BASIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE UPGRADING OF WATER PIPELINE IN EMBALENHLE GOVANI MBEKI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, MPUMALANGA PROVINCE

The scope of works includes the construction of suitable designed and sized parallel pipelines associated fittings too upgrade the supply and to cater for the future expansion of eMbalenhle. The parallel lines will replace the existing aging infrastructure. The project will be divided into 4 phases as it is estimated to be a lengthy construction period and expensive project. The following phases are proposed:
• Phase 1: New 630mm diameter line from the Rand Water connection up to the Abdullam Reservoirs.
• Phase 2: New 500mm line from Abdullam reservoirs up to the traffic circle branch connection.
• Phase 3: New 400mm line from the Traffic circle branch up to the 5ML reservoir
• Phase 4: New 355mm line from the old reservoir and pressure tower to the 5ML reservoir
The four (4) main pipe materials which are considered are to be used as follows:
• HDPE – Mainly in CBD areas where trenching will cause undesirable disruptions. In these areas pipe cracking methods will be employed to put the DDPE pipes in place with minimal excavations required.
• uPVC – Used in most other area where trench excavations are possible. This method is considered more affordable and labour intensive, therefore allowing for employment creation.
• PVC-O – Used for large diameter (450 – 600mm) or high pressure (16 – 25 bar) sections of pipeline where HDPE and uPVC pipes won’t be sufficient.
• Steel – Only to be used in possible extreme situations where the above materials are insufficient