This is the statement made by the Tshwane MMC for Utility Services, Darryl Moss, during an in loco inspection and launch of the upgraded Groenkloof pump station as part of our water augmentation initiatives.
The Msimanga administration is pleased to announce the initiative entered into by the City of Tshwane and SAB InBev to refurbish the Groenkloof Lower Fountain pump station. As part of its objective, SAB InBev, together with the city, has undertaken to commit funding over a five year period for investment in programmes relating to agricultural development, enterprise development for societal benefit.
The identified projects include the replacement of motors and pumps, the replacement and installation of the supply pipe and delivery pipe at each pump, replacement of various valves and the installation of a new Motor Control Centre at the Groenkloof Lower Fountain.
While this work did not affect the structure or fabric of the historical building in any way, permission was obtained from the Heritage Council prior to any work being undertaken. Some maintenance and repair was also undertaken on the building, such as repairs to the roof and gutters. At the Kentron borehole, the work involved the replacement of the pump, motor, various pipes and fittings, and the refurbishment of the electrical panel.
The total cost of the project amounted to approximately R3 million with a total saving of approximately R33 million per year for the two projects combined. This project has alleviated some of the water-related challenges that the city is experiencing, whilst simultaneously contributing to the city’s overall objective of providing affordable and sustainable water services to all of its customers. It has also decreased our dependency on purchased water from our service providers, thus impacting positively on our monthly water account.
A further project relating to the replacement of a borehole pump, motor and electrical panel in the Lyttleton area was also identified at the time.
Although regular servicing and maintenance have been performed on the pump system over the years which is a necessary activity to prolong the lifespan of the pumps and to ensure efficiencies; these pumps finally reached the end of their serviceable life and became inoperable primarily due to mechanical failure, which resulted in large volumes of potable water being lost into the Apies river.
The estimated yield from the Groenkloof Lower Fountain pump station is 9 600 kl per day, and if not operational the City of Tshwane has no alternative but to purchase additional water from one of our service providers at a cost of approximately R80 000 per day.
It is very pleasing to see the private sector jumping in to assist government, a clear indication that by serving their communities in their market areas will result in a “win-win” situation that will enable business growth. We have stated in the tabling of the budget for this financial year that the city was in serious financial disorder that we have now turned around.
We therefore wish to express our sincere gratitude to SAB InBev and its staff for the assistance provided to the City, and trust that we may partner on similar projects in the future.