Engineering firm Zimile Consulting Engineers is nearing completion of a bulk water project in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal, for the Harry Gwala district municipality.

The project will more than double the town’s water supply from the river system, from about 6 Mℓ/d to 14 Mℓ/d, which will satisfy the water demand until 2030, says Zimile civil engineer Nhlanhla Ndlovu.

Kokstad is the fastest growing town in the district and its current water needs are about 9 Mℓ/d. Demand is expected to rise to about 18 Mℓ/d by 2035.

Kokstad gets its water from the uMzintlava river system and the Crystal Springs dam.

There are currently water restrictions in Kokstad, and some of the suburbs only receive water during limited hours of the day. There are various developments earmarked for the town, which are on hold because of the water challenges.

“The R56-million project is due to reach completion by November 30 and, together with the raising of the existing dam wall project, which is part of the uMzintlava river system, will provide security of water supply in the town for the next decade. This will unlock economic activity and greatly aid the town’s development objectives,” says Ndlovu.

The company started construction in September 2020 with a 500-mm-diameter high-pressure polyvinyl chloride and steel raw water pipeline from the bank of the uMzintlava river, traversing about 5 km towards the existing 18 Mℓ/d water treatment works located on the north-western section of the town, and is also upgrading an existing pump station, he explains.

Further, technology is a key enabler of process efficiency and Zimile used technology extensively, including creating hydraulic and three-dimensional models of the pump station and raw water pipelines. The company also compiled extensive research in materials, conducted cost analysis, material properties, thermal conductivity analysis, chemical resistivity and more, ensuring it offers the best solutions and value for money.

“This project will improve the lives of the communities in Kokstad as they will have safe, clean, reliable and uninterrupted water supply. Zimile has been involved in the project from its inception, through the design process to the current implementation stage,” he says.

The company has completed multiple projects improving bulk water supply in growing communities and contracts for the Harry Gwala district municipality. It is also working on other water supply projects in Ubuhlebezwe, uMzimkhulu and Greater Kokstad local municipalities with scopes of works ranging from groundwater development, water reticulation networks, bulk supply pipelines, slow sand filters for spring water supply and refurbishment works, Ndlovu adds.

“We have learned that every project comes with its own challenges, especially in rural infrastructure development. However, we apply our technical expertise to find solutions and engage with the communities in which we work. This ensures the suitability and sustainability of the projects we hand over,” he says.

“Increasing populations, ageing infrastructure, limited hydraulic capacity and drought conditions are challenges facing many communities in South Africa, which place water security under threat and inhibits economic development. In these cases, urgent infrastructure investments and upgrades are needed, which will lead to improved bulk water supply for current and future populations,” Ndlovu concludes.