| 4. In which ways is the initiative creative and innovative?
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A report by Ninham Shand (now Aurecon) identified the need for a water treatment plant in the Paarl area in 2001. The report stated that constructing a local treatment works plant would reduce the cost of water in the long term by a significant amount. It showed that the treatment plant could be constructed downstream of existing dams and upstream of the command reservoir in order to maximize the use of existing water supply infrastructure. It would provide greater growth capacity and ensure that local resources were utilized. A design team composing of civil, geotechnical, structural, mechanical, electrical and electronic engineers, as well as architects and botanists, collaborated to produce a design that both treated water effectively and minimized that impact of the plant on the surrounding environment. A timeline was created in order to ensure that the project proceeded in a timely manner. An environmental impact assessment was conducted from 2001 – 2006, the design of works was conducted from 2006 – 2008, the construction of the plant occurred from 2008 – 2012, and the plant was commissioned by the Drakenstein Municipality in May 2012. Throughout this process, the project team worked closely with the Drakenstein Municipality in order to ensure that funding goals were met. The team also worked with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism to obtain environmental approvals. Once environmental authorization was obtained, Aurecon created a more detailed design of the plant, which outlined the treatment process. Two contracts were drafted: a civil work contract and a mechanical/electrical work contract. Aurecon provided contract, construction, health and safety and environmental oversight while the project was being constructed.
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| 5. Who implemented the initiative and what is the size of the population affected by this initiative?
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The Department of Water Affairs, the Drakenstein Municipality, and Aurecon were the stakeholders involved in the implementation. The Department of Water Affairs contributed 60% of the funding, the Drakenstein Municipality contributed 40% of the funding, and Aurecon acted as a consultant throughout the planning phase and construction of the plant.
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| 6. How was the strategy implemented and what resources were mobilized?
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The total cost of the project was R34.7 million. The cost of civil works on the project was R15.2 million and the cost of mechanical works was R12.7 million. The Municipal Infrastructure Grant contributed R29.8 million and the Municipality supplied the remaining R4.9 million. The project used more than 1000m3 of concrete, 85 tons of steel and blasted 1500 tons of granite. Aurecon identified the site for the plant, created a detailed design and assisted in finding the Central Government Municipal Infrastructure Grant as a source of funding. An environmental team was hired to obtain environmental authorization and dealt with parties that expressed interest in the construction of the plan. Aurecon also oversaw the contract, and hired construction monitors, a Health and Safety agent and an environmental control officer.
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| 7. Who were the stakeholders involved in the design of the initiative and in its implementation?
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The treatment process was a successful output of the Meulwater Treatment Water Works program. The use of a direct filtration process, deep filter beds, air scour and sub-fluidization velocity backwashing, declining rate hydraulic control, a superior dosing control system and a flexible design to treat water contributed to a treatment process that is superior to many other processes. It has both resulted in significant cost savings and a higher quality water treatment process than traditional systems. The design of the Meulwater Treatment plant was another successful output. Designing the plant so that it mimics the natural environment by cladding it in granite, minimizing light pollution and hiding the plant has both minimized its environmental impact and reduced the cost of the plant. The construction cost (excluding professional services), totaled R34.7 million, which was considered very cost effective.
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| 8. What were the most successful outputs and why was the initiative effective?
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Aurecon oversaw the construction of the Meulwater Treatment Water Works plant. They conducted a water supply master study in order to determine the optimal place to construct the plant. They assigned an environmental team to resolve issues with interested and affected parties, particularly those who expressed concerns with the construction of the plant on Paarl Mountain. They worked in collaboration with the Department of Water Affairs and the Drakenstein Municipality to secure funding. Aurecon also drafted contracts for workers such as a civil works contract and a mechanical and electrical work contract. Aurecon then oversaw these contracts to ensure that there was compliance and provided construction-monitoring services. It also provided a Health and Safety agent and an environmental control officer. The Drakenstein Municipality now conducts oversight of plant workers in order to ensure compliance.
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| 9. What were the main obstacles encountered and how were they overcome?
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The main obstacle encountered was the environmentally sensitive location of the Meulwater Treatment Water Works plant. Aurecon determined that the ideal location for the plant was a site downstream of existing dams and upstream of the command reservoir, on part of the Paarl mountain nature reserve. In order to address possible environmental issues, heritage and environmental specialists were consulted in order to design a water treatment plant that had a minimal impact on the environment. The plant was designed so that it resembled the nearby granite rock structures and featured roofs that were planted with various indigenous plants. Shielded knee-level lights and careful landscaping minimized its light pollution. The plant was also designed to be low-lying, so as to minimize its presence. The local flora was preserved. An additional obstacle was ensuring that the plant was cost effective. The use of an environmentally optimized design and innovative water treatment processes minimized the environmental footprint and allowed for cost effective construction. The total cost was approximately R34.7 million, which was considered very reasonable for the plant of its size.
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