Bosch Holdings Enginuity July 2009 | Page 9

North Coast growing water demand Second Bosch Projects EIT Conference Construction is progressing well on the first phase of the North Coast bulk water supply pipeline, from the Avondale Reservoir in Ballito, to the Honolulu Reservoir in Groutville. The Bosch Projects Engineer-In-Training (EIT) programme, which was formally instituted in 2006, has been endorsed by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). “The objective of this programme is to develop candidate engineers to become competent engineers within the organisation,” says Mandla Ngema, EIT programme facilitator. Two graduate engineers completed their training in 2008 and received ‘The Bosch Projects Engineer’s Certificate of Competency’ during the 2nd Annual EIT Conference, which was held at Khayalembali Conference Centre in Durban at the end of 2008. The conference was also attended by the B&A Group CEO, Clive Swaisland, Bosch Projects MD, Mike Gibbon as well as Bosch Projects Directors. “Umgeni Water engaged SBA for the initial feasibility studies, detailed design and tender stages and subsequently for the construction stage of the first phase of the North Coast Bulk Water Supply Pipeline from Ballito to Groutville,” says Mohammed Vawda, SBA’s director, Water division. “The design of the second phase of the remainder of the bulk pipeline to the Umvoti Balancing Reservoir is being finalised and implementation is imminent. One of the key challenges of this project has been interfacing with landowners and developers regarding construction of the bulk pipeline through their respective properties.” “The project comprises a new 1 000mm and 800mm diameter bulk water supply pipeline from the Avondale Reservoir in Ballito, up to the Mvoti Reservoir in KwaDukuza. This pipeline will also feed into existing and proposed future reservoirs along the route at Shakashead, Umhlali, Royal Palm Estates, Tinley Manor/Blythdale and Etete/Groutville to provide for growing consumer demands.” The contract for the first phase of the pipeline project, estimated at approximately R130 million, was awarded to Cycad Pipelines in August 2008 and is scheduled to be completed by November 2009. At this stage, approximately 70% of the 7km of 1 000mm diameter steel pipeline has been laid. Esor, the sub-contractor to Cycad Pipelines for the ‘pipe jackings’, has completed three of the five major road and railway line crossings. Pipe for the remaining 10.5 km of 800mm diameter steel pipeline is currently being manufactured by Hall Longmore in Johannesburg. The bulk pipeline is essential to meet the rapidly growing water demand requirements on the North Coast. During the initial years of operation, water will be conveyed northwards from the Hazelmere Dam. The direction of flow will, however, be reversable at some stage in the future when the water supply to the area will be supplemented by supplies from the Mvoti and/or Tugela Rivers. Email Mohammed Vawda: [email protected] The EIT conference also serves as a platform where mentors assess the technical competence of the candidate engineers and the degree to which EITs have been involved on projects throughout the year. Meethan Gokool and Sean Hulley receive their Certificate of Competency from Martin Welch, Bosch Projects Engineering Director and Mandla Ngema, EIT programme facilitator. Sappi Tugela Electrical Upgrade Bosch Projects was appointed as Project Managers on the Sappi Tugela Mill Electrical Reticulation Upgrade project in April 2008. As the projec Ё