Nathoo Mbenyane Engineers – Lusushwana Bulk Water Scheme, Bettysgoed

Nathoo Mbenyane

Engineers for Lusushwana Bulk Water Scheme, Bettysgoed

Officially opened in April 2019, the Lusushwana Bulk Water Supply Scheme was constructed over three phases, starting in 2016, with an overall project cost of around R135 million.

The scheme provides safe potable water to 4 335 households, reaching 17 348 persons, who had limited or no piped water previously. Extending from Robinsdale to Ouboom, the scheme services 10 areas within the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality.

The project was funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), with Gert Sibande District Municipality as the implementing agent and Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality as the water services authority (WSA) and beneficiary.

The scheme included the upgrading and refurbishment of all bulk water infrastructure on the existing water scheme, including: • raw and clear water pump stations • rising mains and gravity mains • storage reservoirs and high-level steel tanks • 4 Mℓ/day water treatment works • 30 km of pipelines of various sizes, ranging from

Ø 110 mm uPVC to Ø 250 mm (steel/uPVC). The multiyear-funded project uplifted the community, providing 12 575 person-day work opportunities and direct opportunities to 11 local suppliers.

The design allowed for phased implementation. Each was commissioned independently and consolidated on the completion of all three phases. Remarkably, there were no budget or time overruns.

Other objectives met on the project encompassed: • consolidating the limited available operations and maintenance skills in Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality in the design and constructed infrastructure • reducing the operational and maintenance cost savings over the long term in the selection of material and equipment • creating awareness of the importance of water conservation and demand management. The capital cost for Water Supply, Reference Document – DWS Cost Benchmark 2009, for a Large Scheme Size Project (20 000 people) is approximately R33 400 per household (escalated 5% pa to 2019). This project achieved a 7.3% lower cost per household spend, equating to R9.8 million.

Thanks to a well-executed programme, the primary objective of providing safe potable water to communities within Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality by the WSA was achieved.

PROJECT TEAM Client: Gert Sibande District Municipality Consulting engineer: Nathoo Mbenyane Engineers