Name and Location
Ludeke dam project, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Client
Umgeni Water.
Project Description
The construction of the category-three Ludeke dam project forms part of the first phase of Umgeni Water’s R830-million Greater Mbizana regional bulk water supply scheme, in the Eastern Cape.
The Greater Mbizana regional bulk water supply scheme consists of the new Ludeke dam, a pumped raw-water supply system to the existing Nomlacu water treatment works, which is to be upgraded in two phases to 20 000 m3/d, and a bulk treated-water supply system, in the Mbizana local municipality. The water supply scheme will provide 20-million litres of drinking water to 266 000 people daily.
The dam, which will provide a secure source of water to relieve significant water shortages in the Mbizana region, will hold 14.5-billion litres of water and span a surface area of 140 ha.
The dam will comprise two embankments, one of which is 40 m, as well as a 17-m-high saddle embankment, which closes off a neck in the basin.
Value
R250-million.
Duration
The construction of the dam was completed in May 2014 and has the capacity to store 14.5-billion litres of water when full.
Latest Developments
The R41-million pumpstation for the Ludeke dam is being commissioned and will soon help alleviate the water shortages being experienced in the Mbizana region.
The Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation and the Alfred Nzo district municipality have funded the Ludeke dam project.
It includes the construction of the Ludeke dam, the pumpstation and the 13 km pipeline to the Nomlacu water treatment plant, which has been designed and managed by engineering and environmental consultants MBB Consulting Engineers.
MBB Consulting Engineers Pietermaritzburg project manager Tyler Bain says the 143 m2 pumpstation includes three 400 kW pumps, two of which will act as standby pumps to provide an interchangeable pumping configuration.
A 500-mm-diameter cement mortar-lined steel pipe has been used, in combination with polyvinyl chloride piping on the upper reaches of the 13 km pipeline to the Nomlacu water treatment plant.
The pumpstation is designed for an ultimate six-pump configuration and additional pumps will be installed as the demand grows.
Key Contracts and Suppliers
MBB Consulting (design and management of raw water supply component).
On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
Umgeni Water, tel +27 33 341 1111 or fax +27 33 341 1167.
MBB Consulting, tel +27 33 345 3530, fax +27 33 342 7728 or email info@mbbpmb.co.za.