PROJECTS: VRESAP OVERVIEW

Vaal River Eastern Sub-System Augmentation Project (VRESAP)

Project Background

One of South Africa's largest water supply projects, the Vaal River Eastern Subsystem Augmentation Project (VRESAP) was declared operational in June 2009 when water delivery from the project commenced. The water delivery timeline was expedited by installing a temporary floating pump station as an interim measure, pending completion of the permanent abstraction works which were delayed.

Project Profile

The project system is a serial component connection transferring water from the Vaal Dam to the diversion structure at Knoppiesfontein near Secunda. From the diversion structure water is discharged to the Trichardtsfont ein or Bosjesspruit dams, from where Eskom and Sasol abstract their water.

The VRESAP project has six major components;

• Abstraction works
• Balancing dams
• High lift pump station
• Pipelines
• Surge tank
• Diversion structure

A delay was experienced in completing the outstanding work by the contractor on the permanent abstraction works, which relates to the completion of the mechanical and electrical installations in the pump station, underwater excavation of the approach channel to the intake structure and removal of a coffer dam.

The slow progress on the permanent abstraction works received priority attention from management. Several steps were taken in accordance with the provisions of the contract to facilitate progress and completion within the contractual time frame.

Social performance

TCTA created an excellent track record of local community empowerment. Where possible, employment and training opportunities were offered to communities along the pipeline route. Contract conditions state that the principle contractors recruit 45% of their total workforce from local communities of which 75% should be historically disadvantaged individuals.