Subdivision of fluid conveyance solutions company the Rare Group, Rare Water, offers fluid conveyance solutions to rural communities as part of its Rural Community Upliftment Programme (RCUP).

Rare Water marketing manager Allistair Balluto explains that RCUP programmes are focused on small rural communities around South Africa and offer a number of different products and services.

"The company provides pipes, fittings and other accessories for pipeline systems. Pipelines in the area are also rehabilitated," says Balluto.

Rare Water designs, fabricates, installs and commissions micro wastewater modular plants. In addition, filtration services are offered and bio filters are installed in the filtration plants.

"Since the company views training and education as being necessary for skills development, it offers training programmes on basic pipeline design, installation and maintenance. Further, training is also conducted by showing users how to install water metre applications. The community in which fluid conveyance solutions are offered, should have the necessary skills to monitor all installed systems too," adds Balluto.

The company also offers modular micro sewage treatment plants with a low liabilities as part of RCUP.

Ageing Infrastructure, Beyond 2010

Balluto identifies three main areas where infrastructure quality proves challenging for the company: power, transportation and water.

"In terms of water, residents regularly endure low water pressure or no water at all and run the danger of contamination. This is because often, water and sewage lines run alongside each other. Sometimes the pipes are corroded and leaks occur. As a result, disease occurs," he asserts.

Balluto says that the cycles of infrastructure fatigue should be timed with significant replacement efforts.

"The year 2010 is not a definitive date when development and restoration reaches a pinnacle. Infrastructure should last about 50 years and should be maintained regularly," he adds.

In order for this to become a reality, Balluto suggests the development of technologies such as trenchless technologies.

Trenchless technologies are a variety of pipeline lining techniques that vary from mortar lining to tight fit liners that are perfectly suited for rehabilitating infrastructure in densely populated areas.

Balluto explains that the pipe is not dug up and only discreet entry points every 1 km are required to access the pipeline. Rehabilitating a leaking pipe through trenchless technology is cost effective, he adds.

Power Management

In addition to trenchless technology and other services for communities, the company's services include pump audits, where the status of the pump is defined in order to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.

Further, turnkey projects are conducted. Implementation of improvements to the pump station and the pipeline are ensured. Complete turnkey solutions include surge protection, pipeline relining, flow enhancement and pressure management.

Rare Water supplies a complete range of ductile iron pipes and fittings. Steel and plastic pipes are also offered to suit most applications.