, with communities being predominantly
rural and living in semi-arid areas. Currently
there are four out of six LMs participating in
the Siyanda SSC programme. These are the
Kgatelopele, Kheis, Mier, and Tsantsabane
local municipalities, all of which have WSA
status. (Siyanda DM SSC Business Plan, 07).
The establishment of the SSC resulted from
constant requests to the DM by LMs to provide
technical and financial support. The LMs face
the common challenge of a lack of technical
expertise to operate and maintain plants,
limited financial resources, which makes it dif-
ficult to attract and retain appropriate technical
skills and sparsely located rural communities
with a low population, a proportion of which is
highly indigent. Kheis LM has a 70% indigent
population and this contributes significantly to
increasing operations and maintenance costs.
The establishment of the SSC is being man-
aged and housed by the Siyanda DM, with the
objective of providing support to local munici-
palities for water services operations. The
Siyanda SSC is a joint initiative between the
Northern Cape Local Government, the DWA,
the Northern Cape Department of Housing,
the Development Bank of Southern Africa
(DBSA), the South African Local Government
Association (SALGA), the Swedish institutions
SIDA and SIPU International and the Frances
Baard DM. Funding was provided upfront over a
three-year period, from 2007 to 2010. The fund-
ing amount declined each year, from R1 million
to R750 000 and then to R500 000, with the
difference expected to be made available by the
DM (Siyanda DM SSS Business Plan, 07). Key
components of this study are discussed below.
Functions and opportunities
Functions:
The Siyanda SSC provides the following opera-
tions and maintenance functions to the LMs:
technical staff, including engineers, plant
operators (for operations and maintenance),
planning and supervision
a water quality management specialist for
operations and capacity building of plant
operators and on-site training.
Opportunities:
The support given through the SSC has pro-
vided various benefits to participating LMs:
Van der Linde et al. (2006) has revealed that
another key success factor for an SSC is
the adoption of a customer-driven focus, and
that the success of a shared services unit is
largely dependent on its ability to add value to
the organisation.
Conversely, South African research has iden-
tified challenges in the implementation of an
SSC that are as follows:
a. A lack of up-front investment, which may
cause the project to be under-funded:
Most WSAs lack funds to contribute to the
establishment of an SSC.
WSAs lack the required information to
determine the type and level of technical
and financial support needed.
b. A lack of commitment to long-term change,
which may result from election cycles and/
or shifting political agendas:
WSA change in both political and adminis-
tration structures over a five-year period.
This often contributes to poor long-term
planning, where management such as
municipal managers, technical or infra-
structural directors, councillors and may-
ors (the decision makers) leave the organ-
isation, so affecting continuity.
c. The shift from a demand-driven philos-
ophy to a supply-driven service culture
proves to be difficult to implement in a
government sector:
WSAs are often faced with a demand-
driven society, where services are to be
provided to consumers free of charge.
However, this demand-driven philoso-
phy has also been exacerbated by the
implementation of free basic water (FBW)
policies, which require review (free basic
water and sanitation policies in relation to
indigent communities).
Most WSAs have not implemented, or
would find it difficult to implement, busi-
ness principles as political will and buy-in
are not there. So there is no support
for the need to drive water services as
a business.
d. The implementation of a shared services
business unit is in itself a daunting experi-
ence, as it requires the transformation of
business and operational processes, peo-
ple and technology:
Developing political buy-in and support
from participating WSAs requires a great
deal of time, particularly to introduce the
SSC concept to ensure a common under-
standing and goal.
Additional resources, such as human
capacity, management systems and
leadership, require more funding, which
affects time frames for implementation.
The implementation of a successful SSC is
highly dependent on the above-mentioned
key success factors. The Siyanda District
Municipality (DM) in the Northern Cape is one
WSA that has managed to overcome some
of these challenges in the establishment of
an SSC. Cacadu DM in the Eastern Cape
is another WSA which, through its S78(3)
assessment, is in the process of establishing
an SSC for its Karoo Cluster WSAs, namely the
Blue Crane Route, Camdeboo and Ikwezi local
municipalities (LMs).
LEFT Laying pipes for a water supply
system in rural areas can provide
logistical challenges
The LMs face the common challenge of a lack of
technical expertise to operate and maintain plants
The DM has managed to access financial support to coordinate and
support water services delivery to LMs effectively, which is its key role.
The DM has sourced human resources to support the LM, which
include the procurement of an engineer, a technician and a water
quality specialist, all of whom are available to all four LMs.
Formal arrangements have been developed with the four LMs for
operational support through service level agreements. One WSA has
signed it at this stage.
Opportunity has been provided for the DM to transfer skills to the
LMs for financial management, technical services planning and
human resources development.
The DM, as the supporting municipality, has been able to build better
relations and understanding of the technical needs and challenges of
the LMs.
Although the Siyanda DM has benefited from establishing a shared
services centre for operations and maintenance services, as outlined
above, there are several challenges that have been encountered in the
implementation processes.
Siyanda SSC challenges
The establishment of the Siyanda SSC involved challenges, which can
be attributed to a lack of knowledge and/or poor consideration of the
identified key success factors. These challenges include the following:
Poor co-operation and support from the LMs, which led to a lack of
communication and participation. This could be linked to poor sup-
port from senior management, poor change management and a lack
of commitment to long-term change, which may result from election
cycles and/or shifting political agendas.
A limited project budget owing to LMs being unable to make a con-
tribution, because of a lack of finance. Therefore, funding is limited
to what is made available by project donors and this led to the pro-
gramme being under-funded.
Non-existence of shared service payment plans for WSAs, which
would identify resources and costs to be paid for and so assist
the programme to sustain itself and improve ownership by
participating municipalities.
Poor planning by LM technical units on their organograms and infra-
structure maintenance. This could be attributed to a lack of project
management skills, which led to poor coordination and support from
the DM.
High travelling and accommodation costs, rather than actual opera-
tional and maintenance costs, owing to the widespread locations
of the LMs (Kgatelopele Municipality is 300 km away from Siyanda
District Municipality).
A lack of progress reports for submission to the council, which would
facilitate decision-making and financial support and improve service
delivery to communities.
A lack of programme monitoring and evaluation by the DM and LMs
to assess the impact and value of the SSC.
These challenges have provided lessons to the Siyanda SSC partici-
pants from which to improve their shared service implementation pro-
cess with the rest of the LMs, as well as benefiting other municipalities
that may be interested in establishing an SSC.
Siyanda SSC lessons learnt
The lessons learnt from the establishment of the Siyanda SSC have
provided insight into the processes involved in implementing an SSC
within local government. These lessons are as follows:
Tough drilling
made fast and
easy.
Husqvarna DS 450
Max drill bit diameter 450mm - travel length 635/0mm
The DS 450 is lightweight yet very strong. The base plate is
exceptionally stable thanks to its optimised size. The DS 450
has an ergonomic handle with a soft grip, making it easy and
convenient to transport.
Husqvarna DM 340
1 phase, electric motor - 3300 W - max drill bit diameter 400 mm
An easy to operate drill motor. The DM 340 features an
ergonomic handle that makes it easy to carry around. The
controls are designed and positioned to further enhance
ergonomics and to facilitate drilling and set up. The DM
340 is designed for medium core drilling up to 400 mm
together with Husqvarna drill stands. The machine has three
gear stages, so the operator can nd the optimal drilling
speed. The LED indicator shows the load of the machine,
allowing drilling at maximum pressure, for best performance.
Husqvarna is a registered trademark. Copyright 2010 HUSQVARNA. All rights reserved.
Share Call: 08600 48759. Tel: 033 846 9700.
info@husqvarna.co.za
www.husqvarnacp.com
The establishment of an SSC requires more time for project/
concept introduction to LMs than the initially planned 12 months.
This is a result of the fact that it took more than two years to get
all four LMs to understand and support the SSC, and only one LM
has managed to sign the services contract with the DM. Factors
that contributed to the delayed establishment of the SSC include
the following:
a lack of knowledge and understanding of the objective of establish-
ing an SSC
political boundaries, where other WSAs would not be comfortable to
share resources with neighbouring WSAs
a lack of understanding that the powers and functions of WSAs are
not affected.
Key factors that would contribute to the effective establishment of an
SSC of local government water services delivery include:
sourcing political buy-in, including mayor and provincial officials, and
council resolution that would promote decision-making by LMs
identifying the required services, support and training needs and
budgeting for them as part of the operating and maintenance budget
developing clearly defined roles, responsibilities and expectations
developing an effective communication system to raise and
resolve issues
establishing, implementing and monitoring service level agreements.
Cacadu DM proposed SSC
The Cacadu DM in Port Elizabeth is in the process of establishing an
SSC, which has been recommended through S78(3) options assess-
ment. An SSC is one of the options that have been identified as a
potential solution for the Cacadu DMs Karoo Cluster WSAs in support-
ing water services delivery and self-sufficiency going forward.
The Cacadu DM Karoo Cluster of LMs comprises Baviaans LM, Blue
Crane Route LM and Ikwezi LM. They all have WSA status, but with lim-
ited capacity. This cluster of municipalities faces challenges similar to
those of Siyanda DM including remote and sparsely populated munici-
palities, the inability to afford payment for services and to attract and
retain appropriate skills, a lack of planning and strategic management
skills, a lack of water quality management expertise and a lack of
operational backup (J&G S78(3) Options Assessment Report 2009)7.
The proposed Cacadu Karoo Cluster SSC would be a unit where
water services scarce skills and capacity, currently unaffordable to
each of the WSAs independently, can be made accessible to them,
with clear KPAs and KPIs.
The DM has an established District Information Management System
(DIMS), to which all LMs have access. Therefore, centralisation of
resources has already been introduced, which should add value to the
proposed water services SSC for the Karoo Cluster.
Why should the Cacadu Karoo Cluster establish
an SSC?
The Cacadu Karoo Cluster requires additional resources to improve
its water services delivery. These include technical skills in the form of
engineers, a water quality specialist, financial and planning manage-
ment and plant operators. These WSAs are category B3 rural, low
salary scale-level municipalities, which makes it difficult for them to
attract and retain appropriate skills. The municipalities are located far
from one another, which leads to high operational costs owing to travel-
ling and accommodation. They have high water resources management
issues and water and wastewater quality management resources are
critically required in order to ensure the deliv-
ery of water to appropriate standards.
The establishment of an SSC at Siyanda
District Municipality has produced
positive outcomes.
The DM has managed to achieve the fol-
lowing, which are some of the resources
that the Cacadu DM Karoo Cluster intends
on obtaining:
sourced and coordinated funding to support
LMs in their water services delivery needs
sourced human resources to support the
LMs, which include the procurement of
an engineer (made available by the DBSA
Siyenzamanje Project), a technician and
a water quality specialist, all of whom are
available to the participating WSAs
developed formal arrangements with the
four LMs for operational support through
services level contracts
developed strategic systems to transfer
skills to LMs for financial management,
technical services planning and human
resources development
better relations and understanding of water
services needs between the DM and the
participating LMs.
Cacadu DM Karoo Cluster
proposed SSC
Taking into account the identified key success
factors and lessons learnt from the Siyanda
FIGURE 1: Proposed SSC establishment
process for local government (WSA)
Sulzer has acquired Cardo Flow Solutions including its brands
(ABS, Scanpump, Pumpex and other well known product names).
It is the rst premium-efciency pump in the world.
Anditsfirst-rate
sustainability
isanother
goodreason
tochooseit
Visit www.ABSEffeX.com for the full picture
and to request a demonstration.
2
0
1
1
A
P
0
0
5
e
n
1

w
w
w
.
p
y
r
a
m
i
d
.
s
e The ABS EffeX range comprises the worlds rst submersible sewage
pumps driven by a premium-efciency motor. The models are designed
with easily adjustable features that prolong the life of components while
maintaining optimal performance. Moreover, the long life of all com-
ponents and the highest total efciency available on the market ensure
that the environmental impact of our premium-efciency submersible
sewage pumps is minimised without compromising operational reliabil-
ity. Our sustainability in manufacturing and operation gives you:
Reduced CO
2
emissions in pump manufacturing and operation
Prolonged pump lifecycle
Reduced maintenance costs by adjustment rather than repair
Everything considered, the ABS EffeX range of submersible sewage
pumps offers you the highest performance for this product class.
Now you can make the right choice if you want to be rst...
...or more importantly, the rst choice if you want to be right!
ABS South Africa | P.O. Box 8195, Edleen
1625 cor Innes & Bismut St | Jet Park, Boksburg | Tel. +27 11 397 1612
DM SSC establishment, the Cacadu DM in the
Eastern Cape is in the process of establishing
an SSC for its Karoo-based WSAs.
This Cacadu Karoo Cluster SSC is being
proposed with the aim of attracting and shar-
ing the cost of skills to enhance the current
operational capacity on the ground. However,
the success and sustainable establishment of
this cluster would need to take into account
the key success factors identified above, as
well as lessons learnt from the Siyanda SSC.
A five-year strategic plan is proposed, which
would guide and facilitate the establishment of
its shared service from year one and beyond.
The plan includes mandatory areas of support,
human resource and capacity development
(technical, financial, and administration), facili-
ties and support unit costs.
The areas of operational support are:
water and wastewater quality management
infrastructure inventory development
revenue enhancement
water demand management
coordinated planning for the Karoo Cluster
with respect to water services
material standardisation and efficiency
monitoring and evaluation of service delivery.
The proposed five-year plan has recommended
a financial contribution from each participating
WSA, which could be an upfront nominal fee
sourced from equitable shared or grant funding
into the programme. This nominal fee would
increase each year based on an agreed opera-
tional contract for the first five-year period.
After this, a membership fee is recommended
from the participating WSAs. A drawdown list
of services would be available to participating
and non-participating WSAs at different costs.
An SSC has a strong potential to address the
existing water services challenges within the
Cacadu Karoo Cluster as the process could
be more positive and productive in relation to
that of Siyanda DM. An SSC could promote a
move towards the development and enhance-
ment of sustainable water services practices
by LMs.
How could an SSC be established by
resource-poor municipalities?
Figure 1 below represents the process that
could be followed by WSAs to establish a
SSC. Starting from the bottom, council owner-
ship of the project is key to the success and
sustainability of the project. Then identification
of water services needs would have to be
conducted by a WSA, with agreed KPIs. An
agreement would need to be in place (ser-
vice level agreement) in order to clarify roles,
responsibilities and expectations between the
two parties. Reporting, monitoring and evalu-
ation would then be required to assess the
impact of the SSC.
Conclusion
Based on a review of international literature,
there is strong evidence that an SSC could
greatly improve water services delivery in
resource-poor municipalities. This has been
evident at Siyanda, where the four partic-
ipating WSAs, namely Kgatelopele, Kheis,
Mier and Tsantsabane, have benefited and
improved water services delivery through the
establishment of the Siyanda DM SSC.
The four participating municipalities have
had challenges, including the lack of techni-
cal expertise for plant operation and main-
tenance, limited financial resources (which
hinders the attraction of appropriate technical
skills), sparsely located rural communities,
which increases operations and maintenance
costs, small populations with a high propor-
tion of indigent communities unable to pay for
services, and a lack of water and wastewater
quality management expertise.
The Siyanda SSC has provided resources to
address the operational needs of the partici-
pating LMs, such as the sourcing of budget to
enable LMs to deliver their water services func-
tions, the provision of technical skills (such
as an engineer and a water quality specialist)
for operations and maintenance, planning
and management and water quality manage-
ment, as well as the acquisition of additional
equipment for infrastructure repairs and main-
tenance. Furthermore, the SSC has provided
opportunities for all stakeholders, particularly
the DM and the participating LMs, to develop
formal service level agreements rather than ad
hoc local municipality support, to transfer skills
to the LMs on financial management, techni-
cal services planning, and human resources
development issues, and has allowed the DM
to build better relations and understanding of
the technical needs and challenges of the LMs
as the supporting municipality.
The incorporation of the identified key suc-
cess factors and lessons learnt fromthe
Siyanda SSC (such as the need for political
buy-in for effective decision-making, clearly
defined roles and responsibilities for stake-
holders, the implementation of service level
agreements and the development of an effec-
tive communication system to address water
services issues), has provided clear evidence
that the establishment of an SSC is a via-
ble, practical and recommended option for
resource-poor municipalities to improve water
services delivery.
References
Bergeron, BP. Essentials of Shared Services. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons (2003)
Searle, P. Shared Services Implementation: Survey Results. SharedXpertise (2006)
A.T Kearny, Inc. Shared Services in Government: Turn private-sector lessons into public-
sector practices (2005)
Van der Linde, TN, Boessenkool, AL and Jooste, CJ. Key success factors for the
management of a shared services business unit. Acta Commercii Journal, p.198 (2006)
Siyanda DM Shared Services Centre for Operations and Maintenance Business Plan (2007)
Jeffares & Green Cacadu DM S78(3) Options Assessment Report (2009)
ABOVE A reservoir nears completion in a
rural area
T
he company was commissioned by
civil engineering construction company
Entsha Henra in December 2010 to
supply the pipeline products to the
project, which include 11 455 m of 500 mm
K9 Saint Gobain ductile iron pipe, 5 185 m of
500 mm CL9 uPVC pipe, numerous AVK gate
valves, butterfly valves, air valves and Klamflex
pipe couplings.
Entsha Henra contracts manager, Bruce
Blacklaws, explains that the water supply line
is designed to pump water from the abstrac-
tion pumps at nearby Orange River to a water
purification plant in Colesberg, before being
transported directly to homes through an exist-
ing water supply network.
The increased infrastructural development
of Colesberg has necessitated the need for
an upgraded water supply network. After being
commissioned to construct the supply line,
Entsha Henra selected Incledon as its pre-
ferred supplier as it proved to be the most
price-competitive option.
Incledon national product manager for civils,
Kelly Wilson, notes that the ductile iron pipe
being used on the Colesberg water supply
line is imported from globally-based Saint
Gobain Pipelines, the worlds leading manu-
facturer of ductile iron piping and fittings. He
also points out that extensive on-site training
was provided to the team from Entsha Henra
by Gordon Olfin, technical manager at Saint
Gobain South Africa.
Incledon has been an exclusive distributor
for Saint Gobain Pipelines for the past four
years, and the companys ductile iron product
has proven itself to be the best on the market,
meeting with ISO 9001 and EN 545 qual-
ity standards. Whats more, the Saint Gobain
Pipelines K9 ductile iron pipe offers increased
durability and reliability, due to an internal
Helping to meet the
demand for water
Leading fluid conveyance solutions supplier Incledon has supplied more
than 16 km of piping solutions to a new water supply line project in
Colesberg, which is being constructed in order to deliver potable water
to over 2 000 newly developed homes in the area.
cement lining and an external zinc and bitumen
coating. The product is also quick and easy to
install, thanks to an innovative spigot socket
system, he explains.
Entsha Henra began work on the project in
February 2011, and has been supplied with
the entire range of products through Incledons
Bloemfontein branch.
Incledon provides distinct advantages over
its competitors, as the companys range of
products are proven to be tried-and-trusted
in the industry, and are backed by excellent
after-sales service and technical support,
says Incledon Bloemfontein civil representa-
tive, Juan Taljaard.
Wilson notes that the biggest project-related
challenge facing Incledon to date has been
the transportation of the products. Ductile
iron requires special handling as each pipe is
6 m in length and, in this case, weighs approxi-
mately 860 kg each. The internal cement lining
and zinc coating of the pipe are sensitive to
impact and, as a result, have to be handled
with extra care while being transported from
Durban harbour to Colesberg by means of
super-link trucks, he continues.
Wilson notes that a number of municipali-
ties are increasing their investment in water
infrastructure and he believes that Incledon
is strongly positioned for growth. Numerous
municipalities are experiencing rapid growth
and development and, as a result, the demand
for water supply is increasing. Incledon has a
number of major contracts lined up for 2011
and I am confident that this can lead to meas-
urable growth in the future, he maintains.
BELOW Extensive on-site pipe laying
A
s local and provincial government
pursue their plans for maintaining
or extending infrastructure, SRK has
been involved in the technical side
of urban renewal projects and the asset man-
agement of urban drainage systems that allow
local government to prioritise its public works.
In these projects, we study and measure the
status of infrastructure assets such as storm
water drains to find out what needs attention,
and by when, says Vis Reddy, principal scien-
tist and partner in the KwaZulu Natal (KZN)
office of SRK.
This work constitutes a vital part of the urban
renewal projects being undertaken in various
cities and towns around KZN.
The range of skills in the KZN offices also
allows them to take the planning work through
to the design and construction monitoring
phases of a project.
Reddy says SRK is also often called upon to
help provide high-level environmental planning
for instance, through strategic environmental
assessments and developing environmental
management frameworks for municipalities
which various levels of government are
required to do. The company is currently
developing a provincial hazardous waste man-
agement plan for KZN and has developed inte-
grated waste management plans for various
municipalities in the past.
Working from offices in Durban and
Pietermaritzburg, that together house 35 staff
members, SRK Consulting tackles projects
around KZN by providing expertise in civil engi-
neering, geotechnical engineering, environmen-
tal management, hydrology, hydrogeology and
air quality management and monitoring.
In KZN, SRKs strong geotechnical services
are now also increasingly reaching into a grow-
ing stream of public sector projects, such as
housing developments, schools, hospitals and
general construction.
This has been a growing sector for us due to
our offices specialist skills in tailings manage-
ment, engineering geology and geotechnical
areas, says Reddy.
We also do a lot of air and water quality work
for mining operations and are called upon more
Expertise for services and growth in KZN
Planning for sufficient clean water and providing better services to KwaZulu-
Natal is among the range of technical inputs ploughed into the provinces
development each day by consulting engineers and scientists.
and more to assist clients with their capacity
to monitor air and water quality on their sites.
Our hydrogeology skills base has tradition-
ally been applied in land contamination work in
the petrochemical sector primarily, where retail
petrol stations need to characterise, decon-
taminate and remediate their sites to comply
with the law, says Reddy.
We are currently involved in a ground water
reserve determination project for the Umvoti to
Umzimkhulu Water Management Area. This is
vital for the assessment of current and future
water use licence applications where ground
water use is required.
We dont know how much water is available
until we quantify both the surface water and
groundwater, says Reddy.
While we generally have information on the
quantity of surface water available, the scale of
groundwater resources is still largely unknown,
so this needs more extensive and thorough
research within catchments.
More information on what groundwater is
available in a particular rural area, for instance,
would improve the quality of decisions and
expenditure on providing water services to
the region. It would not make sense to pipe
water long distances to a rural area that
needs it, he says, if it was possible to use
local groundwater.
The law requires certain listed activities,
including those undertaken by parastatal agen-
cies in expanding the provinces infrastructure,
to be assessed in terms of the Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA) legislation, says
Reddy. Although SRK has been active in
numerous large-scale industrial projects in
the province over the past 10 years, changes
in environmental legislation and development
demands have resulted in SRK undertaking
numerous additional EIA studies in infrastruc-
ture-related projects for electricity network and
port expansions, low cost housing develop-
ments and road projects.
As global warming and carbon emissions
become more of an issue for business, the
company has also been requested by clients
to determine the greenhouse gas footprint of
projects; if the impact is significant, strategies
to off-set that impact can then be explored.
There is also huge opportunity in renewable
energy projects, according to Reddy; the com-
pany is currently providing engineering services
to one such project, and has an increasing
number of queries in the field of renewable
energy.
An area that a number of SRKs clients are
already exploring is substituting grid power for
their own energy solutions, thereby gradually
reducing their dependence on Eskom. A project
that the company recently completed involved
the use of heat from furnace off-gas to gener-
ate electricity or power other processes.
Companies benefit in a number of ways
from these innovations, says Reddy. Their
electricity costs can be reduced, their carbon
emissions and general environmental impact
is cut, and often these new ideas can help
optimise their business processes.
ABOVE Vis Reddy, principal scientist and
partner in the KwaZulu-Natal office of SRK
The company has also been requested by clients to
determine the greenhouse gas footprint of projects
Did you know less than 1% of
the worlds fresh water is readily
accessible for direct human use?
Of all water on earth, 97.5% is salt water and of the remaining 2.5% fresh water some
70% is frozen in the polar icecaps. The other 30% is mostly present as soil moisture or
lies in underground aquifers. In the end, less than 1% of the worlds fresh water (or about
0.007% of all water on earth) is readily accessible for direct human use.
As the worlds leader in transport and treatment of water and wastewater,
ITT Water & Wastewater offers a wide range of mechanical and pumping solutions for
wastewater treatment plants, dewatering applications, sewage systems, reverse osmosis,
aqua-agriculture and the process industry, among others.
nine leading brands - one exceptional company
Designed by Atomic Design. Produced by Coralynne & Associates Tel: (011) 422-1949
T
he range of solutions is avail-
able from ITT Water & Wastewater
and includes underdrain systems,
submerged sludge collectors
(Leopold CT 2) and floating sludge collec-
tors (Leopold Clari-Vac).
The Leopold Type S underdrain is ideal
for designs requiring longer laterals, while
the Type SL features a lower profile, mak-
ing it well suited to shallow filters, where
greater media depth is desired. Both are
made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
for strength and corrosion
resistance and
are lightweight
for easy
handling. The
underdrain sys-
tems are quick
to install, sav-
ing both time
and manpower.
The underdrain sys-
tem is suitable for operating
in conjunction with existing filter
controls and backwash systems and
is ideal for installation when refurbishing
existing filter beds and structures. Both
the S and SL underdrain technologies are
developed for superior air sourcing and
water backwash per formance, making them
truly universal.
The Leopold CT2 is a submerged sludge
collector that uses a simple differential
head to remove sludge from the basin.
It is automatic, simple and cost-ef fec-
tive, dealing with residuals, offering low
Innovative and cost-effective rapid gravity media filtration and
clarification solutions are now available from Leopold, which has
pioneered and acquired a number of unique technologies used for
improving water quality.
Rapid gravity media ltration
made simple
power consumption, lower capital and
maintenance costs, variable sludge remov-
able rates and low sludge disturbance
on withdrawal.
The Leopold Clari-Vac is a floating sludge
collector that offers power ful sludge remov-
al. It removes material, pro-
duces a high
s o l -
ids content, lowers
sludge disposal costs,
drastically reduces power
costs and vir tually eliminates
IMIESA SE EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPTE PPPPPPP MBER 2011 - 35
e of high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
strength and corrosion
stance and
lightweight
easy
dling. The
erdrain sys-
s are quick
install, sav-
both time
manpower.
e underdrain sys-
is suitable for operating
onjunction with existing filter
trols and backwash systems and
deal for installation when refurbishing
ting filter beds and structures. Both
S and SL underdrain technologies are
eloped for superior air sourcing and
er backwash per formance, making them
y universal.
e Leopold CT2 is a submerged sludge
ector that uses a simple differential
d to remove sludge from the basin.
s automatic, simple and cost-ef fec-
dealing with residuals, offering low
al. It removes material, pro-
duces a high
s o l -
ids content, lowers
sludge disposal costs,
drastically reduces power
costs and vir tually eliminates
A diagram illustrating the flat-bottom
flume filter
maintenance. Energy-efficient, with up to
80% less power required than in other
systems, it also features a simple mechani-
cal skimming system and quick, simple
valve priming.
Adding the Leopold CT2 or Clari-Vac
sludge collection system upstream of your
water treatment process could increase
the water treatment efficiency and reduces
both maintenance time and total sys-
tem operational costs.
The underdrain system is suitable for operating in
conjunction with existing lter controls and backwash
systems
WEG Group
WEG VSDs and soft starters. Controlling pumps, screens,
crushers and conveyors.
Thats good engineering.
0861 00 ZEST
www.zest.co.za
Control.
P
e
r
i
p
h
e
r
a
l

2
0
1
1
1
8
4
T
he main aim of the study was to
determine the state of the health
and integrity of rivers within the
eThekwini Municipality area and to
provide a management implementation plan
for an aquatic bio-monitoring programme.
In an operational context, the term bio-
monitoring is used to refer to the gathering
of biological data in both the laboratory and
the field, for the purpose of making some
sort of assessment or determining whether
regulatory standards and criteria are being
met in aquatic ecosystems.
The water-quality-based approach to pollu-
tion assessment requires different types of
data. Bio-monitoring techniques such as rapid
bio-assessment protocols (e.g. SASS) are
best used for detecting aquatic impairments
and assessing their relative severity. Once
impairment has been detected, however
much additional chemical and biological tox-
icity is the source of it, appropriate remedial
action is implemented to mitigate the impact.
Following mitigation or management actions,
bio-monitoring is important to evaluate the
effectiveness of such control measures. Bio-
monitoring may be used within a planning
Health and integrity of
rivers within eThekwini
eThekwini Municipality has undertaken an extensive aquatic
biomonitoring study of all the rivers within its area of jurisdiction.
Approximately 200 sites were sampled during both the wet and dry
seasons.
and management framework to prioritise
water quality problems for more stringent
assessments and to record and document
environmental recovery following manage-
ment action and rehabilitation activities.
In terms of the National Water Act (No. 36
of 1998), all water users are required to
register their water use and make application
for a water use licence. One of the require-
ments of any water use licence, whether it is
for water storage, water abstraction, water
discharge, etc., is that the water user must
implement a monitoring programme, which is
defined as: A programme for taking regular
measurements of the quantity and/or qual-
ity of a resource, waste or wastewater dis-
charge, at specific intervals and at specific
locations to determine the chemical, physical
and biological nature of the water resource,
waste or wastewater discharge.
Municipal agencies have a social responsi-
bility to ensure that resources are preserved
and used responsibly to ensure sustain-
ability. The public is no longer ignorant of
environmental issues and information shar-
ing concerning problem areas allows for
the sharing of responsibility and buy-in from
the public. The cost-effective collection of
important environmental information, which
is easily understood by the layman, can best
be done through a scientifically designed,
long-term bio-monitoring programme.
The purpose of the National Water Act
(No. 36 of 1998) is to ensure that the
national water resources are protected,
used, developed, conserved, managed and
controlled. The act provides for the protec-
tion of aquatic and associated ecosystems
and their biological diversity and the reduc-
tion and prevention of pollution and deg-
radation of water resources. Furthermore,
the National Environmental Management Act
(No. 107 of 1998) requires that the environ-
mental principles as set out in Section 2 of
the act be applied in decision-making. These
principles include, for example, the actions
required to achieve sustainable development
(socially, environmentally and economically)
and guide stakeholders in the integrated
management of the environment.
The results of the study, using the five-class
classification system described in the report,
are as follows:
Six sites were classified as in near-natural
condition.
Five sites were near natural good.
44 sites were classified as in
good condition.
12 sites were good fair.
23 sites were classified as in fair condition.
14 sites were fair poor.
42 sites were classified as in
poor condition.
13 sites were poor very poor.
16 sites were classified as in very poor
condition.
The plan now is to continue this programme,
addressing the more critical rivers first,
before moving onto the others. It is intended
to have both 50 sampling points in the dry
season and 50 sampling points in the wet
season.
ABOVE Neil Dennis and David Gallagher of eThekwini Water and Sanitation collecting
samples from the Umlazi River for the eThekwini Aquatic Bio-monitoring Report
WWT project marks a decade
of achievement
T
he Durban Water Recycling (DWR)
plant treats domestic and indus-
trial sewage and wastewater to near
potable standards for use in indus-
trial processes by high-volume customers,
such as Mondi Paper and SAPREF.
As a water-stressed country, we need
initiatives that can assist in preserving our
natural water resources. This public-private
partnership project is a prime example of
how innovative approaches to water resource
and environmental management, wastewa-
ter treatment technology and institutional
arrangements can yield exceptional results.
It harnesses the energies of the partners
and highlights the potential role that the pri-
vate sector can play in water management,
treatment and distribution, says Arnaud
Gisclon, managing director, DWR, and deputy
managing director, Veolia Water Solutions
(VWS) South Africa.
The various stakeholders of this
A wastewater treatment project in Durban that was designed, supplied
and commissioned by Veolia Water Solutions and Technologies South
Africa celebrates its 10
th
successful year of operation this year.
public-private partnership include municipal
utilities eThekwini Water Services (EWS) and
Umgeni Water, the Marubeni Corporation,
Khulani Holdings and Zetachem, part of the
Omnia Group.
Located in the south of Durban, on the
grounds of the EWS sewage water treatment
works (SWTW), the 47.5 M/day capac-
ity plant is not only environmentally friendly,
but brings significant advantages to all its
stakeholders. The potable water that indus-
trial consumers previously drew from the
municipal system is now redistributed to
previously disadvantaged peri-urban commu-
nities, without needing to invest in major bulk
water supply and treatment infrastructure.
The pollution load on the marine environ-
ment caused by recycling water that was
previously discharged into the sea is also
reduced significantly.
The plant employs state-of-the-art water
treatment processes and technologies.
Wastewater enters the SWTW, where the
EWS carries out various treatment steps.
These steps include screening, degritting and
primary settling. The effluent from the prima-
ry settling tanks, termed feed water, is fed
into the activated sludge plant that is oper-
ated by VWS South Africa. The feed water
undergoes lamella settling in the first of
three stages of the Veolia-patented Multiflo
treatment process. To coagulate solids in
the feed water, a metal salt is dosed before
polymers are added to enhance flocculation.
Thereafter, the flocculated water is fed into
lamella settling tanks. As the water leaves
this area, it is dosed with polyaluminium chlo-
ride to remove residual iron and enhance the
filtration process. The dosed water is sent to
the dual media filtration stage, where ozonis-
ing occurs to break-down remaining non-bio-
degradable organic compounds. The water is
then polished using activated carbon filters,
chlorinated and transported to a storage tank
for distribution to industrial customers.
The production of potable-quality recycled
water from domestic and industrial wastewa-
ter to a guaranteed standard is a showcase
for advanced water process technology and
process engineering, maintains Gisclon.
VWS has also been awarded a R187 mil-
lion contract by the City of Cape Towns
Depar tment of Water and Sanitation to
upgrade and extend the treatment capac-
ity at Bellvilles wastewater treatment
works (WWTW).
With this upgrade, the Bellville plant will
feature the largest membrane bio-reactor
(MBR) in the country to date; and its capac-
ity will increase by 20 M/day to 70 M/ day
average dr y weather flow (ADWF). The
20 M/ lday MBR will be separate from the
existing activated sludge plant. So, during
the construction period, the existing plant will
not be impacted upon.
In addition, the design and build contract,
including all mechanical and electrical works,
will see VWS supply a new inlet works for the
MBR plant, new biological reactors and six
membrane trains. A new sludge dewatering
facility will also be supplied, as well as an
upgrade of the existing electrical and control
systems infrastructure at the Bellville WWTW.
The water produced has to meet strict
quality requirements with regard to organ-
ic matter, virus and bacteria removal and
ammonia and suspended solids content. The
submerged ultra-filtration membrane technol-
ogy will increase capacity while producing
excellent quality treated water, which will be
reused as process water to industrial and
commercial clients in the area, explains
Abrie Wessels, regional general manager,
VWS South Africa.
The raw wastewater to the new plant will
pass through coarse screens for degritting,
before passing through fine screens and
undergoing anaerobic, anoxic and aerobic
treatment and ultra-filtration and dewatering
of sludge. OTV France, another subsidiary of
VWS, will be providing design and commis-
sioning support.
Currently in the basic engineering design
phase, the plant is due for commissioning in
2013. VWS South Africa will provide training
and maintenance suppor t for the first year
of operation.
RIGHT A membrane bioreactor plant at
an installation in Europe
BELOW RIGHT An aerial view of the
Durban Water Recycling plant
BELOW An artists impression of the
planned new membrane bioreactor plant
at the Bellville WWTW
Unit 2, Zone 5, Murrayfield, 4 Prospecton Road, 4115 . P.O. Box 357, Umbogintwini, 4120
Tel: +27 (0)31-902 6550 Fax: +27 (0)31-902 1349 Email: 0794949628@vodamail.co.za
Web address: www.aquastrainer.com
AQUA DIRT TRAP/STRAINER
The Aqua Dirt Trap/Strainer was designed for the protection of turbine-type flow
meters and pressure relief valves. In order to eliminate the issue of damage and
blockages, the Aqua Strainer was developed using mild steel pipes and flanges. The
main feature of this strainer is the sight glass, situated on the top flange. The sight
glass enables one to see directly into the pipeline. Blockages can be identified by
merely looking into the sight glass. Consequently, the water flow can be observed
and monitored. Blockages can be observed and removed by simply unbolting the top
flange and cleaning the stainless steel grid, thereby reducing the downtime and make
troubleshooting and fault finding, easier.

ESSENTIAL PROTECTION FOR ALL WATER METERS AND
PRESSURE RELIEF VALVES.
MAKE THE INTELLIGENT CHOICE
Install before every water meter and every pressure relief valve (PRV)
Patent No. RSA 95/9706

A
TYPICAL
INSTALLATION
x The Aqua Strainer is used and stocked at several Municipalities and water authorities.
x The water departments have specified the Aqua Strainer for all its projects and
installations.
x The Strainer/Dirt Trap is an essential protection for all water meters in order for it to
operate efficiently.
T
raditionally hydraulically operated
filter presses are used in metallurgi-
cal processes and water reclama-
tion plants, but these conventional
products are associated with a high risk of
contamination from oil and other lubricants
during operation. It has become essential to
overcome this challenge to protect the envi-
ronment and assist mining companies with
complying with the ever-tightening environ-
mental legislation confronting the industry.
Multotec has developed an environmentally friendly filter press believed
to be a world first, in response to the increasingly critical need to recycle
wastewater from mining operations in SA; specifically acid mine drainage.
Environmentally friendly
wastewater lter press
THE WATER TREATMENT SPECIALISTS
Degrmont, a subsidiary of SUEZ Environnement, is the
world specialist in water treatment plants and as such
makes an important contribution towards sustainable
development.
Degrmont, is a groundbreaker in desalination by reverse
osmosis and now has more than 250 facilities to its name,
d i th 2 illi
3
f t d
OUR EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR FUTURE
producing more than 2 million m
3
of water every day.
Degrmont designs original processes and incorporates the
most efficient technologies available to design technical
solutions tailored to its customers needs. With a wide range
of products at their disposal, the Groups desalination
experts select the best technical combination for the job. As
a major Environmental player,
Degrmont offers its customers sustainable solutions. More
than 250 plants built in 40 years, are producing desalinated
water in the four corners of the world. Whatever the
customer's problem, Degrmont can propose the right
Degrmonts contacts :
Mornay de Vos, Business Development Manager, mornay.de.vos@degremont.co.za
George van der Merwe, Technical Manager, george.van.der.merwe@degremont.co.za
Tel: +27 (0) 11 807 1983 Fax: +27 (0) 11 807 4118
www.degremont..co.za
technical and economic solution, up to and including
financing.
Multotecs state-of-the-ar t, fully automat-
ic filter press, based on the successful
Seprotech Rapid Filter Press, eliminates the
risk of any contamination in this application.
This new product has been developed using
patented technology.
RIGHT The cloth wash system in the
Seprotech Rapid Filter Press features
spray bars that are permanently installed
at the top of every plate
of industrial wastewater to water reclamation
and desalination.
A global water service provider, we are the name
that people trust to deliver this most precious of
resources - a clean and reliable supply of water that
supports development and enhances the quality of life
for millions.
Winner of Water Company of the Year,
Global Water Awards 2011
Clean water for millions.
Sustainable solutions for the world.
Water is essential to life.
At Sembcorp, we understand that every drop is vital.
We manage over six million cubic metres of water and
wastewater daily. 24 hours, seven days a week, we
keep the wheels of industry turning and supply over
five million people with the fresh water they need.
Households and enterprises on five continents rely on
our innovative and sustainable water solutions to
meet a range of water needs from the supply of
potable and industrial water, the specialised treatment
www.sembcorp.com
Vital Partners. Essential Solutions.
Delegates who have attended programmes at Dynamic Fluid Controls
advanced valve training facility now number over 500.
Big demand for advanced training
H
aving been instructed in optimal
valve operation, installation and
maintenance, the delegates have
passed through what is believed
to be the most advanced training room of its
kind outside of the United States of America.
The facility was commissioned in July 2009
to support theory with practical demonstra-
tion of valve operation and its effects on flow.
End users make up some 65% of delegates
to date, with consulting engineers totalling
30%. Resellers make up the balance.
At the heart of the facility lies a reticulate
set of closed pipe loops fitted with the full
range of DFC valves. Flow and pressure
throughout this network can be varied at will,
and the loops either isolated or inter-connect-
ed to allow demonstration of valve operation.
Delegates are shown the operation of air
release and vacuum break valves, as well as
control valves during in-line operation.
The performances of air valve accumulators
and non-accumulators are compared, and
delegates are taught how to operate and set
pressure-reducing valves, electronic control
valves, pressure relief valves, level control
valves and isolating valves.
Instruction includes demonstrations of typi-
cal non-return valve slam.
DFC marketing manager, Charl Myburgh,
says that delegates from municipalities had
found demonstrations of demand manage-
ment par ticularly instructive because of
their need to reduce water pressure during
periods of low demand.
If you can reduce the water pressure in
reticulation systems when demand dimin-
ishes, you are able to minimise water losses
caused by leaking pipes, explains Myburgh.
Our facility allows simulation of three
alternative methods of demand management
using variants in the Cla-Val range of control
valves: dual-stage pressure reducing, elec-
tronic full range pressure reducing and the
flow-modulated fully hydraulically controlled
pressure-reducing valve, he continues.
Besides exhibiting the various valves in
operation, DFCs new facility is able to dem-
onstrate hydraulic phenomena such as cavi-
tation and water-hammer, which delegates
can see occurring under controlled condi-
tions within sections of transparent pipe.
Delegates can also see how air enters the
air valves.
The digital flow indicators and pressure
gauges in the loops create a feel for how
hydraulic conditions change in pipelines
according to var ying demand in other
words, what happens to the pressure in
a water network when the flow changes,
explains Myburgh.
During a typical training session, we first
cover the theoretical operation of the valves
and then move across the room to see a live
demonstration. In the case of demand man-
agement, we induce high flow and obser ve
the pressure; we then reduce the flow to
simulate the lower demand which occurs
at night and let students see how the valve
modulates based on this lower flow to physi-
cally seal the loop, all while actually noting
read-outs of flow and pressure.
We can run a typical days cycle in
five minutes and watch the valve change
the flow according to the pressure within
the loop.
Myburgh emphasises that exper tise in
valve operation and maintenance is as
important as knowledge of the products
available for any particular application.
Our new facility can be used for both.
Its a comprehensive capability which we
expect to use with increasing frequency,
he maintains.
BELOW DFCs advanced valve
training facility
BLUE AND GREEN DROP
T
he Depar tment of Water Affairs takes its
role as custodian of water resources ver y
seriously and is always exploring ways
in which it can facilitate the conser va-
tion and protection of this precious resource.
The regulation of wastewater ser vices and drink-
ing water quality is done with the core objec-
tive of protecting the environment and public
health respectively.
The Blue and Green Drop cer tification pro-
grammes are flagship innovations of the depar t-
ment of Water Affairs. In 2008, as water sector
regulator, we introduced this incentive-based
regulation system, the Blue Drop and Green Drop
Cer tification Programmes, to improve municipal
drinking water quality and wastewater manage-
ment and I am happy to say that our municipali-
ties are embracing this approach more and more.
Our standards for drinking water quality are
aligned with the best international practice. The
latest South African standards currently being
revised by a team from the SABS follows interna-
tional guidelines as set out by the World Health
Organisation (WHO). A team of international water
regulators met last week with officials from my
depar tment to share best practice information.
59% of water supply systems score
more than 50% on Blue Drop evaluation
Water services delivery is performed by a number of stakeholders, water services
authorities, water boards and service providers across the country. Water is the
life-blood of our country - without it there is no life, no economic growth and no
development. By Edna Molewa, minister of Water and Environmental Affairs
Edna Molewa, minister of Water
and Environmental Affairs
What are the Blue and Green Drop requirements?
BLUE AND GREEN DROP PROFILE
T
he countr ys municipalities have a
responsibility to ensure that they
provide clean and safe drinking
water to their residents.
To ensure that municipalities continue to
comply with drinking water and wastewater
legislation, the Depar tment of Water Affairs
(DWA) in 2008 launched the Blue Drop (for
water quality management) and the Green
Drop (for waste management) Cer tification
Programme for wastewater care works.
This years awards were presented at the
3rd Municipal Water Quality Conference,
held in Cape Town from 27 June to 1 July
2011. Tlokwe City Council occupies the first
position in the countr ys top 10 best per-
forming municipalities under the Green Drop
categor y. The municipality also obtained the
first place in the Blue Drop categor y in the
Nor th West province and the sixth in the top
10 list of the countr y.
Tlokwe City Councils score of 97% for the
Green Drop Award saw the municipality beat-
ing the metros and all other municipalities
to occupy the first spot. Plettenberg Bays
Bitou Municipality came second with 96.4%.
The two municipalities of Tlokwe and
Bitou were earlier this year selected as
pockets of excellence in the municipal sec-
tor and invited by the Water Information
Network South Africa (WIN-SA) to share
critical success factors, good practices and
challenges with other municipalities at a
workshop the former had hosted. The out-
comes of this workshop culminated in the
release and launch of a booklet on the les-
sons from Tlokwe and Bitou at the awards
conference in Cape Town.
Ben Nell, the chief chemist at Tlokwe
City Council, again made a presentation
on good practice in wastewater treatment
and shared practical lessons with par tici-
pants during the conference in Cape Town.
According to Nell, the municipality will
continue to make itself available to share
its experiences and success factors with
all other municipalities in the district that
need such engagement.
Tlokwe City Council has also improved
its Blue Drop score from 95.11% last year
to 96.87% this year. The minimum scores
required to obtain the Blue and Green
Drops are 95% and 85% respectively.
The Blue Drop system itself has stringent
conditions that are annually reviewed to
upgrade the standard on an ongoing basis
and municipalities are expected to keep on
improving ever y year.
The daily analyses done by municipali-
ties are audited by the DWA on a monthly
basis to ensure strict compliance to the
set criteria.
Apar t from the quality of drinking water, var-
ious other factors are also assessed, such
as the credibility of sample analyses, pro-
cess control, maintenance and management
Cleanest water supply and
TLOKWE
Tlokwe City Council has, for the third successive year, retained its Blue
Drop status and received a Green Drop Award.
Green Drop status implies excellent wastewater management and a
respect for the environment and the health of the community at large.
In late 2008, the DWA launched a Green Drop Certification Programme
for wastewater care works. This initiative is an effort to ensure that
municipalities progressively improve their operations so as not to impact
negatively on the water bodies into which they discharge their product.
The proposed system aims at awarding water services authorities with
Blue and/or Green Drop status if they comply with drinking water and
wastewater legislation and other best practices required by the DWA.
This incentive-based regulatory approach is a first for South Africa and
is internationally regarded as unique in the drinking water regulatory
domain.
Green Drop status is given to municipalities that comply with good
wastewater discharge standards 90% of the time for the following
criteria:
operational staff
wastewater quality monitoring
wastewater sample analysis
submission of wastewater quality results
wastewater quality compliance
management of wastewater quality failures
storm water management
by-laws
wastewater treatment capacity
publication of wastewater quality performance
wastewater asset management.
The Blue Drop Certification Programme aims to see qualifying
municipalities receive what is known as Blue Drop status. This status
will signal that the town's drinking water is excellent and consumers will
be secure in the knowledge that wastewater is managed and discharged
in a sustainable, environmentally-acceptable manner. The status
will reflect the water regulator and water services authority's level of
confidence in the town's drinking water quality management levels per
service system in towns and cities.
The two municipalities of Tlokwe and Bitou were earlier
this year selected as pockets of excellence in the
municipal sector
sewer systems in SA
skills, as well as water safety planning pro-
cess and incident response management.
A total of 164 municipalities and
914 water supply systems took par t in the
Blue Drop 2011 assessments, compared
to 153 municipalities and 787 systems in
2010. In addition, 156 municipalities and
821 wastewater systems took par t in the
assessment for the current Green Drop
Award results.
RIGHT PC Labuschagne, manager of
community services; JF Kleinhans;
K E Mogoemang, MMC for Infrastructure;
I Stoltz, MMC for Community Services;
B Nell, chief chemist; L Mafojane;
C de Jager; Mathebe Mokae and
L Carson at the Blue and Green
Drop Awards
48 - IMIESA SEPTEMBER 2011 48 4 - IMIE I SA SA SEP SEPTEM EM M TEMBER BER BER BER B 20 20 20 2011 11 11
Please provide a background to the
City of Cape Towns record and his-
tory of Blue and Green Drop certifica-
tion, stating when certifications were
first achieved, how they are main-
tained and the work and initiatives
that take place to maintain the good
effort being made in this regard.
The City of Cape Town is the water services
authority (WSA) in the area and performs
the functions of a water services provider
(WSP) itself. It also provides bulk drinking
water to adjacent local authorities, namely the
Drakenstein and Stellenbosch municipalities.
The entire water supply system (including
the city-owned catchments, dams, 10 water
treatment plants, bulk conveyance system
and entire distribution system) was assessed
for the 2009, 2010 and 2011 Blue Drop
performance ratings by the Department of
Water Affairs (DWA). The city achieved 100%
in the first assessment in 2009 (one of only
three municipalities) and scored a 98.2% in
the more stringent 2010 assessment. This
was the second-highest score achieved by
a municipality in the country. The regulator
(DWA) in 2010 commented as follows: The
City of Cape Town once again impressed with
a remarkable performance, scoring second
highest to the City of Johannesburg by a slight
fraction of a percentage point. [It is] certainly
a world-class drinking water quality manage-
ment outfit and therefore thoroughly deserves
the Blue Drop certification for a second year
in succession. The WSP constantly strives
to improve its performance with respect to
water quality management and a Water Safety
Plan, including risk assessments, etc., is
integrated into its management processes.
No major corrective interventions are currently
required in terms of this plan, but provision
is made in the normal budget allocations to
maintain the set standards already achieved.
In 2011, the City of Cape Town once again
excelled in the DWAs now well-established
Blue Drop drinking water quality assessment
of all municipalities in South Africa. The city
received a Platinum Award for having achieved
Blue Drop Awards three years in succession
for the drinking water quality of its complete
water supply system to the metropolitan
area. Importantly, the city scored 97.61%,
the second-highest score in the country-
wide assessment for the second successive
year, behind the City of Johannesburg (WSA),
Johannesburg Water (WSP) and Rand Water
(bulk WSP). Notably, the margin has reduced
from 0.2% to only 0.08%. In addition, the city
received four other Blue Drop Awards as the
bulk provider to areas in the Stellenbosch and
Drakenstein local municipalities.
The Blue Drop incentive-based regulation
programme endeavours to facilitate and drive
continual and sustainable improvement in
service delivery and drinking water quality
and ensure steadfast coverage of un-serviced
areas. The Blue Drop process measures and
compares the results of the performance of
WSAs and their providers and subsequently
rewards (or penalises) the municipality upon
evidence of its excellence (or failures) accord-
ing to the minimum standards and require-
ments that have been defined in the assess-
ment process.
It was noted in the 2011 Blue Drop
Certification Report: The Department wishes
to congratulate the City for achieving Blue
Drop certification for the third year in a row.
This in itself is a remarkable achievement.
The lead inspector also noted, inter alia:
Cape Town has again impressed with their
commitment to water quality. The systems
presented for assessment have generally
improved since the last certification cycle and
promise to show further improvement in years
to come.
What are the significant water and
sanitation service projects currently
underway in the City of Cape Town?
The city has developed 10-year wastewa-
ter, water demand management and bulk
water master plans, which are currently under
implementation. To enhance the security of
water supply, the city has embarked on a
Bulk Water Augmentation Scheme, estimated
at R1.7 billion, which is currently in the
design stage. The project seeks to increase
the storage, bulk conveyance and treatment
capacities of the water supply system. The
project comprises the construction of the
Spes Bona and Muldersvlei reservoirs with
a capacity of 300 M each, the Muldersvlei
Water Treatment Plant (500 M/d), pump sta-
tion, 30 km of pipeline from Berg River Dam
to the Muldersvlei treatment works, 13 km of
pipeline from the Muldersvlei treatment works
to the Spes Bona Reservoir and a 13 km pipe-
line from the Spes Bona Reservoir to the Glen
Garry pipeline. Construction of the De Grendel
Reservoir and the related pipe links at an esti-
mated cost of R57 million will commence dur-
ing this financial year. An estimated R99.8 mil-
lion will be spent on a water pipe replacement
and upgrading programme in the 2011/12
financial year. Environmental sustainability,
capacity enhancement and compliance with
the DWA wastewater treatment works licence
conditions are a priority to the city and as such
an estimated R201 million will be spent on
upgrading the Bellville Wastewater Treatments
Works in the next three years. The design
and construction tenders for this project have
recently been awarded. R86 million will be
spent on the extension of the Zandvliet waste-
water works in the next three financial years
and R80 million will be spent on the upgrade
of various wastewater treatment works in
this financial year alone, to improve compli-
ance with the licence conditions. A total of
City of Cape Town receives Platinum
Award in Blue Drop Awards
In this years Blue Drop Awards, the City of Cape Town was rewarded
for achieving Blue Drop status for three consecutive years.
Richard Jansen van Vuuren speaks to the citys director of Water and
Sanitation, Philemon Mashoko, about this remarkable achievement.
IMIESA SEPTEMBER 2011 - 49 IIMI IMI IMI MESA ES ESA S ESA SE SE SE SE SEPTE PTE PTE PTE PTE TEMMBE MBE MBE MBE MBEER 2 R 2 R 2 R 2 R 2 R 2201 01 011 011 011 011 011 -- 49 49 49 49 49 49 49
R57 million will be spent on the Potsdam
wastewater treatment capacity upgrade in the
next three years.
How important is asset management
in your field is enough attention
and finance steered towards this?
Please elaborate.
Asset management is central to the citys
water and sanitation business in that it
provides a well-thought-out process for the
planning, creation, management and decom-
missioning of an asset, with the sole objective
of ensuring cost-effective, equitable and effi-
cient service provision to all residents of Cape
Town. Water and sanitation assets must at all
times provide services at the required stand-
ard, quality and level of service. Besides, in
making an effort to meet the requirements
of the Blue and Green Drop certification, the
city views asset management as imperative
and to this end substantial financial resourc-
es have been ploughed into asset mainte-
nance and creation. The Water and Sanitation
Department has embraced the importance
of asset management by creating a branch
called Engineering Asset Management, which
advocates best practice across the business
and establishes and monitors asset manage-
ment processes. The Water and Sanitation
Department has adopted the SALGA, IMESA
and National Treasury-approved Best Practice
Infrastructure Management Manual as its
asset management framework and is currently
developing a linkage with the asset module of
the SAP system.
What water quality standards does
the City of Cape Town adhere to?
The quality of water of the city complies
with SANS 241, a national SABS standard.
In terms of the discharge of domestic and
industrial wastewater into the resources, the
city designs its wastewater treatment works to
comply with the licence conditions imposed by
the DWA, as informed by the general authori-
sation in terms of Section 39 of The National
Water Act (No. 36 of 1998).
What are the consequences of non-
compliance?
Non-compliance means the city has failed to
perform its stewardship function and, besides
the possible legal prosecution that the DWA
can initiate against it, failure to comply tar-
nishes the image of the city and this must be
avoided. The city believes in sound govern-
ance and makes every effort to manage any
risk that might lead to non-compliance with
the regulators (DWAs) requirements.
What measures does the City of Cape
Town take to ensure the efficient use
of water?
The city has two fundamental approaches
to the efficient use of water. Firstly, the Bulk
Water Branch optimises the use of raw water
from the Western Cape system of dams (com-
prising dams owned and operated by both the
city and the DWA) through its bulk distribution
system interlinking the major components of
the system to maximise storage and mini-
mise overflows during winter by putting more
demand on the sub-systems that are filling
faster in winter or reducing the demand on
those that are falling faster in summer. The
operation of the dams as an integrated sys-
tem increases the level of assurance of supply
to all stakeholders in the region. Secondly,
the city has adopted a comprehensive Water
Demand Management and Conser vation
Strategy, aimed at significantly reducing the
citys water demand on the system. The
strategy includes water education awareness
programmes, technical interventions such
as pressure management, a fixing of leaks
programme, installation of water management
devices on household meters, substitution
of potable water for irrigation with treated
effluent and pipe replacement. The city is cur-
rently replacing about 50 km of water pipes
per annum and this is complemented with
pressure reduction, which has the benefit of
deferring the need to replace pipes.
What are the roles of consumers
in the use of water how can they
be better educated to respect the
resource in your opinion?
The Blue Drop status certification means
the potable water supplied to the citizens of
Cape Town has satisfied the DWA auditors
that it is of excellent quality and complies
with SANS241; excellent quality monitoring
systems are in place; the credibility of water
sampling and testing is excellent; the opera-
tional, maintenance and management staff are
adequately skilled; appropriate and adequate
risk management and water incident response
mechanisms are in place; adequate asset
management is taking place; and the city com-
plies with the regulatory performance report-
ing. In simple terms, the consumers of water
in the City of Cape Town must take pride in the
quality of drinking water supplied to them as
this is a collective responsibility. There is no
need for bottled water in the City of Cape Town.
The requirements of the Blue Drop certification
are becoming increasingly stringent each year,
and the city has matched the change with con-
tinual improvement of its water management.
Continual improvement means more invest-
ment into technology, human resources, sys-
tems and asset management, which ultimately
means that the water has high economic value
and must be conserved. All consumers have a
duty to pay for the services rendered to enable
the city to fulfil its obligations. Consumers are
urged not to pollute water sources, to assist
the city in fighting the vandalism of water and
sanitation assets and to report any malfunc-
tioning assets, pipe bursts and leaks. It is
every consumers responsibility to save water
and stop wastage. A drop of water into the
ground means money buried in the ground.
What other measures (apart from the
Blue and Green Drop) could in your
opinion be taken by the government
to assist local and municipal
authorities to treat and supply water
to exacting standards?
Many WSAs inherited huge water and sanita-
tion backlogs upon their establishment that
are compromising their ability to balance equi-
ty and efficiency owing to financial resource
constraints and political pressures. It is high
time that the national government creates
a fund ring-fenced for water and sanitation
maintenance and service extension to assist
WSAs financially, so making it possible for
them to invest their own resources into qual-
ity initiatives. The national government must
implement a system that establishes the quali-
fication and experience requirements of man-
agement and technical staff (and not process
controllers only) managing WSAs and audit this
as part of the Blue Drop, after which a report
should be provided to the respective council.
If you think of 20 years from now,
how do you see the supply and
distribution of water evolving?
The increasing scarcity of clean water and the
spiralling costs of treating it caused by indus-
trial pollution and climate change will define
the connectivity texture of the water business
with economic development variables.
A drop of water into the
ground means money
buried in the ground
S
ituated southeast of Bloemfontein
and serving the citys south-eastern
drainage region, Sterkwater WWTW
receives and treats mainly sewage of
domestic origin. The works is owned and oper-
ated by Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality
(then Mangaung Local Municipality).
The WWTW was constructed in 1998, with
a design capacity of 10.5 M/d. The current
treatment process is based on the pond
enhanced treatment and operation (PETRO)
process. The PETRO process integrates oxida-
tion ponds with more sophisticated secondary
treatment (e.g. biological filters or activated
sludge) to produce a high-quality final effluent
at reduced operating costs. At Sterkwater, the
secondary treatment happens to be by means
of an activated sludge plant.
Capacity increase
Inflow in the works increased steadily since
2008 as the area it served developed with
a significant rise in flow after 2005. By
2008, the flow had increased to approxi-
mately 16 M/d. This was partly due to an
earlier project, which was conducted between
2003 and 2006, to eradicate water and sani-
tation backlogs in the south-eastern quadrant
of Bloemfontein. As a result, many houses
received water yard connections and water-
borne sanitation so the flow into the works
increased steadily since then. There are also
significant leaks on the consumer plumbing
and groundwater infiltration into the sewers
and this is reflected through measurements
of the night flow. The night flow was within
10% of the peak morning flow. As a result of
the increased flow, the quality of the effluent
deteriorated and the plant did not perform
according to standard.
Mangaung Metro appointed BIGEN AFRICA
in association with Aurecon for the extension
of the works. The scope of works includes the
In 2008, inflow to the Sterkwater WWTW increased steadily and, as
a result, the quality of the effluent deteriorated. Garth Flores, civil
engineer at BIGEN AFRICA, takes us through the expansion project.
Increasing capacity at
Sterkwater WWTW
usual project phases, namely:
completion of a conceptual design
detailed design
tender documentation
contract administration
construction monitoring during implementa-
tion phase of the project.
During the conceptual design phase, it was
clear that the new infrastructure would be
based on the PETRO process as this was the
most cost-efficient solution for the municipal-
ity. The final design is based on a duplica-
tion of the existing work and will ultimately
increase the treatment capacity by 10 M/d.
The estimated construction cost of the entire
ABOVE Clarifier
BELOW Bioreactor
BLOEMFONTEIN
project is R41 million, with an estimated con-
tract duration of 16 months.
Future projections
There are significant developments planned
over the next five to 10 years, which will
see the addition of approximately 10 000
to 15 000 new stands and accompanying
top structures to the catchment area of
Sterkwater. While the development is being
implemented, Mangaung will need to address
the water leaks situation in order to extend the
operating conditions before the works requires
a further upgrade. The 15-year predicted
maximum annual dry weather flow (ADWF)
expected to enter the WWTW is 30 M/d.
Grootvlei Prison will also be diverting its
sewage to Sterkwater because it is not able
to treat its own waste anymore.
Project phases
Mangaung decided to split the project into two
contracts: phase I focuses on the civil and
structural works and phase II will focus on the
mechanical and electrical works.
The detailed design and tenders for the
civil works were compiled by BIGEN AFRICA.
Aurecon will be responsible for the structural
design as well as the design and compilation
of tenders for the electrical and mechanical
contract. In addition, Aurecon will be respon-
sible for the construction monitoring and con-
tract administration of both contracts.
The civil and structural works went out to ten-
der in December 2010 and was based on the
FIDIC Conditions of Contract for Construction
For Building and Engineering Works Designed
by the Employer (1st Edition, 1999). Tenders
closed in February 2011. Of the 45-odd con-
tractors who attended the compulsory briefing
sessions, only 12 submitted tenders. By July
2011, the tender had still not been awarded
but it is expected that the award of the tender
to a successful contractor will have occurred by
the time this article appears in print.
The estimate for the civil and structural com-
ponent of the works rings in at R31 million,
while the mechanical and electrical component
is estimated at R10 million. Tenders for the
civil and structural work came in at around R25
million and the difference in price is probably
owing to contractors competing aggressively for
new work as a result of the recession.
Operation of the WWTW
Operating issues that have been reported by
Mangaung include:
A lack of overflow facility on the ponds
leads to submerged aerators and spillages.
During cold weather (June to August) there
is excessive scum on the biological reactor
and secondary clarifier. To counteract this,
Mangaung has developed different operat-
ing procedures for summer and winter, but
even so, the treatment and disposal of the
excessive scum is still an issue.
Theft and operator safety is a problem
at the plant and this was pointed out to
potential contractors who would be working
on site.
The handling and disposal of rags at the
works is also a cause for concern.
Accommodating approximately 1 500 buck-
ets per week is another issue.
New works: civil and
structural contract
Intake works: The structural layout of the
intake works was designed for a future
20 M/d and so no major structural work is
required at the intake works. The works will
be modified slightly to accommodate a third
Archimedian screw pump.
New anaerobic pond: A new anaerobic pond,
5 m deep, will be constructed. The new pond
will be constructed by excavation to a general
ABOVE LEFT Outflow measurement
ABOVE RIGHT Outflow to Renoster Spruit
Extension of Sterkwater Sewage Treatment Plant general layout plan with testpit positions
BLOEMFONTEIN
invert depth of 3 m below the existing natural
ground level and by constructing 2 m-high
(plus an additional allowance for safe free-
board) embankments around the pond. The
geotechnical report indicates that the area is
underlain by a clay layer 4 to 7 m thick, but
that groundwater above the clay layer will be
a construction challenge. The pond will have a
volume of 25 000 m.
At this stage the design makes allowance
for a future pond that will only be construct-
ed once the inflow increases (between five
and 10 years).
Inlet to and outlet from the pond: New inlet
and outlet works to the pond system will be
constructed. The inlet and outlet works were
designed to accommodate both the new
pond and the future pond. The outlet will be
an adjustable weir at a fixed outlet box. The
outlet box will discharge into a 600 mm
concrete pipe. The adjustable weir will be use-
ful in controlling the water level in the pond to
make allowance for differences between low
inflow and high inflow at the works.
New activated sludge bio-reactor: The bio-
reactor was designed to achieve nitrification
and biological de-nitrification to the required
standards. Should phosphorous removal
become necessary at a future stage, this can
be achieved by means of chemical precipita-
tion. UCTPHO and BIOWIN were used for the
modelling of the new reactor and determining
the component's size/capacity.
Bio-reactor size: 41.5 m x 25 m x 4 m
rectangular reinforced concrete structure,
which will cater for dedicated anoxic and
aerobic zones. A dividing wall and posi-
tive overflow will be used to keep the two
zones separate.
Aeration requirements: The following sur-
face aerators are proposed: 1 x 75 kW,
1 x 55 kW and 2 x 37 kW. These aerators
will be used to supply 60 g O
2
/m.hr.
Aeration control: Dissolved oxygen (DO)
concentration in the aerobic zone will be
monitored by two static DO probes. DO
measurements will be recorded on PLC
and aerators will be switched on/off in
response to the measured concentrations.
Depending on the budget versus construc-
tion cost, variable speed drives may be
installed on the aerators. This will be a
significant increase in capital outlay but will
reduce electrical consumption, decreasing
operating costs over the long term.
Mixed liquor recycle (a-recycle): An a-recycle
pump station will be located in the bio-reac-
tor and mixed liquor will be pumped over
the dividing wall between the anoxic and
aerobic zones. Two duty and one standby
axial flow pumps are proposed, the capacity
of each pump being 290 /s.
Recycling of activated sludge (RAS-cycle):
Sludge from the secondary clarification
tank will be pumped back to the bio-reactor
by means of three self-priming centrifugal
pumps (two duty and one standby). The
capacity of the pumps is 85 /s. Flow will
be measured by means of an electromag-
netic flow meter.
Waste activated sludge (WAS): 173 to
211 m of sludge (mass of approximately
790 kg DS) must be harvested each day.
Activated sludge will be harvested from the
aerobic zone via a submerged pipe fitted
with an actuated isolating valve that is con-
trolled by a downstream electromagnetic
flow meter. WAS will be pumped (via the
existing pumps) to the screw pump sta-
tion intake and will be routed to the new
and existing anaerobic ponds for storage
and digestion.
Scum removal: Free surface flow will be
provided between all zones and scum
will flow unhindered to the outlet works
of the bio-reactor. Scum will be collected
by means of a downward opening chan-
nel sluice and scum collection chamber.
The scum will be pumped (via the existing
pumps) to the existing sludge lagoons.
Secondary clarification: Two 30 m diameter
secondary clarifiers will be constructed. The
clarifiers will have an 8 degree slope and will
be fitted with peripheral driven half bridges
and an integrated scraper mechanism.
Final disinfection: A new 250 m chlorine con-
tact basin has been included for the disinfec-
tion of the clarifier effluent. There is a bypass
facility and flow will be measured by means of
a rectangular weir. The chlorine dosing will be
60 kg/d for the entire works and the dosing
and storage facility is housed in the existing
5 m x 5 m building.
Refurbishment of the existing works
The following items at the existing works will
need to be refurbished:
supernatant recycle pipeline from sludge
lagoon to inlet works (290 m of 160 mm
uPVC pipeline)
overflow structure of existing (and new)
pond this will be the same structure
prefabricated wall in anaerobic pond
refurbishment of clarifier 1s outlet pipe.
As mentioned earlier, the entire site is under-
lain by a thick clay layer. For the bio-reactor,
clarifier and chlorine contact structures, allow-
ance has been made to remove the clay
layer and construct these structures on an
e ngineered soil raft foundation using imported
material. The clay is deemed to be a suitable
liner for the new ponds, so no allowance was
made for synthetic liners.
The main operation cost associated with the
extension is electrical consumption. The esti-
mated motor sizes total 4 000 kWh/d.
Tecroveer, the current legal patent holder
for the PETRO process, has indicated that the
cost for using the process is 3% of the con-
struction value. This still needs to be verified
and confirmed by Mangaung Metro.
The contract is expected to start in September
2011 and end by December 2012.
ABOVE LEFT Outflow measurement
ABOVE RIGHT Outflow to Renoster Spruit
BLOEMFONTEIN
BLOEMFONTEIN
H
aving commenced on 6 September
2010, the upgrade of roads and
storm water was commissioned
by Mangaung Local Municipality
to improve access for residents and road
users, and forms part of a three-year contract
between the municipality and Aurecon.
The project is divided into two contracts,
namely Contract T0915A and Contract
T0915B, and is broken down into specific
areas, as follows:
Contract T0915B consists of the construc-
tion of Mathambo, Phale and Mojatau
streets. An additional street, Makhonofane
Street, was made available by the munici-
pality and the tender was awarded to
Razzmatazz Trading and Investments
in 2011.
Contract T0915A consists of the construc-
tion of Man Rd 797 as well as Man Rd
1079, which comprises Tsuene, Sejake
and Thera Lekota streets.
Scope of works
The initial cost of the project was
R3 723 862.14 (incl. VAT) for Contract A
and R9 512 224.96 for Contract B, but due
to unforeseen circumstances, such as the
groundwater problem on Man Rd 1079 and
the extensions of time granted, the cost of
the project escalated to R4 494 197.43
for Contract A and R11 774 177.98 for
Contract B.
The scope of works executed on the project
is as follows:
The removal of existing gravel/road
Service delivery excellence
in Bloemfontein
There was an urgent need to rehabilitate and construct roads within
and around Bloemfontein, as an improvement in infrastructure would
improve the quality of the streets and therefore the quality of life
for residents.
material to various depths below the exist-
ing road level, the stockpiling of selected
material to be reused at an approved
stockpile area and disposal of the spoil
material in an appropriate manner.
The construction of pavement layers,
namely roadbed preparation, selected fill,
sub-base and base layers 150 mm thick,
at specifications varying from G7 to C4
classification compacted from 93 to 98%
modified AASHTO density.
Application of a single-seal Cape slurry
road 7 m wide with kerbs and concrete
channels on either side of the road.
CONTRACT T0915A
WARD LOCATION STREET
Ward 12 JB Mafora Man Road 797
Ward 15 Kagisanong Tsuene Street/Man
Road 1079
CONTRACT T0915B
WARD LOCATION STREET
Ward 3 Bochabela Mathambo Street
Ward 14 Rocklands Mojatau Street/Phale Street
Ward 13 Rocklands Makhonofane Street
LEFT Man Rd 1079 Thera Lekota Street
BELOW Man Rd 797 before construction
BLOEMFONTEIN
PROJECT FAST FACTS
CLIENT Mangaung Local Municipality
CONSULTANTS Aurecon
CONTRACTOR:
T0915A
Umvezi Contractors
CONTRACTOR:
T0915B
Razzmatazz Trading and
Investment 19
SUPPLIERS: T0915A Q Civils: Cape seal works
ROCLA: storm water pipes
Incledon: sewer pipes
3Sixty: storm water pipes
LaFarge: gravel
SUPPLIERS: T0915B ROCLA: storm water pipes
3Sixty: storm water pipes
and kerbs
Corobrick: bricks
RSC: steel reinforcing
Perfect Pipes
Blitz Beton: ready-mix
concrete and kerbs
MATERIALS USED IN
THE CONSTRUCTION
Gravel (approved from in
situ source or quarry)
Cement/lime
Bricks
Reinforced steel (mesh)
Prefabricated storm water
structures
Conduit pipe
Manhole and catch pit
covers
Concrete pipe culverts
In situ concrete kerbs
and channels
Construction of storm water drainage
structures.
Application of sur facing to road
intersections.
Cleaning up of the road and road reserve
and installation of road markings and traf-
fic signalling.
Cleaning up of existing (silted up) storm
water structures.
Relocation of some existing services.
Remedial work, such as road patches.
Application of surfacing to some road
intersections.
Construction delays
Initially, the project duration was set at six
months. The commencement date for the
two contracts was 9 September 2010 and
the estimated completion date was set for
29 March 2011. However, owing to the heavy
rains that were experienced in Bloemfontein
late last year and early this year, construc-
tion could not commence as planned and
some delay was experienced. As a result of
this and other minor delays, the contractual
completion dates have been changed to 3
August 2011 for Contract A and 19 August
2011 for Contract B.
BELOW LEFT Makhonofane Street-
Stormwater
BELOW RIGHT Man Rd 797- Base Layer
RIGHT Mathambo Street
On 6 September 2010, the
upgrade of roads and storm
water was commissioned by
Mangaung Local Municipality
BLOEMFONTEIN
T
he existing minibus taxi facilities in
the Bloemfontein CDB make provi-
sion for approximately 200 taxis,
but there is a need for more than
700 taxi bays. This resulted in the estab-
lishment of a number of informal ranking
areas, which are overcrowded, unhygienic
and unsafe, with taxis queuing on the main
streets to gain access to the facilities and
seriously restricting traffic flow and mobil-
ity. There is also limited integration among
Approximately 50 000 passengers move through the greater Mangaung
area on the south-eastern part of the Bloemfontein CBD area on a daily
basis. To address the problem of congestion, an intermodal transport
facility was proposed.
The Mangaung intermodal
public transport facility
the different public transpor t modes within
the area.
The lack of a proper integrated approach
results in passengers having to cross
several busy streets and negotiate areas
without proper pedestrian facilities. To
address these problems, a R380 million
intermodal transpor t facility was proposed,
which makes provision for suf ficient capac-
ity, and involves the linking/integrating of
the main public transpor t termini (Central
Park Bus Station, Russell Square minibus
taxi terminus and the Bloemfontein Railway
Station) through improved pedestrian con-
nections. This 50 000 m multi-storey
concrete building will include ranking and
holding facilities for local transpor t, formal
and informal retail as well as manage-
ment of fices. A formal holding area for
minibus taxis will be provided at Bastion
Square to accommodate the over flow of
minibus taxis.
IMPROVING ACCESS, EASING TRAFFIC FLOW
INTERMODAL TRANSPORT FACILITY:
LOCATION AND BUDGET
Location: The intermodal public transport facility
is situated within the south-eastern part of the
Bloemfontein CBD, with the heart of the facility
bordered by St Andrew Street to the north, Hanger
Street to the west, Harvey Road to the east and St
George Street to the south.
Budget: The total budget for the intermodal public
transport facility (excluding the retail component)
is R 48.2 million. This includes site investigations,
land expropriations, professional fees, civil works,
escalations and supervision during construction.
Preliminary studies, investigations and conceptual
designs have been completed at a cost of
R3 963 573.
Source: 2010 Business Plan: Mangaung
Local Municipality
Aurecon provides engineering, management and specialist technical services for
government and private sector clients globally. The group has been involved in projects
that span multiple markets across Alrica, Asia Pacilc and the Middle Last.
The groups broad-based resource pool enables it to provide both core engineering services
ranging from civil, electrical and mechanical, structural and transportation engineering
through to infrastructure asset management and programme and project management.
Aurecons commitment to invest and allocate resources and skills aims to improve the
quality of life of the communities in which we operate. This ranges from sophisticated,
high-tech solutions to the provision of basic services in rural areas. The group also fosters
job creation by focusing on core infrastructure development such as water, roads,
electricity, sanitation, and housing, which are aimed at revitalising and sustaining cities
and towns.
Make Aurecon your partner in meetinq today's most critical service delivery challenqes.
For more information contact us at tel: +27 12 427 2000 or
email: government@aurecongroup.com
Liveable cities, resilient communities
Integrated planning
Municipal inlrastructure
development
Roads and transport
Water and electricity
Solid waste
Asset management
Advisory and management
Lnvironmental studies
Disaster management
Expertise:
BLOEMFONTEIN
Difficulties during construction
Owing to practical and operational con-
straints during the major concrete work, two
tower cranes with a reach of 60 m had to
be positioned inside the building footprint
and construction had to take place around
the cranes. Once the work was completed,
the cranes were dismantled and removed
and the remaining openings closed up. This
difficult operation was per formed within a
tight time constraint using a 450 t mobile
crane, which cer tainly caught the publics
PROJECT TEAM
Engineers Vela VKE Consulting Engineers
KV3 Consulting Engineers
WSP Africa
Michael Moore and Associates
Quantity
surveyors
Rubiquant Quantity Surveyors and
Limco Quantity Surveyors (JV)
Main
contractor
RSI Intermodal Construction
(comprising Ruwacon, Sanyati
Engineering Central and Ikaheng)
Architects Incline Architects
attention. The two tower cranes were dis-
mantled and on their way back to Gauteng
within four days.
The Mangaung intermodal public transpor t
facility one of the biggest projects under-
taken by Bloemfonteins local municipality
in recent years has already become a
well-known landmark and both the public
and those involved in the construction look
for ward to the final completion of the pro-
ject. The project, which commenced in May
2009, will be completed during 2011.
BLOEMFONTEIN
Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality recently commissioned the upgrade of bulk
sewage systems in Bloemfontein, including the North-Eastern WWTW (Sunnyside),
the Bloemspruit Sewer Mains and Collector, the Estoire Sewer Mains and the
Grassland Sewer Mains. IMIESA takes a closer look at these projects.
Upgrade of Mangaung
sewage systems
O
wing to the significant growth in
proper ty development, the nor th-
eastern sanitation upgrade in
Bloemfontein was essential. This
phenomenon is especially prevalent in the
areas surrounding the eastern suburbs
of Bloemfontein, where there are various
developments currently being planned. The
bulk sewer mains are absolutely critical
owing to the growth in development on the
nor th-eastern side of Bloemfontein and will
relieve some of the capacity from the cur-
rently overloaded Bloemspruit WWTW.
The sewer mains will be connected to the
proposed new Nor th-Eastern WWTW (N-E
WWTW). The existing Bloemspruit WWTW is
overloaded and needs upgrading in order to
cater for the treatment of present and future
wastewater from the city. The position of
the new N-E WWTW allows for the diversion
of sewage from the existing Bloemspruit
works to the new works, which would fur ther
allow the required refurbishment and main-
tenance at the present Bloemspruit WWTW.
Engineering, management and special-
ist technical ser vices group Aurecon, in
association with Phethogo Consulting
Engineers, was appointed by the Mangaung
Metropolitan Municipality as consultant
for the upgrade of bulk sewage systems
in Bloemfontein.
The position of the new
N-E WWTW allows for the
diversion of sewage from
the existing Bloemspruit
works to the new works
ABOVE Areas covered by this project
BLOEMFONTEIN
TABLE 1: SUB-AREA A: DRAINAGE AREAS
SINGLE RESIDENTIAL GENERAL RESIDENTIAL TOTAL DRAINS TO NODE
Units ADWF Units ADWF ADWF
Sub-area Description /day/unit Total k/day /day/unit Total k/day k/day
A1 Remainder of Noordstad 0 900 0 138 600 83 82.8 A1
A2 Hillside 2830 Phase 3 37 900 33 183 600 110 143.1 A1
A3 Hillside 2830 Phase 1 & 2 39 900 35 734 600 440 475.5 A1
A4 Remainder of Hillside 2830 136 900 122 678 600 407 529.2 A1
A5 Roderick Park 2032 33 900 30 167 600 100 129.9 A1
A6 Douglas Valley 260 230 900 207 285 600 171 378.0 A1
A10a North of Normandie Avenue 174 900 157 737 600 442 598.8 A1
A9a Douglas Valley Plots 9 & 10 0 900 0 240 600 144 144.0 A2
A9c Portion of Douglas Valley 57 900 51 283 600 170 221.1 A2
A9b Roderick Park Plots 2 & 5 236 900 212 150 600 90 302.4 A3
A9d Portion of Roderick Park 78 900 70 388 600 233 303.0 A3
A11 Roderick Park 2834 34 900 31 168 600 101 131.4 B2
A12 Area in De Bloem smallholdings 30 900 27 151 600 91 117.6 C2
A13 Estoire north of Tibbie Visser 527 900 474 2636 600 1 582 2 055.6 C2
- Noordhoek pump station - - - - - - 458 B1
TABLE 2: SUB-AREA B: ESTOIRE DRAINAGE AREA
A14 Estoire 1 238 900 1 114 6 282 600 3 769 4 883 C6
TABLE 3: SUB-AREA C: GRASSLANDS PHASE 1 DRAINAGE AREA
A16 Portion of Shannon 1 225 900 1 103 6 218 600 3 731 4 834 D2
TABLE 4: BLOEMSPRUIT WWTW OVERFLOW
A15 Racecourse 347 900 312 1 758 600 1 055 1 367 D1
Bloemspruit overflow - - - - - - 15 000 BS
The preliminary design of the project was
completed through a desktop study, taking
all the areas earmarked for development in
the drainage area of the new N-E WWTW into
consideration. Where the actual number of
residential units of developments was not
available, an estimate was done based on
previous experience and realistic develop-
ment densities that could be achieved in the
relevant areas.
Phased implementation of outfall
sewer mains
A phased implementation of the provision of
sanitation services to the areas as described
below is proposed. This consists of a first
phase of bulk outfall sewer pipes to the new
N-E WWTW. The proposed pipes should be
sufficient to cater for the drainage of the
areas adjacent to Andries Pretorius Street
where development has been approved, as
well as full drainage of the Estoire area and
of Grasslands Phase 1. An overflow bulk pipe
to cater for a maximum flow of 15 M/d from
the overloaded Bloemspruit WWTW to the
new N-E WWTW is also proposed.
The second phase consists of the drain-
age of the remaining areas north of Andries
Pretorius Street and the Grasslands Phase 2
outfall sewer. A third phase (long term) could
consist of a bulk outfall pipe to cater for the
complete removal/decommissioning of the
Bloemspruit WWTW to be rerouted to the
new N-E WWTW.
Development of phase 1
Drainage areas
This phase will consist of two main areas:
sub-areas A and B and the drainage areas
are indicated in the tables above:
The outfall pipe from the existing
Noordhoek pump station is required to
drain all effluent reaching the pump station
towards the new N-E WWTW, eliminating
the need for a pump station and relieving
some pressure on the existing Bloemspruit
WWTW. The current average flow from the
Noordhoek pump station is 0.458 M/d.
The pipeline from A1 to C3 varies in diame-
ter from 300 t o 350 mm and the capacity of
this pipeline is 135 /s. The capacity of the
pipe is sufficient to drain the total section
BLOEMFONTEIN
of sub-area A, including the area between
Andries Pretorius Street and the railway line.
The pipeline from C3 to C8 is proposed even-
tually to convey effluent from the full develop-
ment of area A14 (Estoire). The pipe from C3 to
C4 has a capacity of 64 /s and is sufficient to
convey effluent from the Noordhoek pump sta-
tion, as well as approximately 40% of the total
flow from areas A1 to A13. It is proposed that
for the second phase the connection between
C3 and C4 be terminated and node C3 be con-
nected with node E6, draining with a new 450
mm pipe and eventually draining to the new N-E
WWTW. The capacity of pipe C3 to C4 will have
to be monitored to determine when this phase
will be necessary.
The capacity of the first phase of the new
N-E WWTW will be designed for an average
flow of 15 M/d.
The construction of the bulk outfall pipes
is currently taking place. The approval of the
N-E WWTW is currently in the EIA phase. It is
expected that the outcome of the EIA process
will be known by the end of August 2011.
Second phase
Further phases will be constructed as the
need arises, probably in around five to 10
years. The work required is as follows:
Construction of pipelines E1 to E2 serving
Pipe route
The capacity of the rst
phase of the new N-E
WWTW will be designed
for an average ow of
15 M/ d
BLOEMFONTEIN
North & North Eastern Development areas
area A7, E3-E4-C13 serving area A8, C3
to E4 (termination of connection between
C3 and C4 discharging effluent upstream
from C3 when pipeline C3 to C4 has
reached its full capacity); pipe sizes range
between 200 mm to 525 mm.
Construction of additional outfalls from
Grasslands Phase 2 (F1 to W1). Pipe sizes
range between 200 and 600 mm diameter.
Extending the capacity of the WWTW as
required (approximately an additional
37.5 M/d). This will provide capacity to treat
all effluent from phase 1 and phase 2, which
will be the remaining portions of Dealesgift
and Grasslands Phase 2. The total capacity
of the WWTW will then be 52.5 M/d.
Possible third phase
The third phase will consist of the convey-
ance of the remaining effluent from the
Bloemspruit WWTW to the new N-E WWTW.
This can be a complete long-term sce-
nario should the Mangaung Metropolitan
Municipality decide to decommission the
existing Bloemspruit WWTW.
The pipeline BS to W1 will consist of pipe
diameters ranging from 750 to 825 mm.
The N-E WWTW will be upgraded with an
additional 37.5 M/d (approximately), bring-
ing the total treatment capacity to 90 M/d.
Taking all the anticipated phases into
consideration, it is impor tant that the ser-
vitudes registered at the beginning of the
project make provision for all the future
phases. The ser vitudes for the pipeline BS
to W1 should be wide enough to accommo-
date three pipes to cater for all the possible
future phases.
BLOEMFONTEIN
O
ne such development is the De
Hoek rising main, which forms part
of the Caledon-Bloemfontein bulk
water scheme that augments pota-
ble water, mainly to Bloemfontein, Edenburg,
Reddersburg, De Wetsdorp and Wepener, and
in extreme events to Botshabelo and Thaba
Nchu. This rising main is the only rising main
connecting the water purification works at
Welbedacht Dam to this bulk water scheme,
so failure on this line will result in water
shortages throughout its service areas.
Corrosion damage had caused severe
damage in the upper section of the pipeline.
Inadequate air intake also posed a problem
in the event of a pump or power failure. A
R16.3 million upgrade of the rising main will
improve air removal and provide air intake in
the event of a pump failure. The structural
integrity of the pipeline will be reinstated in
the damaged sections in order to extend the
life of the pipeline.
The project consists of the following works
on the 1.2 m diameter De Hoek rising main:
installation of 23 air valves and
related pipe specials in new and
existing chambers
construction of 10 new air valve chambers
installation of a new check valve and
related pipe specials and a new check
valve chamber
installation of two new surge anticipation
valves
internal pipeline assessment of the bitu-
men lining and corrosion on the exposed
steel sections
repair of the internal bitumen lining
repair and reinstatement of the structural
integrity of the corrosion-affected areas.
Construction on the upgrade project com-
menced on 17 May 2011 and is expected to
be completed on 20 March 2012.
The continuation of effective service delivery at Bloem Water is dependent
on sound asset management and timely investment in infrastructure
development in the proactive anticipation of future water demands
and expectations.
Blue gold
WASTE
T
he increasing focus on green practic-
es and energy-efficiency has resulted
in the emergence of global green
washing with its inherent unsubstan-
tiated, or misleading, claims about the envi-
ronmental benefits of products or materials.
As a result, it has become necessary to delve
deeper into the manufacturing processes of
materials to distinguish the truth from fiction
in this regard.
The ability to incorporate recycled and indus-
trial by-products into the concrete masonry
manufacturing process not only reduces the
embodied energy of the units significantly, but
also has immense environmental benefits.
It decreases the demand for non-renewable
resources by reducing the amount of virgin
aggregates to be sourced.
Secondary energy consumption generated
by long-distance transport of aggregates from
quarries to manufacturing plants can be
reduced by using locally available building
rubble. It also eases the pressure on landfill
sites by decreasing the amount of rubble
and waste material to be transported to, and
dumped at, landfill sites. Concrete masonry
manufacturing plants also have the unique
ability to become zero-waste manufacturing
sites by recycling their own manufacturing
waste back into the process.
In addition, any so-called green material
should be evaluated against its ability to con-
tribute towards the overall sustainable future
of South Africa. In order to do that, one needs
to consider that true sustainability is the
result of a balance between environmental,
economic and social factors.
The inherent cost-effective, durable and low-
maintenance qualities of concrete masonry
have long since rendered it the material of
choice for the South African context. The
labour-intensive nature of concrete block-
laying provides the opportunity to create
numerous jobs in the unskilled labour market
all of which contribute towards social and
economic sustainability.
The thermal mass quality of concrete fur-
ther provides it with the ability to improve
environmental sustainability by aiding passive
climate control design. From this perspec-
tive, it is clear that concrete masonry is an
inherently green material and ideally suited
to improving sustainability in South Africa.
Concrete masonry housing
Concrete masonry housing has immense
environmental benefits, writes Adle de Lange,
human settlements technical marketing consultant
at the Cement & Concrete Institute.
ABOVE Recycled concrete can be
incorporated into the concrete masonry
manufacturing process
www.arup.com
We shape a better world
I
m
a
g
e

c
r
e
d
i
t
s

D
u
a
n
e

M
o
r
t
o
n
Hleziphi Mtshizana:
Most Promising Engineer 2011
(WiEBE Awards)
Johannesburg
+27 (0)11 218 7600
johannesburg@arup.com
Port Elizabeth
+27 (0)41 584 0080
thomas.jachens@arup.com
Cape Town
+27 (0)21 421 6399
capetown@arup.com
Durban
+27 (0)31 328 8700
durban@arup.com
Polokwane
+27 (0)15 291 5477
polokwane@arup.com
East London
+27 (0)43 726 0494
eastlondon@arup.com
WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROFILE
What prompted you to study
engineering?
I wish I had discovered a unique gift or talent
at the age of 17 that would have allowed me
to choose a life-absorbing career, but the truth
is, my decision to become a civil engineer was
more a gamble, based on an inkling that I had
an affinity for construction and buildings. This
feeling could have come from a deep-seated
love of playing with Lego and building unstable
structures to see how long they would stand.
It was my older sister who helped me shape
this idea by putting me in contact with a var-
sity friend studying civil engineering.
What did you study at a tertiary
level prior to your first position as
an engineer?
I studied a BSc. Eng. (Civil) at the University
of Durban-Westville. I was fortunate to have
received an award from the United Nations
Educational and Training Programme for
South Africa (UNETPSA) for two years and a
USSAS scholarship for a further two years.
What was your first industry-
specific position?
I started my career as an engineer in train-
ing in the Traffic Department of Keeve Steyn
Consulting Engineers (now Goba) in Gauteng.
At the time of my joining the company, the
traffic department was involved in many toll
road projects throughout the country. This
involved modelling the road network using
SATURN, a meso-level modelling programme.
I gained different levels of exposure to the
modelling process while working on projects
such as the Bakwena N1/N4 Platinum Toll
Highway, N2 George to Knysna Model and the
R300 Cape Metropolitan Model.
Have you worked as an engineer
internationally?
In May 2002, I moved to Ireland with
my husband and worked for the National
Making a contribution to peoples lives
IMIESA profiles a select few women who are
making a difference in the world of engineering.
In this profile, Rochelle Rajasakran, a traffic and
transportation engineer at Goba, discusses her
career and aspirations for the future.
Roads Authority, Cork County Council for
two years. I happened to be the only traffic
engineer in the office located in Glanmire. I
became involved in micro-simulation model-
ling, which was a relatively new, innovative
modelling procedure. I used the PARAMICS
software package which uses car following,
lane changing and gap acceptance algo-
rithms to model the individual behaviour of
vehicles on the road network. I used the
software to evaluate complex network geom-
etr y that could not other wise be analysed
using traditional software packages. The
main focus of my studies was the phased
upgrading of the N25 South Ring Road, a
dual carriageway carr ying and distributing
the majority of Cork Countys local and
regional traffic, while bypassing the city
centre. I evaluated design proposals for
the Kinsale Road Roundabout (a signalised,
five-lane, five-legged roundabout), Dunkettle
Interchange and other major roundabouts/
junctions on the Ring Road.
As a traffic engineer at Goba, please
outline your job specification.
I am currently a senior traffic and trans-
por tation engineer at Goba, specialising
in micro-simulation modelling still a rela-
tively new technique in South Africa. I used
the AIMSUN micro simulation software to
model the N1 Rivonia Road Interchange to
14th Avenue, par t of the Gauteng Freeway
Improvement Project. I was able to con-
clusively test complex network geometr y
and interchange configurations, generally
difficult to assess using traditional analysis
tools. The modelling aided significantly in
the refinement of interchange designs and
in the identification of bottlenecks gener-
ated through design inadequacies. Besides
traffic modelling and other investigative
studies, my duties include project manage-
ment, procurement of work and manage-
ment of staff.
What projects are you currently
involved with?
With government spending focussed on
improving public transport infrastructure, I
have found myself working on more public
transport projects over the last three to
four years.
What drives you to be an engineer?
By the very nature of our profession, we are
given the opportunity to make a contribution
to peoples lives, to shape the world around
us and to improve living conditions on our
planet. Providing a safe, affordable and effi-
cient public transport system, such as the
IRPTN, affects the way in which people travel
and ultimately live.
If you werent an engineer, what
would you be?
I would love to be involved in organic farming
or teaching women the basics of sustain-
able community farming. I quite love grow-
ing things, something that I inherited from
my mother.
What aspirations do you have for your
future in the engineering fraternity?
Working hard in the present moment means
that the future takes care of itself. But,
for the engineering fraternity as a whole, I
hope that we learn to be proud of who we
are and are inspired to greater action by
the words contained in The Credo of the
African Engineer.
ABOVE Rochelle Rajasakran with a happy
train commuter
engineering?
During my primary and secondary schooling I
enjoyed the maths and science subjects more
than any others and after discussions with my
secondary school guidance counsellor and
fellow engineers in my family, I knew I would
pursue a career in engineering.
What did you study at a tertiary level
prior to your first position as an
engineer?
Bachelor of Technology: Chemical Engineering.
What was your first industry-specific
position?
Chemical engineer at Eskom.
internationally?
Yes. In 2007 I was seconded to Black &
Veatch, an American engineering company
that was awarded the project and construction
management contract by Eskom for Kusile
Power Station. During my period in the USA
I worked with senior and specialist chemical
engineers on projects that were based in the
USA. The projects included designs of water
and wastewater treatment plants, including
chemical handling systems. Further to design
work, I also visited operating and new-build
power stations.
What was the first major project you
were involved with?
In 2005, I was involved in the conceptual
designs for the water treatment plants for the
open cycle gas turbine plants at Mossel Bay
and Atlantis. These were two new-build gas
stations that required demineralised water
for their processes. The design comprised
the used of reverse osmosis membranes for
the production of demineralised water using
potable water. Apart from the completion of
the concept design, my responsibilities fur-
ther involved the completion of the stations
water balance, compilation of the technical
evaluation criteria required for the evalua-
tion of tenders received, tender evaluation,
contract award, and finally, the monitoring of
MARLIZE ANDRE
engineering?
I was fascinated by aeroplanes and, on doing
some research, I found that there is a height
restriction on pilots. As I am only 1.56 m tall,
I did not qualify. I resolved then that if I could
not fly them, I would build them. I applied for
bursaries in mechanical engineering and was
successful in securing a bursary from Eskom
and have been working for them ever since.
engineer?
B Eng Mechanical.
position?
A milling plant system engineer at Arnot Power
Station.
What memories do you have from the
beginning of your career?
When stationed at a power station in the
middle of nowhere you get a real feel of com-
munity. In the first year of working I worked
12-hour shifts operating the plant. When I left
Arnot Power Station to go to the head office,
by boss told me that everybody thought he
was mad to appoint a girl to be the system
engineer of the milling plant because, to put
it bluntly, it is a very dirty job. You get full of
pulverised coal or grease or lubrication oil
The dynamic dynamos of Eskom
In this profile, three women from Eskom reveal their ambitions and
achievements in a male-dominated industry.
basically every day. But I enjoyed every minute
of it! It set the base of the knowledge that I
have today on power plants.
What is your current position with
Eskom?
Discipline manager: Low Pressure Services
Engineering.
involved with?
Medupi Power Station and Kusile Power
Station: The two new coal-fired power stations
that we are building. We face many chal-
lenges every day as these are currently the
largest construction projects in South Africa.
Ingula Power Station: This is the new hydro
power plant that we are building (the big-
gest one in the Eskom fleet).
Sere Wind Farm: a commercial 100 MW
wind farm that will be constructed in the
Western Cape.
Concentrated Solar Plant: The first concen-
trated solar plant in South Africa.
If you werent an engineer you would
be.
Nothing else?! I have asked myself that ques-
tion many times and the only thing I can say
is that if I could not practise in the field then
I would teach people about the profession.
NALINI MOODLEY
contractor deliverables. I was also involved
during the commissioning stage of the water
treatment plants.
What memories do you have from the
beginning of your career?
I think one of my early memories was when
I was employed as an in-service trainee at
Umgeni Water. There I met two senior female
engineers who were excelling in their careers.
As a young female engineer I often ques-
tioned whether the engineering environment,
which was predominantly occupied by men,
was the right field to be in. This question
slowly dissipated after exposure to the senior
female engineers. I was motivated by the fact
that they worked hard, found their space in
the organisation and were recognised for their
professional and valuable input. They were
definitely good role models for me.
Eskom?
Currently, I am employed as discipline man-
ager: Chemical Engineering in an acting
capacity.
involved with?
In 2006, I was appointed as the lead engi-
neer for Kusile Power Station Package 17:
Water Treatment Plant. This position was
really a stepping stone in my career and
helped me grow as an engineer. I have been
involved in the project from the conceptual
design stage, through the contract award and
now in the execution.
What qualifications do you currently
hold?
Bachelor of Technology: Chemical Engineering
(ML Sultan Technikon); Bachelor of Science
(Honours): Water Utilisation (University of
Pretoria); Practical Project Management
(University of South Africa); and I am cur-
rently completing my masters in business
administration at the Gordon Institute of
Business Science.
Describe the role engineers play in
social development and how this role
will evolve over the next 50 years.
Engineers have an essential role to play in
social development in South Africa, but more
so worldwide. With close to half of the worlds
6 billion people living on less than US$2 a
day, one of the biggest challenges our planet
faces is poverty alleviation. Poverty is not
only about the lack of wealth in monetary
terms, but also the denial of various choices
and opportunities that are basic to human
development. Climate change is going to
push us into thinking out of the box and being
more innovative.
If you werent an engineer you would
be
A journalist for a travel television channel.
TUMISANG PENELOPE
MAPHUMULO
engineering?
When I was in standard 9 (grade 11), my mom
researched career paths that were in demand
in the 90s and she found that there were very
few women in the engineering sector. She fell
in love with profession and convinced me to
study engineering instead of accounting.
engineer?
When I started my studies post matric, I was
studying engineering at the Wits Technicon.
In 2000, I was awarded a scholarship to do a
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours): Electrical
and Electronic at the Universiti Teknologi
Petronas (UTP) in Malaysia. I completed my
studies in June 2004.
position?
I was appointed as an engineer in train-
ing in the Eskom department then called
Transmission Technology. I was training on
all high-voltage substation equipment but
my main focus was on high-voltage overhead
transmission lines.
internationally?
In October 2010, I was selected to be part
of a team that conducted technical evalua-
tions of Korean and Thai companies that had
applied to build high-voltage transmission
lines for Eskom. The work done in Korea was
a unique experience for me because there are
still no women engineers in that country.
were involved with?
The 765 kV backbones scheme is critical for
the strengthening of the Eskom transmission
network. To incorporate the 765 kV lines at
the existing substation, designs were required
to relocate the existing 400 kV lines, to
make space for the 765 kV substations. I
was the design leader for three such projects
where transmission lines were to be deviated
to accommodate the implementation of the
various 765 kV lines. Three transmission lines
were relocated to free up space for the con-
struction of the Zeus 765 kV substation and
one transmission line was relocated to free
up space for the construction of the Mercury
765 kV substation. Two lines were deviated
to make space for the termination of the
Majuba Umfolozi 765 kV lines at the Majuba
Power Station.
Eskom?
I am currently the only young black female
senior registered professional engineer. I am
responsible for the design and optimisation of
high-voltage transmission lines.
involved with?
I am currently the design leader for a number
of projects. The design leaders role is to lead
and co-ordinate all aspects of design across
all engineering disciplines (electrical, mechani-
cal and civil). The design leader is involved
with the project at all stages (preliminary stud-
ies, detailed design and specifications, tender
compilation and adjudication and construction
and commission). Below is a list of the pro-
jects I am responsible for:
Hendrina Prairie 400 kV line; Prairie
Marathon 400 kV lines; Sigma Venus 765
kV line; 2 x Hector Sigma 400 kV lines;
route selection for Venus-Sigma-Hector lines
and a substation site selection for the Sigma
765/400 kV substation.
WBHO has over 35 years of experience and service to offer in the
Roads and Earthworks, Civil Engineering and Building industries.
Our commitment, reliability and consistency has led us to be
successful on many high prole projects throughout Southern Africa.
(T) +27 11 321 7200 (F) +27 887 4364 (W) www.wbho.co.za
C
ampbell joined De Leuw Cather, an international firm of
consulting engineers, while studying for a diploma in civil
engineering and ended up becoming a shareholder. She
won the Civil Engineering Contractors Award for the most
outstanding student on graduating. Following this, she began study-
ing at Wits University for a B. Tech in structural engineering.
Campbell was the first woman in South Africa to be awarded profes-
sional status as a professional technologist in structural engineering
in 1990. Campbell started a branch in Johannesburg for a Durban
firm of consulting engineers, Howells Erskine, and became the man-
aging partner of this practice, which she managed for nearly three
years. She then started her own consulting engineering practice,
Ingrid Campbell and Associates.
In 1998, Campbell joined the Protech Group and in December 1998
moved to Mozambique to start Protech Construes de Moambique.
In 2001 Campbell joined the WBHO Group after working for them as
a sub-contractor on their first major project in Mozambique. In 2007,
Campbell was deployed to the King Shaka Airport Project where she
was responsible for procurement and achieving the BBBEE require-
ments for the project. After the completion of these tasks, she was
assigned to managing the groups scorecard and the employment
equity DG review for the WBHO Group. This is the position she cur-
rently holds.
What was the first major project you were involved in?
I designed and carried out super vision on the Chartwell shopping
centre in Umhlanga, the Natal Sharks board, and the Victoria bus
station between the bridges in War wick Triangle, all in Durban. I also
designed the bridge at Salt Rock and did design work for the Health
& Racquet Club in Chatsworth. In Johannesburg, I did the design for
the MSC head office on Grayston Drive.
What other memories do you have from the beginning of
your career?
I loved working for consultants, having the balance of office design
and also being heavily involved onsite. The best and most exciting
part of ever y project was working with different teams of contractors,
architects, etc. No construction job is ever achieved by any one per-
son or company it is a joint compilation of skills and personalities;
and the final product is there for a ver y long time and a constant
WiEBE award category
winner
Ingrid Campbell
*
, group scorecard
manager at WBHO, discusses
her career in Mozambique and
South Africa.
reminder of associated problems and triumphs. Ever y person, from a
shutter hand or painter to the architect or engineer, will pass by after
project completion and reflect on their building.
What has been the most significant project challenge to
date and how did you overcome this?
Ever y project has a different set of challenges, which makes engi-
neering so enjoyable, although gender issues still feature after 33
years! I think that my biggest achievement was moving on my own,
with two small boys and two dogs, to Mozambique and starting a
construction company. It was a tough countr y in 1998, the language
was an issue and, when I think back to those days, driving to the
Mozal site in an old bakkie looking for work in 45 degree heat, with
the risk of contracting malaria and driving across landmines a worr y
in most areas, I realise how deep I had to dig.
Describe the role engineers play in social development
and how this role will evolve over the next 50 years.
Engineers are shaping our future on this planet and, as such, have
an enormous responsibility.
* Campbell has been registered with the Engineering Council of South
Africa for the last 20 years and is also a member of the SA Institute of
Civil Engineers. She is also professionally registered in Mozambique.
No construction job is ever achieved by
any one person or company it is a joint
compilation of skills and personalities
engineering?
I was uncertain about what to do as a career
and began by eliminating careers I did not
wish to do. As I completed science subjects
at school I then looked at the science field.
position?
I began my career in the position of
junior technician.
were involved with?
The company I was working for at the time pro-
vided intersection access and related external
intersection and road upgrades, as well as
providing external storm water drainage for an
office park. Although the project was not very
big, it was exciting as I was involved in all the
aspects of the execution and running of the
project from the consulting side from beginning
to end. I did everything from organising topo-
graphical surveys, detailed drawings, designs
and specifications, to scheduling of quantities,
inviting tenders, tender evaluation and partial
site supervision during construction.
As a director at Nyeleti Consulting,
please outline your job specification.
I am responsible for the management of the
water division, client liaison, staff guidance and
training and the technical execution of design
work. I am also currently investigating the
option of opening a branch office in Cape Town.
involved with?
Eskom Medupi Power Station: Provision of
all civil services for Package 8 and Package
35 contractors.
Eskom Kusile Power Station: Provision of
all civil services for Package 16 contractors.
Alliance x9: Design and construct of water
reticulation, sewer reticulation and toilet
top structures for 640 stands.
Mandela Village Unit 12: Provision of roads
and storm water drainage.
What has been the most significant
project challenge to date and how did
you overcome this?
The construction of portal culverts, which
entailed storm water drainage of which a cer-
tain portion crossed six railway lines through
a pipe jacking method, i.e. trenchless method.
During pipe jacking the soil collapsed, making
a gaping hole below the first railway track.
The soil material was found to be ash, which
had no cohesive properties. A conventional
open trenching method could not be used as
the railway tracks had to be kept operational
for Transnet to generate income. Railway
strapping was installed, which entailed the
removal of the existing tracks and replacing
them with longer tracks with longer sleepers.
In essence, the railway track would be kept in
tack should the soil collapse below the track.
What inspires you to be an engineer?
Engineering is all about finding solutions. At
Nyeleti Consulting I provide input on both man-
agement and technical, which still exposes
me to the technical side of projects. This in
turn makes me part of the solution process.
Describe the role engineers play in
social development and how this role
will evolve over the next 50 years.
The engineer of today wears many hats. In pro-
viding infrastructure, the engineer assists the
local municipality with fast-tracking projects,
thereby assisting the spending of budgets.
This ensures the communities benefit as soon
as possible from infrastructure upgrades. The
engineer also assists with social development
in communities, i.e. ensuring local labour
and/or plant is used. During the design pro-
cess certain of the works are allocated for
labour-intensive methods of construction and
the specifications further allow for the training
of local labour by certified trainers. One can
see that the engineer should not only be tech-
nically aware but should have an awareness of
social development as well.
If you werent an engineer you
would be A pilot!
What aspirations do you have for your
future in the engineering fraternity?
I would like to do a masters course in busi-
ness administration. Most consulting firms
in South Africa are run by engineers, yet
the engineer is not trained to be a business
administrator.
Technically and socially aware
Liezel Johnson, a director at Nyeleti Consulting and an avid golfer, discusses
her involvement in providing power to the country.
BELOW Medupi Power Station under
construction
BEAUTIFICATION
A
s eThekwini city engineers Dave
Thomas and Brian Cadle and SSI
principal engineer Brian Downie
played the SAICE awards Durban
Beautification Project video submission for
me, I watched as the excitement and pas-
sion of a project that was completed more
than a year ago came flooding back. We
had a good contractor and the most effec-
tive team, reiterates Cadle. The deadline
was 2010 and with only 10 months to go,
no one said it was achievable. The quality of
management under pressure was absolutely
amazing. One of the highlights of the pro-
ject was the construction of an underpass,
linking the Moses Mabhida Stadium to the
beachfront. After chatting to the engineers,
I took their advice and hired a bicycle at the
beachfront, and took the cycle route through
the underpass. Adorned on the interior with
decorative panels of the indigenous coastal
dune plant, and laid out in polished porcelain
tiles, it was obvious that the end result of
the underpass (and the rest of the project)
matched the exceptional quality of the team.
Project overview
All project management and design of the
Durban Beautification Project was carried
out in-house at eThekweni Municipality. The
multimillion rand project undertook the wide-
scale revitalisation of Durbans ageing inner
city public realm, as well as the construction
of an underpass linking tourism hotspots,
with the aim of increasing foot traffic, activat-
ing streetscapes and contributing to a safer
city experience.
About a decade before undertaking this
project, eThekweni Municipality had identi-
fied corridors of excellence key routes
linking inner city attractions. An important
aim of these corridors was to ensure that the
Moses Mabhida Stadium becomes integrated
into the essence of the city. The Roads
Provision Department took on the challenge
We had 10 months to complete this project and the passion around the World
Cup could be felt by everyone from management to labourers. The commitment
to teamwork was amazing. - Brian Cadle, project engineer: eThekwini Roads
Provision, on the Durban Beautification Project.
Revitalisation of Durbans
inner city
CANDICE LANDIE TAKES A TRIP TO THE EAST COAST TO SEE THE
WORK OF THIS R133 MILLION AWARD-WINNING PROJECT
IGNEOUS CONCRETE
SALES - VICKY GRIGOROGLU
082 443 0084
011 827 7425
011 827 9838
info@igneous.co.za
www.igneous.co.za
Specialist suppliers of lightweight
polyconcrete street furniture, large
scale pots and planters and public
space installations - including
bollards, refuse bins and lighting.
Igneous Concrete was the
approved supplier for the Moses
Mabhida Soccer Stadium and
related areas of the Durban
Beautification Project.

c:
t:
f:
e:
w:
of upgrading the 30 km of pavement along
these routes (including the construction of
the underpass). The pavements range from
conventional asphalt to modern and attrac-
tive paving utilising conventional materials in
an innovative manner.
Routes that formed part of the project were
also upgraded, with new street lighting
SAs first LED street lighting, to be precise,
indigenous landscaping, street furniture, new
public transport infrastructure and a clever
way-finding signage system. Another exciting
aspect of the project was the implementation
of engineering infrastructure for the People
Mover project. The People Mover is Durbans
latest public transport system, currently cov-
ering two routes within the city and linking
the beachfront to the CBD as far as Victoria
Street Market.
The Florida Road, Blue Lagoon Park and
Kings Park Pool enter tainment and rec-
reational precincts were also refurbished,
PROJECT TEAM
CLIENT eThekweni Municipality:
Engineering Unit: Roads
Provision Department and the
Strategic Projects Unit. The
team consisted of:
Brian Cadle
Ken Saddington
Peter Fenton
Gary Kimber
Laura Hunt
Nina Saunders
CONTRACTORS Devtech Civils
Asphalt Construction
SUBCONTRACTORS Kaycrete
Afristruct
SUBCONSULTANTS SSI Engineers and
Environmental Consultants
serving as a solid platform for future invest-
ment in Durban.
The underpass
The R25 million reconstruction of an old
100 m-long tunnel into a wider, shorter and
more inviting underpass opened up the sta-
dium venue via a landscaped walkway directly
to the beach encouraging cycling and activ-
ity along this previously underutilised section
of coast. The new 5.5 m wide by 3.8 m
high 50-m long underpass was constructed
adjacent to the existing underpass under
the Ruth First/M4 highway. Skylights were
constructed in the centre median to improve
natural lighting and visibility for pedestrian
traffic.
Once the old Walter Gilbert Road had been
realigned, the old road was removed to make
way for the new brick-paved, landscaped
walkway that leads directly to the Moses
Mabhida Stadium. The new underpass floor
received a micro-concrete polished screed,
while the walls and support columns boast
low-maintenance porcelain tiles. Angled win-
dows of 30 cm were cored through the sup-
port columns to create a visual connection
between the structures.
Local empowerment
One of the successes of this project was
the labour component, which peaked at 500
during the final stages, bringing the BEE
procurement expenditure to R49.083 million.
The contract relied on exceptional project
management skills and budgetary controls
to bring together the hundreds of local labour
jobs created, authorities across multiple
departments, a vast range of interventions
and payment certificates topping R25 million
in each of its last three months.
Another exciting aspect
of the project was
engineering infrastructure
for People Mover
ROADS AND BRIDGES
Roads that were
upgraded include:
Masabalala Yengwa Avenue
(NMR Avenue)
KE Masinga Road (Old
Fort Road)
Stalwart Simelane Road
(Stanger Street)
Florence Nzama Street
(Prince Albert Street)
Battery Beach Road
Sandile Thusi Road
(Brickfield Road)
Somtseu Road
Umgeni Road
Florida Road
Bridge
enhancements
(including lighting
on selected
bridges) were
carried out on:
Tollgate Bridge
Argyle Road Bridge
Goble Road Bridge
Stiebel Road/M4 Bridge
Riverside/M4 Bridge
Athlone Bridge
Gateways into the city centre were also
accentuated with decorative LED lighting
SASTT contact details:
Web: www.sastt.org.za
President:
Andries Ltz
Tel: (011) 688 1483
Fax: (011) 688 1524
E-mail: alotz@jwater.co.za
Honorary director:
Joop van Wamelen
Tel: (012) 567 4026
Fax: 086 668 4026
E-mail: director@sastt.org.za
TRENCHLESS
TECHNOLOGY
TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY
INNOVATIVE AND COST
EFFECTIVE METHODS
FOR SOLVING YOUR
PIPING PROBLEMS
TODAY!
CAPE TOWN- 021 380 4740
JOHANNESBURG- 011 975 2369/71
TOLL FREE- 0800 225 466
www.jetvac.co.za
SOUT H AF RI CA
DRAIN CLEANING - LIQUID WASTE SOLUTIONS - CCTV PIPE INSPECTIONS - PIPE REHABILITATION - PUMP HIRE
T
his was part of the investigation,
design and construction supervi-
sion of the Silver Glen Trunk Sewer
Relay Project.
The section of sewer under investigation
comprised 1 800 m of DN600 and 600 m of
DN1000 concrete pipe, which over the years
had started experiencing high reports of leaks
and regular overtopping of manholes. In order
to eliminate high over-pumping costs, the
investigation was carried out under normal
flow conditions using a combination of laser
imagery and sonar technology for the condition
assessment of the pipe conditions above and
below the water level respectively. The data
was processed and integrated to provide a full
360 degree view of the condition along the
entire pipe length. It was the first time this
technology had been successfully used in this
application in South Africa.
Challenging slip lining of trunk
sewer in Chatsworth
In April 2009, SSI Engineers and Environmental
Consultants were appointed by eThekwini Water and
Sanitation to undertake a condition assessment of
the downstream end of the Silver Glen trunk sewer
where this ties into the Umlaas outfall sewer.
In general, sewer pipe failures occur on the
overt owing to corrosive and aggressive gases
generated by turbulence in the flow. In this
ABOVE Insertion of the HDPE liner
through the side of a manhole
Our range of services include:
Pipe Bursting
Horizontal Directional Drilling
Pipe Rehabilitation
Slip Lining
Pipe RO[ming
CCTV Inspection
Dewatering
Industrial Pipe Cleaning
HDPE Welding
Deep Excavation and Shoring
Underground Service Detection
Close-t lining: COMPACT PIPE
For more information you can contact us: +27 (0)21 761 3474 F +27 (0)21 797 1151 E info@tt-innovations.co.za www.tt-innovations.co.za
Trenchless Technology Specialists
instance, however, reports from the maintenance crews were that the
existing pipeline, while only some 30 years old, had started failing along
the invert. This normally happens where there are high velocities in large-
diameter sewers with steep gradients, and heavier solids, such as stones
and pebbles, in the bed-load can cause erosion of the concrete pipe invert.
The outcome of the condition assessment was that the DN1000 pipe,
generally having much flatter gradients with lower velocities and minimal
turbulence, was in a good condition and did not require any rehabilita-
tion. However, the DN600 pipe was extensively damaged on the invert,
although not the soffit, and required rehabilitation. Damage on the
invert was so severe in places that the concrete wall was non-existent
and the pipe was being held in place by the surrounding bedding mate-
rial. The lack of corrosion on the overt was attributed to the high alumina
cement used in the manufacture of the pipes.
Construction stage
In July 2010, WKSA was awarded the very challenging contract to
refurbish the 1 800 m of DN600 by relining the existing pipe with a new
continuously welded HDPE pipe. Although access proved to be difficult
where the existing sewer ran parallel to and crossed over the Riversdale
stream, the real challenge was coping with the heavy volumes of raw
sewage. Four 150 mm skid-mounted diesel pumps were used, each with
a 300 m-long HDPE discharge pipeline, to provide dry working sections
of the sewer between selected manholes. At times of peak flow, gener-
ally between 07:00 and 11:00 on weekdays following periods of very
ABOVE LEFT Entry of the liner into the host pipe
ABOVE RIGHT 150 mm diesel pumps with a combined pumping
capacity of up to 480 /s
RIGHT Segmented pipe used in Silverglen Drive
Project participants
Client: eThekwini Water and Sanitation
Consulting engineer: SSI Engineers and Environmental Consultants
Contractor: WKSA
- Asset management
data collection

- Conditional pipe
assessment

- GIS mapping

- CCTV pipe
inspections

- Sonar pipe
Inspections

- High pressure
Jetting

- Intrusion Cutting

Contact Info:

Call :
031579 2240

Web :
www.camjet.co.za

Email :
info@camjet.co.za
For those who
want to see what
lies beneath.
heavy rainfall, all of the 150 mm diesel pumps were required for bypass
pumping. Under the heaviest conditions experienced during the contract,
this equipment was only just able to cope when it was estimated that
the flow peaked at about 480 /s.
The sliplining process required careful planning to select appropri-
ate manholes as launching and receiving pits to enable the maximum
length of continuously welded pipe to be installed within the limits of
the bypass pumping system. On straight pipe runs, lining was carried
straight through the intermediate manholes to eliminate unnecessary
intermediate launching pits. Once launch pits had been prepared
adjacent to selected manholes, sections of HPDE pipe with an outside
diameter of 560 mm were welded together to the required length for
that portion of sewer to be lined and the process of sliplining com-
menced. A 20 t tracked excavator fitted with canvas slings was used
to lift the HDPE pipe that had been laid out upstream of the launching
pit and to walk this progressively into the sewer host pipe. All sewers
were cleaned by high-pressure jetting immediately prior to sliplining to
ensure that the invert would be free of silt, stones, etc. that could foul
and jam the liner pipe.
With the new liner in place in the host pipe, a 24-hour relaxation
period was necessary for the HDPE pipe to regain any integrity and
shape that may have been lost owing to the stresses generated in the
installation process. Subsequently, new benching and structural repairs
to manholes were effected and grouting up of the annulus between the
host pipe and the liner was completed, so guaranteeing the structural
integrity of the new relined sewer.
One 23 m-long section of the sewer presented the contractor with a
particularly difficult access problem, as not only were the manholes at
both ends about 4 m deep, but they were also located in the southbound
lane of the heavily trafficked Silverglen Drive. The depth of the manholes
meant that any launching pit would have needed to extend some 30 m
along the busy road and excavation would in all probability have been
in hard sandstone. In consultation with the client and engineer, it was
agreed that the liner would comprise 700 mm-long jointed segments,
with a spigot and socket-type sliding joint, incorporating a rubber O-ring,
being precisely machined onto the end of each pipe segment. The liner
would be installed by working from inside one manhole and incremen-
tally launching individual sections from this manhole to the other. Using
a purpose-built hydraulic winch, the segments were assembled piece
by piece in the downstream manhole and then pulled progressively
into position. This method was truly trenchless and ensured that traffic
disruption was minimised. The final activity involved the grouting of the
annulus between the segmented liner and the host pipe.
In spite of over-pumping challenges that included procuring additional
pumps and a delay in having to substitute lay-flat discharge hose with
HDPE pipe, the contract was completed on time. The final construction
value was approximately R9 500 000.
WKSA has invested heavily in modern trenchless equipment, including
a fleet of 10 Grundomat moles, a Ditch Witch JD250 HDD, a Vermeer
PB30 and a Grundoburst 800G (for pipe bursting) and several pipe jack-
ing rigs. The jacking equipment was acquired when Jacked Pipelines was
incorporated into the WK Group in 1999.
CAPSA 2011
Our state of the art mobile asphalt plants produce
what you need ... where you need it ... when you need it.
R
a
d
ub
e t
e
i
x im
G L roup
Tel +27 31 736 2146/85/86 e-mail info@nationalasphalt.co.za website www.nationalasphalt.co.za
warm mix
asphalt rsa
OFFICIAL PARTNER
Asphalt is our business, Nationally
Proudly associated with
CAPSA 1 1
Driven to care for the Environment
S
tructured initially to identify indus-
try needs and as a conduit for the
transfer and implementation of inno-
vative technologies, the Conference
on Asphalt Pavements for Southern Africa
(CAPSA), in the new millennium and in line
with global trends, changed focus to concen-
trate more specifically on issues of health,
occupational safety and preservation of the
environment, sustainability and the conserva-
tion of finite resources.
In line with this trend, the 10
th
CAPSA will
be staged under the theme Roads of the
Future, with the sub-theme Living within the
carrying capacity of our planet.
The conference will focus on sustainable
practice within the flexible pavement sector
through a programme based on three pillars:
industry commitment
environmental stewardship
human wellbeing.
CAPSA 2011 has invited two guest speakers
who will deliver keynote addresses in the
opening session.
Jonathon Hanks will discuss the topic
of Commercial rationale of environmental
practice. Hanks is managing director of
Incite, maintains an interest in academia
and is a visiting, senior lecturer at the
UCT Graduate School of Business, as well
as a regular contributor to executive and
practitioner courses run by the University of
Cambridges Programme for Sustainability
Leadership.
Steve Muench is an associate professor
at the University of Washington, Seattle.
He will address CAPSA on the Green Roads
Rating System.
With more than 60 reviewed papers and
10 bulletin papers to be presented in ple-
nary sessions, interspersed with workshops
and seminars, the CAPSA 2011 technical
programme has been divided into five focus
areas. These include:
Focus area 1 Reduced energy consump-
tion in the construction of bituminous layers
Focus area 2 Reducing the impact of
road building activities on the environment
Focus area 3 Designing for extended
performance of bituminous layers
Focus area 4 Flexible pavement systems
for extended life
Focus area 5 Asset management .
CAPSA 2011 seeks to advance sustainable practice
Since its inception in 1969, the Conference on Asphalt
Pavements for Southern Africa has established itself as
a world-class showcase for local and international best
practice in the construction, preservation, maintenance and
management of asphalt pavement infrastructure industries.
INSIGHT
South Africa, a
dammed country
Despite the popular expression no limits, nature unfortunately has
set limits. Exceeding these limits invokes the law of cause and effect,
which will have disastrous results. Water is a case in point.
By Tony Stone
ABOVE Picture of Earth showing how, if all of Earths water (ice,
freshwater, saline and water vapour) were put into a sphere, its
diameter would be a little bit more than the flight distance from
Johannesburg to Cape Town.
Credit: Illustration by Jack Cook, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
T
he view of our blue and white planet,
Ear th, from outer space is sim-
ply stunning. It is absolutely
breathtaking, to say the
least. Out there in the dark noth-
ingness of space, but warmed by
the sun, it is our home, the place
where we live and sur vive. It is a
biosphere. It sustains life ours.
The water that covers the Ear th,
and that which is in the clouds,
gives the planet its blue and white
colour. This water, in all its forms,
appears to be abundant. It is, how-
ever, limited. In fact, if it were put
into a sphere it would be about 1 385
km in diameter, a little more than the flight
distance from Johannesburg to Cape Town, as
DIAGRAM 1A DIAGRAM 1B
the crow flies. Compared in size to Ear th, that
is small ver y small. To be exact, it is
0.016% in volume.
A search on Google lists 3 180 000
ar ticles about future wars between
nations being fought over water.
South Africa, one of the 30 most
arid countries in the world, could
well become a warmonger: a not
impossible prospect. In the greater
scheme of things, South Africas
total renewable freshwater supply
constitutes 0.87% of Africas total
and 0.09% of the worlds total. To place
this in context, consider diagrams 1A, 1B
and 1C.
According to the World Commission on Dams
repor t, South Africa, with 539 major dams and
approximately 4 000 dams in total, is the 11
th
most
dammed countr y in the world. It is also the seventh in size in water
supply dams and ninth in size in irrigation dams. Besides the odd
flood control dam, South Africa has 10 hydropower dams. These
include:
INSIGHT
TABLE 1: PROVINCIAL DATA: DAM WATER TO LAND AREA AND POPULATION RATIOS
Province Land area Population Dam capacity Level (%) Level (%) Water m
3
/km
2
Water m
3
/capita
(km
2
) million m
3
July 2011 July 2010
Eastern Cape 168 966 7 363 895 1 789 90 57 10 588 243
Free State 129 825 3 094 970 15 939 99 92 122 773 5 150
Gauteng 16 548 10 138 696 115 101 101 6 949 11
KwaZulu-Natal 94 361 10 565 588 4 530 84 83 48 007 429
Limpopo 125 755 5 976 494 1 159 85 83 9 216 194
Mpumalanga 76 495 3 735 309 2 527 96 98 33 035 677
North West 106 512 1 067 231 808 94 82 7 586 757
Northern Cape 372 889 3 628 586 143 104 94 383 39
Western Cape 129 462 5 015 986 1 841 76 77 14 220 367
Total 1 220 813 50 586 755 28 851 92 85 23 633 570
DIAGRAM 1C
Drakensberg Pumped Storage Scheme
Driekloof Dam
Gariep Dam
Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme
Kouga Dam
Palmiet Pumped Storage Scheme
Steenbras Dam
Sterkfontein Dam
Vanderkloof Dam
Woodstock Dam
In their book, Adaptation to Climate Change in Southern Africa:
New Boundaries for Development, Steffen Bauer and Imme Scholz
point out that adverse climate effects are already evident across
Southern Africa. Climate change poses a serious threat to the
economic wellbeing and prospects of the southern African region.
Sustainable development will depend on national governments
and multilateral agencies developing strategies to offset the
effects of climate change and to suppor t countries in adapting to
climate change.
The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), in looking at
water security, which has been defined as the reliable availability
of an acceptable quantity and quality of water for health, livelihoods
and production, coupled with an acceptable level of water-related
risks, asks two key questions:
Is there enough water of adequate quality and with sufficient
reliability available to sustain the well-being of society in general?
Is society adequately protected from the extremes of floods
and droughts the variability that characterises the natural
water cycle?
Their study shows that there is no reason why South Africa should
experience a water crisis soon. While the countr y faces many chal-
lenges as a result of the limited and variable nature of its water
resources, these challenges, for example pollution, a lack of or
poor bulk and ar ticulator y infrastructure in some areas, etc., need
not constrain sustainable growth and development, with the pro-
viso that water management is sound but could and will if water
management is not.
In reference to this, the DBSA goes on to say that these challeng-
es should be addressed as a matter of urgency. It acknowledges
that in par ts of the countr y, development choices are already being
determined by water resource constraints. In many others, poor
management of municipal infrastructure and other sources of pol-
lution are causing a worr ying decline in water quality. There is also
growing competition for and potential conflict over South Africas
limited water resources, both within the countr y and with its neigh-
bours. One characteristic of the water sector is that the challenges
are ver y different in different par ts of the countr y, and therefore
cannot be addressed through simple, generic prescriptions. These
challenges require dedicated, ongoing action, informed and sup-
por ted by the best possible science and engineering, and working
with effective local and regional institutions. Immediate action
should include suppor ting the broader dialogue on water and its
use and management. Working together, South Africans can make
water a leading sector, using water managements language of
cooperation and shared benefits to help the countr y to reach its
development goals.
However, in evaluating South Africas water management capaci-
ties and capabilities, the highly-regarded South African Institution
of Civil Engineering (SAICE) recently published its biannual
Infrastructure Repor t Card (findings are reflected in table 2).
Is there enough water available of
adequate quality to sustain the well-being
of society in general?
INSIGHT
TABLE 2: THE SAICE 2011 INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
Score SAICEs comments
A D-minus for the
Department of Water
Affairs infrastructure
There has been further deterioration in the ageing bulk water infrastructure
portfolio as a result of insufficient maintenance and neglect of ongoing
capital renewal.
Persistent, serious salination of key river systems and eutrophication in many
dams and rivers continues. These problems increase the cost of water treatment
infrastructure and damage the environment. Acid mine drainage is a cause for
concern in the vicinity of gold and coal mines.
Large dams are developing capacity problems and require urgent refurbishment.
Farm dams are deteriorating rapidly because of a lack of maintenance,
threatening accelerated sedimentation of bulk storage infrastructure.
The level of water supply in certain systems has fallen far below the 98%
assurance of supply as recommended in the National Water Resources Strategy.
Owing to the long lead times required for the development of new supply schemes,
the situation is likely to become worse before it becomes better.
Serious concerns remain about funding for maintenance.
A C-plus for major
urban areas
There have been major and ongoing strides in the provision of water since 1994,
but a focus on quantity and not quality makes water services unsustainable.
Water quality is a serious problem, especially outside metros. Seeking Blue Drop
status might assist with improving water quality in municipalities.
Water wastage (through leaks) is still too high.
There is a serious shortage of skilled personnel and officials; governance failures
are increasing.
An increase in protests in urban and rural areas points to efforts to force
improvement in services.
A D-minus for all
other areas
serious deficiencies.
[D] AT RISK: Infrastructure is not coping
with demand and is poorly maintained. It
is likely that the public will be subjected
to severe inconvenience and even danger
without prompt attention.
Much of this was confirmed during
Parliaments water affairs por tfolio commit-
tee Januar y 2011 briefing by deputy director
general for water resources infrastructure
within the Depar tment of Water Affairs
(DWA), Cornelius Ruiters, when tabling his
2011 Dam Repor t.
Ruiters said that of the 359 dams owned
by the depar tment, 161 were in need of
rehabilitation. Repair work had been com-
pleted on 22 dams, with 36 currently in
various stages of rehabilitation. A total of
45 dams had been classified as high-priority
rehabilitation projects. Rehabilitation work
required on 96 (60%) of the 161 dams
was a direct result of inadequate mainte-
nance, which has since resulted in dam
safety problems.
A total of 153 (80%) of the 161 dams had
insufficient spillway capacity, which meant
that water could end up spilling over the wall
and damaging the structure in the event of a
major flood. A similar number had inadequate
What do the grades mean?
[C] SATISFACTORY FOR NOW:
Infrastructure condition is acceptable
although stressed at peak periods. It will
need investment in the current Medium-
term Expenditure Framework period to avoid
INSIGHT
outlet systems. About 16 (10%) of the dams
had geological/foundation problems and the
same number had slope stability problems.
Ruiters, whose depar tment manages
some of the largest dams in the countr y,
including the Gariep and the Vaal dams, did
not name the dams he said were in need
of repair. According to a document tabled
at the briefing, the 359 dams owned by the
depar tment have a replacement value of
more than R72 billion.
In recent years, the DWA had increased
its spending on its dam safety rehabilita-
tion programme. The total expenditure up
to September last year was R1.2 billion,
Ruiters said.
Data tables contained in the document
show that most of South Africas ageing
water infrastructure, including big dams,
was built during the 1970s and 1980s.
Capital replacement costs over the next 20
years are forecast to exceed R40 billion.
According to Ruiters, there are approxi-
mately 4 000 dams registered with the
depar tments dam safety authority. Those
not owned by the DWA (91%) are either
municipal dams or privately owned. Of the
depar tments 359 dams, 218 are listed
in the International Commission on Large
Dams register.
SAICE, in qualifying its findings, stated
that a serious problem with regard to bulk
infrastructure is the uncontrolled, high level
of pollution, especially in dams. Mingling
pollutants near urban areas make identifica-
tion and penalisation of the many offenders
extremely difficult. Commencement of the
uncontrolled decanting of acid mine drain-
age nor th of the Witwatersrand is indicative
of the pollution factor and the long-antici-
pated decant from the western and central
Witwatersrand basins is also imminent. The
long delay in investigating and providing
appropriate infrastructure has revealed seri-
ous management shor tfalls.
In wrapping up its water sector findings,
SAICE concluded that a culture of compla-
cency has developed in South Africa regard-
ing water resources and use. The countr y
needs to do much more in terms of institut-
ing appropriate water conser vation technol-
ogy and a water conser vation culture, e.g.
use of grey water for gardens. Projects such
Professor Kader Asmal, (1934-
2011)
Chairman: World Commission on
Dams
The key decisions are not about dams
as such, but about options for water
and energy development. They relate
to one of the greatest challenges facing
the world in this new century the
need to rethink the management of
freshwater resources.
Todays demands are too complex,
our technology too advanced, our
constituency too diverse and our options
too numerous to allow only one solution
the building of dams.
Water is for sharing. Instead of conflict,
water can be a catalyst for peace.
as Durban Water Recycling, a private plant
commissioned by the eThekwini Municipality
in 2001, which currently supplies 40 mil-
lion litres of recycled water daily, should
be highlighted.
The water infrastructure with a weighted
average age of 39 years is subject
to ageing effects associated with internal
and external stresses and other impacts.
Insufficient maintenance and capital renew-
al have resulted in fur ther deterioration.
According to the DWA, there is substantial
maintenance non-compliance with regard
to the National Water Resources Strategy
(NWRS) of September 2009. There is also
an urgent need to review the NWRS.
The DWA is struggling with serious capac-
ity and funding problems, which cannot
be overstressed. It has estimated that a
reinvestment of R1.4 billion annually is
required to maintain current infrastructure;
however, the DWA is also suffering from a
lack of skilled personnel to implement and
super vise maintenance. This problem is
compounded by fading institutional memor y
as individuals retire or are lost to the private
sector. Despite long lead times for new
projects and the above problems, the DWA
has been proactive in planning new supply
schemes, which is a positive step.
Impact of dams on river systems
The decision to site and build a dam is a
complex one, especially when considering
its environmental impact. Downstream, the
reduction of a rivers water flow changes the
landscape through which it flows because it
affects the ecosystem of flora and fauna.
A dam, which holds back sediments, espe-
cially heavy gravel and boulders, deprives
the river below the dam of sediment.
This results in downstream river erosion.
Channels, river banks, bridges and other
structures are gradually and usually under-
mined. Riverbeds are often eroded by sev-
eral metres within a decade of a dam being
commissioned. The damage may extend
to tens or even hundreds of kilometres.
Riverbed deepening will also lower the water
table along a river, threatening vegetation
and local wells in the floodplain, which will
require irrigation in places where previously
there was no need. The depletion of gravel
beds reduces the habitat of many fish and
inver tebrates such as insects, molluscs and
crustaceans. And, in the end, this negatively
affects the ability of fish to spawn and breed
successfully. As small an issue as this may
seem, it is not. The negative effects of dam-
ming make it all the way up the food chain
to humans, especially those displaced
by the dam and those downriver. In South
Africa this is especially true of the Vaal and
the Orange rivers, and will be an issue with
regard to the Limpopo River.
Water management
The Institute of Municipal Engineering of
Southern Africa has for some years been
raising and speaking about the need to
implement best practices when it comes
to water management. Given the critical
impor tance of effective water management,
it is time the politicians listened to and
implemented the recommendations of our
municipal engineers. Failing to do so will
have serious repercussions for all in the
not-too-distant future.
Leaking water pipes
At the beginning of 2010, eThekwini
SAICE stated that a serious problem with regard to bulk
infrastructure is the uncontrolled, high level of pollution
INSIGHT
Municipality was brave enough to announce
that its ageing water pipe infrastructure
was losing, on average, 90 000 k/day
(32 850 m
3
/year). This prompted the city
to invest in a multimillion rand replacement
programme.
So, crucial to leak prevention and/or reso-
lution, and the prevention of the unnecessary
loss of water, every municipality needs to
have a proactive, high-speed response team
ready 24/7 to sort out any water leaks. And,
when a repair is carried out, it must be done
right the first time unlike in Johannesburg
where this is not the case.
In the first example, water pipe leaks at
the intersection of Maritzburg and Durban
streets in downtown Jeppe have burst, been
repaired, burst and repaired again, with
weeks passing before repairs are carried out.
The problem is not only the loss of water, but
the damage to roads and the possibility of a
sinkhole occurring with the possible loss of
life that goes with such an incidence.
In the second example, contractors laying a
new pipe in 5
th
Avenue, Rivonia left a gush-
ing water pipe spewing water all over the
road for three days before it was repaired.
Calls to Johannesburg Water proved fruitless.
Eventually a call to Radio 702 finally invoked
some action.
Incidences like these must be prevented.
Municipal and contract workers need to be
sensitised to the fact that water is precious
and costly.
Unfortunately this confirms the complacent
attitude that prevails among South Africans
with regard to the countrys water resources
an attitude that must change!
Illegal water connections
Buffalo City is just one of the towns in South
Africa that suffers from unaccounted-for
water losses. A programme that was devised
to respond to the problem looked at different
aspects of water loss, such as illegal water
connections. Through its programme, the city
now saves approximately 12.5 /day, at an
average cost of R4.56 /k. This equates to an
annual saving of R20.83 million.
eThekwini Municipality estimates that more
than a third of the citys water is lost either
to illegal connections or leaks and with this
is the implication for ratepayers. At 34% for
2011, this is down slightly from 36% last
year. They say as many as 28 000 people
are illegally connected to the citys water
system, which costs eThekwini in the region
of R100 million every year.
Without a doubt, every other city and town
in South Africa has a similar problem. By
inference, we can estimate the total loss of
potable water to South Africa at a number
that will boggle the mind, not to mention the
costs involved 1.5 million kilolitres per day,
across the country. Clearly, if every munici-
pality put similar programmes in place an
The problem is not only the loss of water, but the damage
to roads and the possibility of a sinkhole occurring
enormous amount of water would be saved.
This in turn would moderate the need to
build dams.
Wastewater reuse
In the meantime, and as much as it is psy-
chologically repulsive to consider reusing
wastewater, with the right technology, pro-
cesses and management (herein is the crux),
wastewater can be more than adequately
purified, directly or indirectly, for human con-
sumption. And, from Germany to Namibia,
recycled wastewater as final effluent is used
by local municipalities in horticulture and
for public fountains. This in itself reduces
the demand for potable water. Grey water,
particularly in a domestic setting, can be
used to flush toilets, instead of using pre-
cious potable drinking water. If the 30 million
South Africans (60%) who use flush toilets
flushed just once a day with grey water from
the bath, this would save 9 /day per person,
or 270 million litres per day, or 98.55 billion
litres per year.
Wrapping up
In closing, we quote Indias Medha Patkar,
of Save the Narmada River fame, who
said, The frequent failure of large dams
to provide their claimed benefits and their
poor per formance needs to be recognised
and accepted. The problems of dams are a
symptom of the larger failure of the unjust
and destructive dominant development
model. It is essential to reach an adequate
analysis of the basic systemic changes
needed to achieve equitable and sustain-
able development and to give a pointer
towards challenging the forces that lead to
the marginalisation of a majority through
the imposition of unjust technologies like
large dams.
Quite clearly, we have shown how vast
amounts of water can be conser ved and
what steps should be taken to achieve
these numbers. All it requires is political
will, and leadership.
LEFT The Omdurman Water Supply
Scheme treats water from the Nile River
in quantities sufficient enough to supply
1.5 million people with drinking water
IMIESA SEPTEMBER 2011 - 89 IMIESA SEPTEMBER 2011 - 89
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
T
here are now three CDIs on this continent, and all of
them work for Barloworld Equipment, Caterpillars Southern
African distributor.
Qualifying as a CDI, whether in one or several Cat machine
categories, requires the highest levels of theoretical and technical
competency and meeting the standards, as the small numbers indi-
cate, is far from easy, says Willie Haasbroek, head of Barloworld
Equipments Operator Academy.
In an average year, Barloworld Equipments academy, as an accred-
ited training provider, certifies approximately 600 operators on behalf
of the construction and mining industries.
These courses include train the trainer programmes that enable
companies to reinforce best practices internally in maximising
machine utilisation.
T
he company has donated 100 000
Wild Wheat bricks to the local munici-
pality in Driefontein to build industrial
hives in Khutsong, near Carltonville.
Industrial hives are formal structures where
various informal businesses can operate
from. Roadside traders including shoemak-
ers, mechanics and hairstylists will now have
a place to offer their services from, instead
of the street.
This is an initiative to rid the pavements of
informal traders and we are delighted to be
part of such an inspiring project. Most signifi-
cant, though, is that the project could be cre-
ating 300 jobs, says Heinrich von Wielligh,
Corobriks factory manager at Driefontein.
In addition to the company donating the
face bricks, Corobriks Paulus Tolman, a
qualified bricklayer at the Driefontein plant,
assisted with training the local labourers
employed for this project.
The training was a challenge as many
of the workers had no prior experience in
building or construction; however, Pauluss
First CDIs for Africa
Globally there are 188 Caterpillar dealer instructors (CDIs). This is an especially
select group when you consider that some 55 are Caterpillar personnel and the
balance are employed from within the worldwide dealer network, which did not
include Africa until very recently.
As part of the factorys social and labour plan, Corobrik Driefontein has
embarked on a certified local economic development project in collaboration
with the Merafong Municipality.
ABOVE Joining a select group are newly qualified CDI instructors
(left to right) Enock Kqwale, Sam Magabane and David Motitswe
Corobrik partners with Gauteng municipality
knowledge and skill contributed to a suc-
cessful training program. Being involved in
this project has afforded us two opportuni-
ties to positively contribute to and uplift the
community. While donating our bricks was
essential, training
was equally vital. It
is rewarding to be
part of a project
where each worker has been equipped with
a valuable skill that can be used after
the project to find employment, explains
Von Wielligh.
BELOW Wendy Machema with Corobriks
Paulus Tolman and members of the local
community who have been employed to
construct industrial hives
PEOPLE AND EVENTS
N
o-Dig Live is the UKs only spe-
cialised event showcasing equip-
ment and ser vices used for the
installation and refurbishment of under-
ground utilities with minimum disruption to
the sur face.
Complementing the indoor exhibition, the
outdoor displays and demonstrations are
hugely popular with visitors who are able
to see a range of machiner y and equip-
ment in action and have the oppor tunity of
questioning the representatives and opera-
tors on the applications and capabilities of
products on display.
The 2010 show featured the largest
number of outdoor exhibitors in the events
histor y and the organisers are repor ting
brisk business and many repeat book-
ings for 2012, with an ever-rising demand
for prime outdoor areas. Overseas visitor
No-Dig Live 2012
ABOVE The demonstrations at No-Dig
Live are popular with delegates
BELOW A general view of the
exhibition area
numbers are also on the increase and
for 2012 the organisers are working with
the international community to attract
organised delegations, par ticularly from
nearby European countries.
The successful Breakfast Briefing
seminars will once again feature on the
daily programme. Held within the indoor
exhibition area and organised by the
UK Society for Trenchless Technology,
visitors can par ticipate in the topical
debates held early each morning before
the exhibition opens, of fering them the
added benefit of attending a seminar
before spending time in the exhibition.
Entrance to the exhibition and semi-
nars is free of charge to all industr y
visitors.
For more, visit www.nodiglive.co.uk
Bookings are already being snapped up for next years biennial No-Dig
Live exhibition, taking place at Stoneleigh Park in the United Kingdom
from 2 to 4 October 2012.
PEOPLE AND EVENTS
IPCC reviewer
appointment
A
ndrew Mather, project executive
for Coastal Policy at eThekwini
Municipality, has been appointed as
an exper t reviewer on the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Mathers coastal management responsi-
bilities include the development of a coast-
al management programme, the develop-
ment of coastal and catchment policies,
providing input into national and provincial
legislation and projects, coastal setback
line development, shoreline management
and other coastal-related issues.
He is completing a PhD in environmen-
tal science at UKZN on sea-level rise,
beach response and adaptation along the
Southern and Eastern African coastline.
Mather was the main technical author of
Sea-level rise: trends, impacts and mitiga-
tion for South Africa, in the IPCC: South
Africa Countr y Repor t, 2009.
As a result of his work Mather was nomi-
nated by the minister of the environment
as one of four South African scientists to
ser ve on the IPCC. The IPCC has confirmed
his appointment as an exper t reviewer for
Working Group II. Mather will be working on
Chapter 5: Coastal systems and low lying
areas in the for thcoming Fifth Assessment
Repor t (AR5): Climate Change 2013:
Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability.
Mather is a registered professional
engineer, a fellow of the South African
Institute of Civil Engineers and a member
of the Institute of Municipal Engineering of
Southern Africa.
Thuthuka Group Limited has appointed
Graeme Kilfoil to manage its water
treatment and reclamation division
G
raeme Kilfoil has been appoint-
ed by Thuthuka Group Limited to
manage its water treatment and
reclamation division.
In his previous positions, Kilfoil has
led teams involved in the ground-breaking
Sasol Landlord Project, which took cooling
system blow-down water that was previ-
ously discarded to the river and treated it
for industrial reuse. He was also involved
in the recently signed Eskom Kusile water
treatment project, where ultra-pure water
is produced for boiler feed and potentially
hazardous flue gas desulphuriser brine is
turned into a dry salt for landfill disposal.
It is generally acknowledged that South
Africa, and indeed the whole area of sub-
Saharan Africa, is deemed to be seriously
water stressed. Increasingly there is a lot
more emphasis being placed on recycling-
municipal as well as industrial wastewa-
ter, states Kilfoil.
Hopefully, the future is that both indus-
trial and municipal water will be recy-
cled on site and municipal water recycled
to achieve potable water status. Other
countries at the forefront of desalination
water treatment with successfully opera-
tional plants are Namibia and Singapore.
Australia, with most of its population based
Appointment at Thuthuka
on the coast and a fairly barren interior, has
similar water issues to South Africa. It has
completed many major successful sea water
desalination projects. In South Africa, where
both the east and west coasts are water
stressed, the only viable solution would be
seawater desalination.
Andrew Mather, project executive for
Coastal Policy at eThekwini Municipality
Ronnie Khoza
Aurecon appoints
new manager for
South African ofces
G
lobal engineering, management
and specialist technical ser vic-
es group Aurecon has appointed
Ronnie Khoza as its manager: South
Africa Of fices.
Khoza is no stranger to Aurecon, hav-
ing ser ved as a director at one of
Aurecons heritage companies between
1999 and 2003. Khoza was the chief
executive officer of the Construction
Industr y Development Board (cidb),
which is part of the national Department
of Public Works.
As a public entity, the cidb was estab-
lished to provide strategic leadership
to the construction industr y, as well as
regulate it.
Concrete is one of the most durable materials known to man and its
success as a medium for water and sewer piping is legendary.
To highlight this achievement, the PIPES division of the Concrete
Manufacturers Association (CMA) and IMIESA are running a joint
campaign to identify concrete piping installations that are 75 years
and over.
The intention is to write articles on some of the more interesting
projects, illustrating that the faith placed in concrete piping by
civil engineers during the early part of the 20
th
century was by no
meansmisplaced.
We are hoping to find at least one installation which has been
operational for 100 years or more, says CMA director Hamish Laing.
No other material comes close to concrete pipings track record for
the conveyance of water using pipes with diameters greater than
150 mm and identifying specific installations will prove the point.
One of the reasons for the success of concrete piping is that it is
both a conduit and a self-supporting structure as opposed to flex-
ible plastic piping, which as a conduit only requires an on-site sup-
porting structure to be built around it, explains Laing.
If any IMIESA readers are aware of piping installations that fall into the
above category and can substantiate them with some form of docu-
mentary evidence, the CMA would be delighted to hear from you.
The first 10 submissions that qualify will be rewarded with a
case of vintage wine; however, preference will be given to the
oldestprojects.
Quest for SAs oldest
concrete pipe installations
All submissions should be sent to mail.cma@gmail.com by 31 October.
COMPETITION
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
H
eight Wise director Penny
Fabricius points out that the
academy has invested more than
R60 000 into the infrastructure
and equipment of its Midrand-based train-
ing facility, which specialises in fall arrest
and rope access training.
Height Wise has to date trained more than
1 200 people from numerous industries,
The sky is
the limit
including mining, telecommunications and
the energy sectors of Africa, in the basic
principles of fall arrest systems, which are
all compliant with the Institute for Work at
Height (IWH) and National Qualifications
Framework (NFQ) standards.
Height Wise officially opened its upgraded training
academy in June 2011, to provide essential safety
training to workers in SA who carry out tasks more
than 2 m above the ground.
RIGHT The academy has trained more
than 1 200 people from several industries
TRADE & TECHNI CAL PUBLI CATI ONS
SA SADC I nt .
Rand US$ US$
480 110 120

270 60 80

270 60 80

195 40 60

480 110 120

270 60 80

BUSI NESS & CONFERENCI NG PUBLI CATI ONS
SA SADC I nt .
Rand US$ US$
270 60 80

170 35 55

d i r e c t o r y
CONFERENCE SA
ining
SA
Water&Sanitation
Africa
Subscriber contact details
Surname:
Name:
Designation:
Company:
Type of business:
Address:
Code:
Tel: Fax:
Cell:
E-mail:
Subscriber VAT Reg. No:
Order #:
Payment options
q EFT Deposit: Bank details
Nedbank
Branch code: 128405
Acc. number: 1284129934
Acc. type: current
Acc. name: 3S MEDIA
Please use Ref: #:
q Mastercard q Visa
Expiry date: /
Credit Card Number
Last 3 digits on back of card:
q Debit order Please contact Accounts on
011 233 2600 to organise
I have read the terms and conditions below and I agree
to abide by them
Authorizing signature:
Date:
Contact person for payments:
E-mail:
Terms & Conditions
All rates include postage and VAT.
Foreign subscriptions include airmail rates
The subscription will be activated when we receive receipt of payment.
The subscription form can serve as a pro-forma invoice with a tax invoice
to follow.
Proof of payment to be sent with signed copy of the subscription form.
Unpaid invoices will be cancelled after 3 months, thus cancelling the
subscriptions.
Renewal subscriptions are automatically renewed on payment of invoice
and cancelled if not paid by the date.
Electronic return of this form is deemed as an authorized purchase
Fax or e-mail proof of payment to activate your subscription.
MEDIA
No.4 5
th
Avenue,
Rivonia 2191
PO Box 92026,
Norwood 2117
Tel: +27 (0)11 233 2600
Share Call: 086 003 3300
Fax: +27 (0)11 234-7274/5
www.3smedia.co.za
SUBSCRI BE
September/October 2010 September/ Septembe October 2 tober 20 ober 20 2010 10 10
AFRICA
SUBSCRIPTION SALES
t+27 (0)11 233 2600 f+27 (0)11 234 7275
subs@3smedia.co.za
WORKING AT
HEIGHT MADE
SafeProductiveCost-Effective
Work at height solutions from
4 to 47 metres
Diesel or electric booms and
scissors for outdoor and
indoor applications
Call us now for your customised access solution!
INSTITUTE
FOR WORKAT HEIGHT
Sole distributor of
sales@eazi.co.za
www.eazisales.co.za
086 100 5540

T
he Biozone NoKak sewage treatment plant is designed
to recycle sewage ef fluent into water that can be
reused in toilet flushing systems, irrigation systems
and even as drinking water for livestock.
Ozone Ser vices Industries (OSI) says that it is targeting the
estimated R1.26 billion South African water treatment and
wastewater treatment market (2008), which, according to busi-
ness research and consulting firm Frost and Sullivan, is fore-
cast to grow by 69% to R2.13 billion by 2014.
This growth comes as a result of increased legislative and
environmental pressures, a historical lack of investment in
water treatment and the fact that the demand for clean water is
outweighing its supply in South Africa.
According to Ian Wright, managing director at OSI, the Biozone
NoKak sewage treatment plant is a 100% South African-
designed and developed product, utilising a completely natural
process that requires no chemicals or regular emptying to
treat sewage.
Ozone Services Industries
has commercially launched
its Biozone NoKak sewage
treatment plant, a compact and
affordable alternative to septic
tanks and French drain sewers.
Sewage in,
water out
ABOVE The plant is designed to recycle sewage effluent into
water that can be reused in toilet flushing systems
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
ABS 28
Arup 64
ASH Resources 4
Aurecon 57
Bell Equipment 63
Bosun Brick 13
Camjet 78
Cement & Concrete 93
CESA Conference 2011 16
CHI Control 21
City of Cape Town 48
Degremont 41
Devtech Civils 72
DPI Plastics 18
Durban Instruments Specialists 40
Eazi Sales and Service 95
ERWAT 44
Eskom 66-67
Esorfranki 77
Fibrepipe 20
Goba 65
Grundfos 23
Husqvarna 25
IMESA Conference Programme 10-11
Incledon 30
Infropex 27
Igneous 73
ITT Water & Waste Water 34
Jetvac 75
Khrone SA 26
Mercedes Benz OFC
National Asphalt 81
Nyeleti Administration Trust 70
Preconference Workshop 9
Robor 32
SBS Water Systems IBC
Sembcorp 42
Spraypave 80
Tecroveer 50
Thusanang Gast 2
Tlokwe City Council 46-47
Trenchless Technologies IFC
TT Innovations 76
Turf Ag 45
Water & Sanitation OBC
Verder Pumps 37
Vermeer 79
VNA Consulting 82 & 83
WBHO Construction 68-69
Worley Parsons 62
Zest WEG Group 36
T
shwane-based Rand Technical
Ser vices (RTS) is known for sup-
plying globally sourced quality prod-
ucts in order to offer innovative
solutions to industrial problems.
The company will now also focus on dis-
tributing the EEC Bio Tec Effluent Treatment
Plant in Southern Africa, which has many
applications in, among others, rural areas,
schools, clinics and municipalities.
This is according to Ian Fraser, managing
director of RTS, who says that the EEC Bio
Tec offers numerous benefits in Southern
Africa, where there is a desperate need for
properly treated, clean drinking and irriga-
tion water, par ticularly in the rural areas.
Not only does the EEC system occupy
less space than other mobile effluent treat-
ment plants, but it also requires a mini-
mum amount of maintenance and a ver y
affordable capital investment, and operating
costs are exceptionally low, says Fraser.
He points out that the system has 10
times the loading capacity in less than one
fifth of the space of conventional plants.
The system is pre-fabricated and mount-
ed in ISO freight containers, and being
containerised and fully mobile, is easi-
ly transpor ted to any location unlike
conventional treatment plants, he adds.
In addition, the system has fully auto-
matic operation, is reliable and robust
and has one central control panel for
easy operation.
A water treatment solution for
remote locations
Rand Technical Services is pleased to announce that it is now the sole
distributor for US-based company EEC Global Operation LLC in South Africa.
RIGHT The system is pre-fabricated, and
being containerised and fully mobile, is
easily transported to any location

IMIESA September 2011 Low Res

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

IMIESA September 2011 Low Res

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

I SSN 0257 1978 V o l u me 36 No . 9 Se p t e mb e r 2011 R40.

Receive up-to-date news via news feeds

Vote for the top stories

Network with mining professionals

Create your own blog, video and audio channel

Comment on news and blogs

086 100 5540

You might also like