Pacaltsdorp water supply capacity increased

GEORGE NEWS - A multi-million-rand water storage expansion project, aimed at ending sporadic water supply interruptions in Pacaltsdorp, is taking off with the process of inviting potential contractors.

Divided into two, the project will have a 14,5 megalitre (Ml) reservoir and pump station for the West distribution zone, and a 3Ml reservoir, elevated tower and pump station for the East distribution zone.

George Mayor Leon van Wyk, accompanied by Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering Jacqulique von Brandis and Director of Civil Engineering Services Janie Koegelenberg, recently visited the sites for these two water supply distribution zones.

Van Wyk said the development will bring relief to the residents and businesses in Pacaltsdorp who have been struggling with water supply shortages for some time.

"The project will ensure that the water supply is stable and reliable, which will have a positive impact on the local economy. We are looking forward to seeing the positive impact this development will have on the community of Pacaltsdorp and its surrounds."

Future water needs

Pacaltsdorp is located south of the main centre of George and south of the N2. The current population of about 20 000 people use an average of 3,5-million litres of purified water per day. André Scheepers, the project manager for Budget Facility for Infrastructure, says Pacaltsdorp is estimated to grow to approximately 150 000 over the next 45 years, and will then use 21,5 million litres of purified water per day.

Scheepers said the current Pacaltsdorp water supply zones receive bulk purified water through two existing bulk pipelines, each about 12km long, that originate from the George Main reservoirs situated close to the water treatment plants. The bulk pipelines provide water to various parts of George before it reaches Pacaltsdorp.

"The Pacaltsdorp residents are vulnerable to water supply shortages due to the current limited dedicated reservoir storage (3Ml) located at the Pacaltsdorp Sports field and being reliant on the two very long bulk supply pipelines, which frequently experience supply interruptions," says Scheepers.

During the East distribution zone site visit are, from left: Clr Jacqulique von Brandis, Mayor Leon van Wyk and Director of Civil Engineering Jannie Koegelenberg.

Two distribution zones

Director of Civil Engineering Jannie Koegelenberg says by June 2025, the upgrades for both zones should be finished and Pacaltsdorp will be assured of reliable purified water supply for the next 50 years.

Future phases will consist of the construction of another 14,5Ml reservoir, a second phase pump station upgrade and elevated towers. The project for the 14,5Ml reservoir and pump station is currently out on tender for construction contractors.

The project value cannot be divulged at the moment as such information might potentially interfere with the tender process. The new development will create job opportunities for small emerging construction firms and Pacaltsdorp residents can look forward to significant investment into the area.

The existing reservoir and tower pump station.