GEORGE NEWS - The first phase of the municipality's bulk sewer project in Thembalethu is progressing well. This project of approximately R3,8-million entails the upgrading of the bulk sewer mains in wards 11 and 15.
The main idea is to cater for future growth and more specifically for the next phase of the proposed Upgraded Informal Settlement Programme (UISP) projects.
The current project covered the laying of approximately 600m of 315mm-diameter sewer pipeline and 600m of 355mm-diameter sewer pipeline and associated sewer manholes.
The project has made extensive use of labour-intensive construction methods to assist with job creation, with approximately 48 persons receiving employment over the project period.
The site where the pipes have been laid. Rehabilitation work has already started.
UISP
This UISP project's civil services tender will be advertised soon after completion of the current project, which is expected to be in a few weeks, after final approval tests have been done.
The pipe system undergoes air tests and a water test is done on each manhole to ensure no leaks are detectable, as per the South African National Standards (SANS).
The new sewer project will not only create much-needed increased capacity in the sewer system, but also allow the de-commissioning of an old sewer pump station, which has lately required extensive operational and maintenance costs.
It will also allow operations personnel to be more optimally used in the operation and maintenance of the network to ensure continued service in the area.
The five-month contract of the current phase was delayed by various contractual matters. The contractor has managed the various aspects competently and the municipality looks forward to taking the new pipeline into operation shortly as a worthy additional asset.
The next phases will include the upgrading of the Thembalethu No 6 sewerage pump station to cater for the future housing phases and development in Thembalethu in line with the municipal Sewer Master Plan.
The current project will also be extended northward to the new bulk sewer pipeline in the area abutting the N2 in Ward 15.
Workers rehabilitating the slopes next to the new sewer.
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