February 2021 is the new completion date set for the Rand Water H8 pipeline in Senderwood, Bedfordview.
The R17-million project along Civin Road was initially expected to be completed in October this year, but the Covid-19 pandemic halted onsite work.
“The lockdown negatively affected the contractor’s supply chain activities, as steel and pre-cast concrete could not be procured and delivered,” said Rand Water’s media relations manager Justice Mohale.
He added that all the required materials were delivered to the site recently for work to commence.
“The contractor has informed Rand Water that all open excavations will be properly filled before December 11,” Mohale said.
The installation of the pipeline commenced in early March this year, shortly before the hard lockdown was initiated.
In the March 4 edition of the NEWS it was reported that a portion of the existing pipeline needed to be replaced due to severe defects.
At the time Mohale said the affected portion of pipeline had several leaks and that the new line would considerably reduce the amount of unaccounted or wasted water.
The project was first plunged into the spotlight when Rand Water confirmed that 47 trees would need to be removed for the pipeline to be installed.
ALSO READ:
Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys said there is no need to remove the trees because the trees on Civin Road were not planted directly on top of the servitude.
Humphreys urged Rand Water to find an alternative method to install the pipeline, without removing the trees.
In response, Mohale said the trees were originally planted within the Rand Water servitude, on top of the existing pipeline, which needed to be removed.
Only a few weeks later Rand Water confirmed that only 17 trees would be removed to accommodate the installation of the pipeline.
Mohale said the decision was made as the project execution began.
“We considered the availability of space within the servitude, and we also accommodated the concerns raised by the community concerning the removal of the trees.
“It was important we also considered all aspects which could compromise the pipeline’s design and its integrity.”
Mohale said Rand Water is pleased only 17 trees will be removed.
Humphreys said officials at Rand Water went out of their way to accommodate the residents.
Also follow us on:
