So, in December 2021 - a year later, the town supply was completely stable and reservoirs basically full, never dipping below the safe reservoir levels. The entire scheme is easily monitored daily and problems with supply are immediately evident (alarm systems are built-in). In addition to the many positive attributes of the town, it fortunately also has good water quality and as mentioned is crime-free, so the water supply is not affected by vandalism. In addition, good rains were received this summer. Water restrictions have been relaxed and the supply times increased. The scheme still remains in a delicate (yet stable) balance and to increase assurance of supply, additional boreholes still have to be added to the network. To ensure the continued success of the scheme, it is absolutely critical that funds are available for the continued maintenance of the scheme and the ability to repair breakdowns must be quick and cost-effectively implemented.
So, the team work on this project has been outstanding. The Department of Water and Sanitation; the Western Cape Department of Local Government, Eskom, the Beaufort West Municipality, Zutari (the consulting engineers), De Jagers Loodgieter Kontrakteurs (the Civil Engineering Contractor); GEOSS (the hydrogeologists); TG Elektries (borehole equipping and all related infrastructure); Integ (entire data integration and telemetry), and the multitude of sub-contractors involved in the reservoir construction, piping, electrification (and so much more), have contributed to this flag-ship project. It can be done!
Written by: J. Conrad – GEOSS South Africa (Pty) Ltd