M&D Construction Group’s new office in Paarl will assist Breede Valley Local Municipality with the augmentation of the water-storage capacity at the Langerug reservoir.

The construction of the 20 ML reservoir is the first contract to be secured by the leading diversified contractor’s new office, which has enhanced existing interaction channels between the company and public- and private-sector client bodies in the Western Cape. This is in addition to significantly bolstering the group’s already strong footprint in South Africa.

“Opening a permanent operation in Paarl is a proactive step taken by head-office, considering the significant pressure that is being placed on ageing provincial and local infrastructure by new housing and other property developments in the region. Our diversity provides the flexibility that is required to supply existing and anticipated future demand for high quality infrastructure. These span civil-engineering, pipe-laying and earthworks through to road construction and general building,” Rukesh Raghubir, M&D Construction Group’s chief-executive officer, says.

Financed by the Municipal Infrastructure Grant and Breede Valley Municipality, the new 20 ML reservoir will support significant growth in the Cape Winelands region, including a planned large mixed-use housing project, located at the Transhex Development, Worcester.

The office was awarded the contract based on M&D Construction Group’s proven track record in assisting the state successfully complete complex water infrastructure projects. A sound example includes the acclaimed 50 ML Mafenya Reservoir in the North West Province that was highly commended by judges at the 2017 Fulton Awards for excellence in the design and application of concrete.

Manager of the Paarl operation, Sarel du Toit, says that the construction of the 20 Ml reservoir for Breede Valley Local Municipality, which is due for completion in mid-2019, will also provide M&D Construction Group ample opportunity to demonstrate its competencies in the field.

“One of the complexities of this project will be completing the construction of the post-tensioned dome-roof structure in only 56 weeks. This undertaking will rely extensively on the skills and capabilities of a seasoned contracting team,” Du Toit says.

On this project, M&D Construction Group is again working alongside Aurecon. The company previously worked with the leading consulting engineering firm on the prestigious Sol Plaatje University Library and Student Resource Building, a structural engineering feat in the central-business district of Kimberley that received a Fulton Award in 2017.

As part of the work scope, the contractor will also undertake the associated connections, including to the existing Stettynskloof Dam pipeline and Langerug reservoir intake tower.

Moreover, M&D Construction Group will upgrade the capacities of the existing Langerug booster pump station to deliver 30 l/second at a differential head of 40 m. Including a 28 day trial period, M&D Construction Group will work alongside experienced mechanical contractor, Hidro-Tech Systems, on this aspect of the works programme.

As outlined by South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, in his inaugural State of The Nation Address, water infrastructure ranks highly on policymakers’ agenda in drought-stricken Western Cape, and this will also be a significant focus for the new satellite office in the short term. 

“While the prolonged drought has had a devastating impact, it has also served as a reminder of the importance of water and associated infrastructure in the country,” Raghubir says.

“No longer viewed as merely a right by responsible South Africans, the dire situation has driven the implementation of important demand-side management programmes in the province. Provincial government, municipalities and citizens must be lauded for the stellar role that they have played in driving back ‘Day Zero’ in many cities. Combined with a steady investment into ‘hard’ water infrastructure, they will go a long way in averting a future crisis and restoring many cities in the province to their former world-class status.”