Based on the quality of Ceenex’s analysis of water-demand in Verena and Wolvenkop, the consulting engineering firm was also appointed by Thembisile Hani Local Municipality (THLM) to design and oversee construction of a high-quality water reticulation system to deliver water directly to these constituents.
Working alongside Ceenex and our Project Manager, Kabelo Ringane, DKPB Construction commenced constructing the infrastructure in March 2024. Although initially anticipated to be finalised within 24 months, this enterprising contractor has committed to completing the project eight months earlier. Therefore, by August 2025, about 3 000 households will be connected to the new water-supply system.
Water is distributed to the houses via a 75mm diameter unplasticised polyvinyl-chloride (UPVC) pipeline that is connected to a 110mm-diameter UPVC main-delivery line. In turn, it is fed by an existing 200mm-diameter bulk-supply pipeline that branches from a 350mm bulk pipeline from an 11ML reservoir in Gemsbokspruit. The pipeline currently has a delivery capacity of 17l/s which will have to be doubled in subsequent phases, based on Ceenex’s water-demand forecast. The existing combined storage capacity for Verena and Wolvenkop is 6700 Kl.
As part of this initial phase, water meters are also being installed on all of the properties. This is to ensure that all of the dwellings are receiving water and to develop end-use profiles. THLM intends to eventually charge households for these services to encourage responsible use in a water-stressed area. This while also providing the municipality with an important stream of revenue to ensure the sustainability of its operations and improve service delivery to constituents. However, the immediate aim is to quantify the use of water from the reservoirs to the end user to better understand demand and consumption. This is via a Water Conservation and Demand Management programme developed by the municipality in collaboration with Ceenex.
