Leading infrastructure specialist mobilises in Western Cape

M&D Construction Group’s new office in Paarl will assist Breede Valley Local Municipality with the augmentation of the water-storage capacity at the Langerug reservoir.

The construction of the 20 ML reservoir is the first contract to be secured by the diversified contractor’s new office, which has enhanced existing interaction channels between the company and public- and private-sector client bodies in the Western Cape.

Financed by the Municipal Infrastructure Grant and Breede Valley Municipality, the new 20 ML reservoir will support significant growth in the Cape Winelands region, including a planned large mixed-use housing project, located at the Transhex Development, Worcester.

The office was awarded the contract based on M&D Construction Group’s proven track record in assisting the state successfully complete complex water infrastructure projects such as the 50 ML Mafenya Reservoir in the North West Province that was highly commended at the 2017 Fulton Awards.

M&D Construction Group is again working alongside Aurecon with whom the company previously worked on the Sol Plaatje University Library and Student Resource Building, a structural engineering feat in the CBD of Kimberley that received a Fulton Award in 2017.

As part of the work scope, the contractor will also undertake the associated connections, including to the existing Stettynskloof Dam pipeline and Langerug reservoir intake tower.

Moreover, M&D Construction Group will upgrade the capacities of the existing Langerug booster pump station to deliver 30 l/second at a differential head of 40 m. Including a 28-day trial period, M&D Construction Group will work alongside mechanical contractor, Hidro-Tech Systems, on this aspect of the works programme.

As outlined by South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, in his inaugural State of The Nation Address, water infrastructure ranks highly on policymakers’ agenda in drought-stricken Western Cape, and this will also be a significant focus for the new satellite office in the short term.

“While the prolonged drought has had a devastating impact, it has also served as a reminder of the importance of water and associated infrastructure in the country,” Rukesh Raghubir, M&D Construction Group’s chief-executive officer, says.