LOCAL MUNICIPALITY GETS ENGINEERING HELP FOR WATER SECURITY

The water infrastructure comprises of three booster pumps provision was made for a fourth unit to bolster capacity should demand increase at a later stage.

Thembisile Hani Local Municipality (THLM), and its constituents recently had handed over to them the new Mathyzensloop Booster Pump Stati, compliments of Ceenex, a leading provider of quality water engineering solutions. This is Part 2 of a two-part article.

…continued from Part 1.

For example, top-of-the-range KSB Pumps were specified. Locally based, KSB can provide fast and efficient technical support to THLM to mitigate downtime. Moreover, high quality imported valves that are supplied by a local company were deployed. This is considering that they comply with the ISO Valve International Standard, namely ISO – 5209 – 77. The use of high-quality equipment will ensure the longevity of the water infrastructure. This while also reducing maintenance and operating costs, one of Ceenex’s many water-engineering value propositions.

As far as possible, materials were sourced locally. When they were unavailable in Mathyzensloop and Kwaggafontein, the construction teams still sourced materials in the province. Notably, the project exceeded its socio-economic development targets for this project. All of the labour requirements were sourced locally. This provided over 60 employment opportunities, as well as skills development and training opportunities for community members.

In addition, the project did not experience a single incident of community unrest. This can be attributed to THLM’s approach of engaging the community early and proactively managing expectations through the PMU unit and the services of the social facilitator. These were complemented by its transparent communication and procurement processes. Both Mbako Group and Tshwele Logistics also have experience working with construction small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and community members, further facilitating good community relations.

The hand over of the infrastructure was undertaken at a prestigious event hosted on the 24^th of May 2024. Considering this important milestone in engineering water security in the THLM jurisdiction, it was attended by honourable Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo. He was joined by Executive Mayor of THLM and Nkangala District, Lesetja Dikgale and T.D Ngwenya, respectively. The professional team also hosted Eunice Malekana, who represents Technical Services on the THLM Members of Mayoral Committee. She was joined by Municipal Manager, Dumisani Mahlangu, and THLM Councillors.

Zeph Nkosi, THLM’s hands-on Project Manager, best describes the importance of this occasion and the project as follows “Water is life, but access to water and sanitation is dignity”, a motto well echoed by The Department of Water and Sanitation. With Ceenex’s help, we delivered exactly that!”