The Olifantspoort and Ebenezer upgrade project aims to supply a population of 1.3-million (projected to grow to 1.7-million in 2045) with sustainable, reliable and good-quality water at a cost of R18.5-billion.
This multiphase project entails the cooperation of multiple project implementation partners, including Lepelle Northern Water (LNW), the National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), National Treasury, the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), Eskom and Infrastructure South Africa.
The project will provide a reliable and more sustainable supply of water for the following Water Services Authorities (WSAs):
- Capricorn District Municipality (including Polokwane Local Municipality representing the largest urban area in Limpopo),
- Mopani District Municipality (covering Greater Tzaneen and the eastern parts of the province) and
- Sekhukhune District Municipality, which contains the proposed Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic Zone and the south-eastern portions of Limpopo.
Background
Existing bulk pipelines and other bulk water-supply components were constructed in the early 1970s and their hydraulic capacity is far below the required throughput to meet current and future water needs.
The poor state of the aging infrastructure leads to frequent breakdowns, excessive water losses and excessive electricity consumption costs due to low pumping efficiency.
While the estimated demand in 2025 will be 162ML/day (including the City of Polokwane) supply is currently only 60ML/d. Demand in 2045 is expected to grow to 270.5ML/d with a projected deficit of 210.5ML/d. By way of preparing the ground for this project, LNW has achieved major records of decisions such as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), water-use licences, banking and financial institution approvals for project feasibility and business case studies.
Projected benefits
Several Local Project Community Committees were established and Community Liaison Officers appointed.
- Local SMMEs are working on the project
- Local skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled labour were recruited
- 1 200 jobs will be created during the construction phase
- A further 90 jobs on completion
- 371 428 households stand to benefit
- Progress to date is 55% on average
Phase 1A Solution
The following steps will be taken: replace mechanical infrastructure, reduce pipeline bursts, and ensure uninterrupted pump station operations and provide for planned maintenance. Optimise and increase efficiency of the operations through variable-speed drives; optimise life-cycle performance through reducing life-cycle cost; increase reliability, availability and maintainability attributes.
Phase 1B Solution
Upgrade infrastructure to meet current and future demands up to 2043 from the current 144ML/day capacity to 180ML/day by construction of additional bulk processing units, pumping stations and reservoirs; synchronise LNW planning with Water Services Authorities; support the WSAs in implementing water conservation and water-demand management.
Phase 2 Solution
Further increase of production from 180ML/day to 270ML/day.
Read more:
Interview with Dr Nndweleni Mphephu, Chairperson of the Board of Lepelle Northern Water, who talks about the professionalism displayed by the board and management team who have transformed Lepelle Northern Water in the last two years.
