Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu has revealed that his department is considering engaging stakeholders to finance phase 2 of the Welbedacht Pipeline Project.
This comes in the wake of the completion of phase 1 of the multimillion rand project, involving the replacement of outdated concrete pipelines supplying water to the greater parts of the Mangaung Metro Municipality.
Mchunu hinted at sourcing additional funds, briefing stakeholders at a meeting held in Bloemfontein on Monday (09/01).
At the start of the construction of the project in 2018, it was estimated to cost R410 million for both phases.
Mchunu said his department was happy with progress to complete phase 1 of the water pipeline, stretching over 33 km.
“Now we are going to engage the National Treasury to look into various funding mechanisms to fast-track the start of phase 2 construction to ensure that we eliminate water supply disruptions caused by leaks due to the aging infrastructure,” said Mchunu.
The scope of work of the project involves the replacement of the existing 115 km long concrete pipeline with a new steel pipeline from the Welbedacht Water Treatment Works (WTW) to Bloemfontein.
A new steel pipeline was being constructed parallel to the old concrete pipeline, which has exceeded its lifespan.
Work began with an additional pipeline route upstream of the existing Bloemwater control chamber on the Leeuwkop farm, crossing the R702 to the northern side of the road and then stretching parallel for approximately 10 km between the R702 and the Eskom power line servitude. It then follows the north-west direction crossing the M30 at the junction with the N6, before crossing under the N1, the railway line, Ferreira Road and finally under the R706.
The multimillion-rand project is aimed at augmenting the supply of drinking water to the Free State capital and part of the Kopanong Local Municipality in the Xhariep region. The department is working in conjunction with Bloem Water and the Mangaung Metro to address water supply to the city.
Phase 1 of the project entailed the reconstruction of a new 33,7 km pipeline with a 1000 mm diameter bypass pipeline from Leeuwkop Chamber to the Brandkop reservoir in Bloemfontein.
Phase 2 will involve the construction of a 71,3 km bypass 1 200 mm diameter pipeline from Lieuwkop Chamber to Welbedacht WTW. The 50-year-old pipeline, which supplies 70% of water to the metro, has been experiencing regular bursts and leaks due to its fragility and pressure. Disruptions result in insufficient water supply to its residents. The growing population of the Mangaung Metro has increased the demand for supply.
Mchunu stressed the importance of the project for service delivery. The minister held a stakeholder engagement meeting with Bloem Water, the provincial government, the Mangaung and Kopanong municipalities to discuss water and sanitation challenges crippling the province’s ability to deliver..
