Project Profile

The project comprises the construction of a 46 km pipeline and a pump station transferring water from the existing Mokolo Dam to supply water to EXXARO Grootegeluk Mine, Eskom’s Matimba Power Station, Lephalale Municipality and to supply the new Medupi Power Station.

Funding

Whilst the long-term funding was sought from the markets DWS provided funding to allow the project to proceed. During the financial year the tender for long term funding closed and was 6 times oversubscribed, indicating continued long-term confidence in TCTA projects. Revenues from the sale of bulk raw water delivered to the off-takers will be used to repay the project debt.

Engineering

The Contractor mobilised to site in September 2011 and physical activities commenced in November 2011 when TCTA gave the right of access to and possession of the priority parts of the site, which includes the rising main from Mokolo dam to Wolvenfontein balancing dams. The land which was critical to commence with construction was acquired timeously and the project is on track. Mokolo Crocodile Consultants (MCC), a Joint Venture between Aurecon, Goba, PD Naidoo and Associates, Vela VKE Consulting Engineers and Worley Parsons is the engineering consultant for Mokolo-Crocodile Water Augmentation Project. Aveng (Africa) Ltd and Umbutho Civil and Electrical cc JV (AUJV) is the construction contractor on the project.

Environmental

The Environmental Authorisation for Phase 1 was granted in December 2010. Work also commenced with the detailed Construction Environmental Management Plan for Phase 1. Baseline studies were initiated to determine ambient conditions and background variability for aspects such as vegetation, dust and water quality. Traffic volumes and road conditions were investigated. Detailed mapping, identification and analysis of assets and infrastructure in the pipeline servitude area were conducted. Environmental performance criteria were integrated into the infrastructure design and contract specifications of the tender documentation.

Socio-economic development objectives

Capacity building

TCTA seconded one engineer-in-training to the engineering consultants Mokolo Crocodile Consultants (MCC) for a technology/skills transfer programme which includes mentoring, such that the trainee can attain professional accreditation at the end of the contract.

Key challenge

The main challenge for the project has been in relation to expediting the implementation of the project in order to ensure that water is delivered on time to the Medupi Power Station.