Work on the high pressure bulk water pipeline system in the east of Pretoria has resumed and the anticipated completion date for the multi-million rand project is June this year.
The reinforcement of the pipeline in Garstfontein and Rubenstein Streets and in January Masilela Avenue originally started in 2011, but was halted due to contractual problems experienced by the Tshwane metro.
“Discussions with the newly-appointed project management and contractors were extremely positive and I have no doubt that the project will be completed in June with as little as possible inconvenience to businesses, residents and motorists,” said Jeannie du Plessis, community liaison officer for the project.
Construction started on 3 November last year and once completed, the pipeline will alleviate the pressure on and overloading of the existing bulk water infrastructure.
Du Plessis said a major part of the project involved contractors making sure all connections and joints on the already completed parts of the pipeline complied with regulations and required standards.
“Thereafter, the final connections will be completed to ensure that this high pressure bulk pipeline can successfully be utilised,” she said.
Du Plessis said once the pipeline was completed, all roads and pavements affected by the construction of the pipeline would be repaired and rehabilitated.
She said proper notice would be given of when and where work would be done in the various areas to keep residents, businesses and motorists abreast of possible traffic interruptions.
“There will also be water supply disruptions when the final pipe connections are being made,” Du Plessis warned, but said residents would be informed beforehand.
According to the metro, the east of the city had in the past years experienced significant growth which was increasingly placing tremendous pressure on and overloading existing infrastructure, including bulk water networks.
Residents and businesses in the affected areas were requested by the metro to work with the municipality in order to get the work done within the time frame given.
Areas affected are:
* Parkmore (Gary Drive, Tucker Street and January Masilela (formerly Genl Lious Botha);
* The corner of Rubenstein Drive and Blouhaak Street;
* January Masilela Drive between Lynnwood and Glenwood Roads; and
* Waverley in Koekoek Street, Ooievaar Street and Beyers Avenue.
In Parkmore, the work needed to complete the pipeline included exposing the existing pipes, manufacture bends and connections and connect them to new pipes, the construction of the roof and step ladders at the already completed Scour Valves chambers and to complete the outstanding pipework inside the chambers.
A storm water pipe would also be constructed between the boundaries of the shopping centre and would be joined to the existing one and all the welds on the pipeline would be wrapped in special tape.
The Rubenstein part of the line would see the laying of steel pipes and repairs would be done to pipe linings at the welds.
New steel pipes would be connected to existing pipes in January Masilela Avenue, new steel pipes would be laid and pipe lining repairs would be done.
Du Plessis said her responsibility as community liaison entailed her attending all site meetings and to keep residents and businesses informed about how they would be affected during construction.
She could be reached on 082-927-4673 or at jeanniedp@gmail.com
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