The maintenance of infrastructure is critical for the well-being of communities, particularly water and sewage piping, which, if left eroded and non-functional, can be the cause of an unsanitary environment. In February 2016 work began on the upgrading and installation of a new sewer line in Diepkloof Zones 5 and 6 due to constant sewer line blockages and pipe erosion. Rocla pipes and associated products were chosen for this 10 month project.
 
Facing challenges such as a rise in the water table that required nine hours of continuous pumping daily and a subsoil drainage of approximately 19mm of bedding stone, the total line length of 2.4km is due for completion ahead of its November 2016 deadline.
 
“Due to the previous sewer line having been eroded due to exposure to raw sewage and the site having been used as a dumping ground, we had to choose replacement pipes that offered good quality in addition to a long lifespan. Rocla recommended their 13 mm pipe with a sacrificial layer and we believe it is the best pipe for the purpose” said Dennis Makwarela, Managing Member of Mavu-Ashu Civil Construction, the contractors on the Diepkloof project.
 
“In total, we sourced 2,715 piping product and associated supplies from Rocla, comprising RJ pipes, rubber rings, man holes, cover slabs and concrete lids for this project and at no time were we let down by Rocla. Their supply and service was always within our required turnaround time and the technical and sales support service was excellent” said Makwarela.
 
Michelle Venter, Sales Representative for Rocla commented “This was a project that needed products of a superior quality due to the nature of problems experienced in the past. It is not cost-effective to have a local municipality constantly being called out to unblock the same sewer line. Closer inspection revealed pipe breakdown and therefore upgrading and replacement was called for. We have a reputation for supplying not only good long-lasting product but also of sound technical advice and support to site contractors.”
 
Rocla is Southern Africa's leading manufacturer of pre-cast concrete products for infrastructure, including pipes, culverts, manholes, poles and various other related products.
 
All Rocla products are ISO 9001/2008 certified and have the applicable SANS recognition. The company has a sophisticated Quality Management Systems which are continually monitored and upgraded to ensure standards are maintained.
 
Rocla is part of the IS Group of companies which includes Technicrete ISG and Ocon Brick.