North Coast Bulk WaterPipeline
Providing clean drinking water
Construction of the first phase of the North Coast Bulk Water Pipeline has been completed. The pipeline was however expected to become operational in December 2009.
The pipeline was commissioned by Umgeni Water to meet future potable water demands within the Ilembe District.
There are two phases to the North Coast Bulk Water Pipeline. The first phase comprises a 17.6 kilometre long bulk potable water pipeline from the Avondale Reservoir in Ballito to the Honululu Reservoir in Groutville.
The second phase comprises a 7.2 kilometre long bulk pipeline from the Honululu Reservoir to the Umvoti Balancing Reservoir. Construction of this project begun in February 2010.
Project Scope
The entire project – phases one and two - will comprise a new 1,000mm/800mm diameter bulk water supply pipeline that will also feed into existing and proposed reservoirs along the route of the pipeline at Shakashead, Umhlali, Royal Palm Estates, Tinley Manor/Blythdale and Etete/Groutville.
In the initial years of the pipeline operation, water will be conveyed northwards from the Hazelmere Dam. The direction of the pipeline will be reversed at some stage in the future when water supply to the North Coast area will be supplemented with water abstracted from the Mvoti and/or Tugela Rivers.
Construction
The first phase of the North Coast Pipeline attracted a great deal of public attention, with curious onlookers trying to figure out the nature of construction taking place in the Ballito town centre. It was, in fact, an intricate pipe jacking operation that resulted in the excavation of an area under the main street to lay the pipeline. The operation was conducted with little or no disruption to traffic flow.
Work began on the first phase of the project in November 2008, following the appointment of Stemele Bosch Africa to carry out the initial feasibility studies, detailed design, tender and the subsequent construction phases. The appointment of the company was preceded by the requisite public participation and application for a Record of Decision processes to enable Umgeni Water to implement the project.
A favourable Record of Decision was issued by the then-KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs (DAEA) on 18th October 2007 which confirmed Umgeni Water’s compliance with the requirements of the Environmental Act.
Benefits of the Project
The implementation of the project was welcomed by the Ilembe District Municipality as it will assist significantly in enhancing assurance of water supply and also meet future demands, which have been precipitated by housing and industrial development and existing backlogs in many rural areas of the Ilembe District. It has been estimated that future potable water demand will grow by 5per cent annually.
From a social perspective, the first phase of the project – which cost R122 million(US$ 16.5 million) - has already had a significant impact through job creation and accompanying spend being ploughed back into the local economy. The second phase will cost approximately R80 million(US$10.8 million) and is also expected to generate numerous employment opportunities during its construction.
