Significant strides have been made to the water supply challenge of the greater Mangaung Metro with the completion of the Welbedacht pipeline Phase 1 project. Entailing installation of a new steel pipeline, replacing the outdated asbestos pipeline, the work commenced in 2017.
This is a project funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation through its Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant to the tune of R595 744 836.70.
The time frame to complete Phase 1 was delayed. The department blames the delay on various challenges such as community disruptions, landowners refusing to grant access and vandalism of equipment. These challenges are water under the bridge.
The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, marked the significant progress on 27 June, handing over to Vaal Central Water in Bloemfontein.
Attendees to witness the significant chapter of the water infrastructure handover include Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements, Saki Mokoena, and the executive mayor of the Mangaung Metro, Gregory Nthatisi.
Majodina has reemphasised the importance of maintenance of the Welbedacht Pipeline phase 1 project, which is fundamental to augment supply and enhance reliable water provision to residents of Mangaung.
She has called on the Mangaung authorities to constantly ensure maintenance and operation of the infrastructure to guarantee future water security; calling on residents to play their part in terms rooting out vandalism of important infrastructure.
“This is a very huge project that will bring change in the lives of the people of Mangaung as far as water supply is concerned. Reticulation of water to communities should also be priority,” said Majodina.
The outdated asbestos pipeline caused disruptions in water supply due to leakage and frequent bursts, resulting in loss of large amounts of water. The 50-year-old asbestos pipeline, which supplies 70% of water to the metro, has been experiencing regular bursts and leaks due to its fragility and pressure. The new steel pipeline was fully tested in February last year.
Construction work entailed the reconstruction of a 33,7 km pipeline with a 1000 mm diameter bypass that stretches between Brandkop Reservoir and the R702, approximately 20km from Dewetsdorp.
Construction work began with an additional pipeline route upstream of the existing Bloemwater control chamber on the Leeuwkop farm, crossing the R702 to the northern side of the road and then stretching parallel for approximately 10 km between the R702 and the Eskom power line servitude.
It then follows the north-west direction crossing the M30 at the junction with the N6, before crossing under the N1, the railway line, Ferreira Road and finally under the R706.
The pipeline project supplies potable water to an estimated 81 236 households. Successful completion of phase 1 paves the way for work to start phase 2, which will involve the construction of a 71,3 km bypass,
1 200 mm diameter, pipeline from Leeuwkop Chamber to Welbedacht.
