MechChem Africa November 2019

Bosch Projects has recently completed a R32 million bulk sewer infrastructure project, south of Durban, for the eThekwini Water and Sanitation Division. eThekwini bulk sewer project completed

Aerial view of Malukazi pump station.

B osch Projects was appointed to carry out multi-disciplinary designs, implementation and construction management for the Malukazi Bulk Sewer Infrastructure Scheme (a sub- project of the Provision of Water and Sanitation Services to Human Settlements – Sanitation Phase 3). The bulk sewer scheme included the construction of bulk sewer gravity mains, a sewer pump station, sewer rising main, communal ablution facilitieswith associatedwater, and sewer reticulation, which connected into the adjacent LowerMalukazi Phase 1 catchment area. “The project, which commenced inAugust 2016, provides a basic level of water and sanitation to the previously non-serviced area. Civil design for the project encompassed the pump station design review; the design of a temporary pump station; bulk and reticulation sewer infrastructure; roads and stormwater rehabilitation; and the environmental management of water course. Electrical and mechanical components included pump and associ- atedpipeworkdesign; ventilationdesign; lighting andelectrical supply; lightning protection and telemetry. “Bosch Projects was also responsible for the coordination man- agement of sub-specialists, including mechanical; ventilation; fire; geotechnical; electrical; and roads and earthing contractors,” says project manager, Manditha Jamuna. One of the challenges the project facedwas constructing the pump station in excessive groundwater conditions. The base of the concrete superstructure of the pump stationwas partially completed in a previ- ous phase of the Sanitation Project. Excessive ground water ingress had to be controlled and managed by continuous pumping out of the 18mdeep excavation during construction. Geotechnical intervention was required to ensure stability of the excavated area. Complexity of the project was increased as a temporary pump sta- tion – designed to service communal ablution facilities in the interim – was operational during construction of the main pump station. The temporarypumpstationwasthenconvertedintotheoverflowchamber of the pump station. Despite numerous challenges the project was completed within budget and to thehighest quality standards. BoschProjects offers solu- tions in diverse sectors throughout southern Africa, including energy and industrial plants, water and wastewater, roads, land and building developments, aswell as sugar and agriculture, ports and terminals. q

November 2019 • MechChem Africa ¦ 23