GEORGE NEWS - The first phase of the Meul sewage pump station upgrade, valued at approximately R31,67m, has been completed.
In recent years, this pump station, which is one of George's most critical pump stations, experienced frequent and costly breakdowns that threatened the integrity of the sewerage system it serves, as well as the surrounding environment.
George Mayor Leon van Wyk, Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering Services Capital Projects & BFI Jacqulique von Brandis and Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering Services Operating Aspects Browen Johnson recently visited the newly refurbished pump station, which is situated in Parkdene.
"We would like to commend the Civil Engineering Services for the upgrades we've seen here as well as the repairs to the pump station that include the refurbishment of the internal of the pump station," said Van Wyk.
"We've also seen a new motor control centre (MCC) room, a generator room, and a permanent backup generator, as well as a new valve chamber to the rising main and sump modifications, thanks to the National Treasury Budget Facility Infrastructure (BFI) award to George last year which makes this upgrade a reality."
Clr Browen Johnson, Mayor Leon van Wyk, Clr Jacqulique von Brandis and Director of Civil Engineering Services Jannie Koegelenberg.
According to the Civil Engineering Services (CES) director, Jannie Koegelenberg, the Meul pump station now boasts more energy-efficient pumps with higher capacity that will meet future flow needs.
It also has additional reliability after an emergency power generator has been added to keep the installation operational during load shedding.
The upgrade comprises three main components - civil engineering construction, mechanical refurbishment and upgrading, and a new electrical and control installation.
"The mechanical component includes new pumps, pipework, valves, screens, and equipment, while the electrical upgrade comprises electronic and instrumentation refurbishment and new bulk electrical works, a new motor control centre, a permanent standby generator, instrumentation, and related cables," Koegelenberg said.
Phase 2 of the upgrade will follow shortly and will include mechanical equipment at the inlet works to remove screenings and grit automatically, and the replacement of a portion of the rising main. Site access and security will also be improved as part of the upgrade.
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