GEORGE NEWS - The waste water treatment works at Kleinkrantz and a study into the region's worst geological disaster were honoured as the Southern Cape's best civil engineering projects.
The South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) in the Southern Cape announced the winners of its Regional Engineering Excellence Awards at a gala dinner at Fancourt last Friday 27 October.
The upgrading of the Kleinkrantz Wastewater Treatment Works in Wilderness was awarded the best Water Engineering project and a study into the slope failure under homes in Seemeeuvlug and Tuscan Village in Mossel Bay was awarded the Geotechnical Engineering project of the year.
The event was attended by SAICE members from local government and the industry. Cornelle Carstens was the master of ceremonies and Van der Spuy Brink, award-winning toastmaster, treated guests to an inspiring address.
In previous years projects from the Southern Cape Region proceeded to national SAICE acclaim.
These include high-profile emergency water projects such as the seawater desalination plant in Mossel Bay and the multi-faceted water supply schemes in Knysna and Sedgefield (2010 - 2011).
Receiving the award for most outstanding Water Engineering project in 2017 are, from left: Reggie Wesso (director of Civil Engineering Services of George Municipality), Henry Jansen (deputy director for Water and Sanitation), Jannie Koegelenberg and Nobuhle Dyasi from Royal HaskoningDHV.
SAICE regional chairperson Adrian van Molendorff said despite the challenging findings of the SAICE Infrastructure Report Card 2017 on our country's public infrastructure, it is inspiring to be able to celebrate the achievements of the engineering fraternity in our region, be they in public service, consulting engineers or contractors.
"It shows that quality infrastructure can be created despite the constraints of very limited budgets and conflicting political priorities," said Van Molendorff.
"We specifically have to acknowledge the diligence and professionalism of our members in local and provincial government. The critical role of infrastructure management in the economic development of a society cannot be overestimated.
"Civil engineers in public service are the custodians of our roads, water treatment works, waste water treatment plants, water and waste distribution and collection networks, and a myriad of other aspects of our civilisation that we are so used to that we only become aware of them when they fail."
Waste water treatment in a sensitive zone
The Kleinkrantz Waste Water Treatment Works treats effluent from Wilderness and surrounds.
It was completed in 1995.
Growth over the last twenty years and the connection of neighbourhoods such as Touwsranten required a major increase in treatment capacity.
The plant is located next to Kleinkrantz, less than 200m from the beach.
It is surrounded by natural vegetation and the clean water outflow created a wetland next to the works. Any increase in capacity had to be managed within the existing 1 hectare space on site.
George Municipality employed the engineers from Royal HaskoningDHV's George office to design and manage the upgrade project.
A joint venture was formed between Khubeka Construction and Huber Technology who were appointed as the contractors.
SAICE award winners: In front from left are Jannie Koegelenberg (Royal HaskoningDHV), Iain Paton (Outeniqua Geotechnical Services) and Thys van Zyl (Mossel Bay Municipality). Back: Nobuhle Dyasi (Royal HaskoningDHV), Henry Jansen (George Municipality), Reggie Wesso (George Municipality), Adrian van Molendorff (SAICE) and Pieter Myburgh (Mossel Bay Municipality).
During construction, the design was adapted to re-use parts of old structures that were excavated on site. This allowed savings on the project that could be used for additional improvements to the works.
The project showcased how collaboration between the different parties in the project resulted in innovation and adaptability, creating better infrastructure to the benefit of the community.
Geological disaster
The slope failures in Mossel Bay made the news in 2016 when various homes in the two developments were condemned to be demolished.
Streets, water pipes and other municipal infrastructure were also damaged. Based on the extent of the damage, it is comparable to the 1969 earthquake in Tulbagh and is the worst known geological disaster in the Southern Cape region.
A study to determine the cause of the excessive ground movement was commissioned by Mossel Bay Municipality.
The study was undertaken by local specialists Outeniqua Geotechnical Services and Kantey & Templer Consulting Engineers.
Jannie Koegelenberg of Royal HaskoningDHV receives the award for the most outstanding Water Engineering project.
They were supported by specialist surveyors VPM Surveys. The study employed accurate surveying techniques that have not been used in South Africa before, which effectively determined that the unique geological conditions of the site caused a land slip that affected the estates.
In addition, the study contributed to the understanding of the local geology and serves as a reminder of the risks of geotechnical uncertainties and its possible financial and social impacts.
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
