The 37.5 mega litre Linksfield Ridge reservoir will cost Joburg Water R100-million.
This is according to the entity’s Mr Nqobizitha Nzimande.
He said the construction must start within the next 18 months.
Consulting engineering firm, Afri-Infra Group (Pty), was appointed to prepare designs for the project as well as supervise construction activities during the construction phase.
Mr Nzimande said although the proposed site for construction is not the highest point of the ridge, it is the only place on the ridge that can accommodate a structure of this magnitude.
“It is important to emphasise that specialist studies were conducted prior to choosing the site,” said Mr Nzimande.
Access to the construction site will be through John Avenue up to Pullford Avenue.
This is despite the draft report indicating otherwise.
“The initial report indicated Linksfield Drive as the access road, however the road is too narrow to accommodate construction vehicles. It has since been proposed that the cul-de-sac at Pullford Lane be used instead for the duration of the construction,” said Mr Kabedi Mashilo of Asande Projects, the company contracted to conduct environmental studies on the area earmarked for construction of the structure.
Mr Nzimansde said Joburg Water is aware of the impact the construction vehicles will have on the state of the access roads.
“As such, we will assess the current status of the roads to be used as well as document visual evidence. After the construction phase, all roads will be rehabilitated,” he said.
In February 2016, the NEWS reported that residents were concerned about the sinkhole that had formed on John Avenue.
A resident who did not want to be named said she is worried the sinkhole, although fixed previously, might surface again.
Mr Nzimande said the influx of construction labourers will be managed.
“There will be a labour desk prior to commencement with the project, which will be led by the councillor, Clr Steven Kruger, as well as the Speaker’s office. No labourer recruitment will take place on-site. Also, only about 30 labourers will be on-site during the peak of the construction activities,” said Mr Nzimande.
The project is expected to carry on for 18 to 24 months after construction commences.
Maps of the exact areas serviced by the current reservoir will be distributed to residents.
