All pump stations in Mogale vandalised but interventions are underway

Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) communications officer Refilwe Mahlangu provided an update on the municipal interventions and overall refurbishment work of the pump stations and wastewater treatment plants in the city.

“MCLM has a total of 22 sewer pump stations of which 12 pump stations are either non or partially operational because of historic maintenance challenges, infrastructure vandalism and theft. Sewer pump stations pump sewage from lower-lying areas and discharge it into outfall sewers or directly to the wastewater treatment works. The city has three wastewater treatment works (WWTW) namely Percy Stewart, Flip Human and Magaliesburg WWTW,” she stated.

She continued to say the refurbishment of the municipal sewer pump stations project was handed over to a service provider in March 2024, where this was possible after a budget was secured by the city for 2023/ 24 and 2024/ 25 financial years.

“Over the past six months, the sewer pump stations project mainly involves the refurbishment of mechanical and electrical equipment to prevent overflows and spillages but also includes security and safety. For the period March to May, pump station assessments, compiling of the Bill of Quantities [detail on the quantity and quality of work required], negotiation of rates, and ordering of materials were done, and only in June actual work started on the pump stations,” she added.

The status of the targeted pump stations and the work done to date is as follows:

“The Munsieville sewer pump station has been fully refurbished where work includes the purchase and installation of numerous parts and security upgrades. The two existing pumps were sent for refurbishment and delivery is expected in the next month.

“It must be noted that the pump station was non-operational for about one year, and challenges such as blockages and failures may occur, but this will be dealt with by our team on standby as and when required. The pump station is currently fully operational,” Mahlangu added.

Regarding the Ga-Mogale Sewer Pump Station, Mahlangu stated it has been fully refurbished with work including the purchase and installation of numerous parts, as well as security upgrades and is fully operational.

“The Hilltop Sewer Pump station is expected to be operational by the end of September, where the service provider started cleaning and site clearing work on the pump station in August, with the existing two pumps taken for service and refurbishment. A new pump will also be installed but outstanding work includes installation of a new electrical cable, refurbishing of the guardhouse, new security fence and security lights and safety signage.

“The River Sewer pump station is also expected to be operational by the end of September. The pump station is operational and pumping to the Hilltop Sewer Pump Station, however, this station will only be switched on after completion of the Hilltop Sewer Pump Station. The two existing pumps will be fully serviced on-site, and fully refurbished, along with security upgrades.

“Work is scheduled to commence in October and expected to be completed after three months for the Bush Street, Adam Street, Royal Cradle 1 and 2 Pump Stations. A complete assessment was done in August for each of the abovementioned pump stations. The service provider is currently compiling the Bill of Quantities and programme of works. The pump stations were completely vandalised, with all mechanical, electrical, and security equipment damaged.”

To commence work on the refurbishment of the Rietvallei Ext 1 Sewer Pump Station and the Lusaka 2 Pump Station, which was completely vandalised, a service provider was appointed, and the handover was scheduled before the end of September. Mahlangu said due to the size of the pump station and the extent of the work required, a minimum of six months is expected for the completion of total refurbishment inclusive of major security upgrade work.
“The service provider at the Lusaka Sewer Pump Station has been appointed and the handover has commenced. The pump station is pumping to the Rietvallei Ext 1 Pump Station and can therefore only be switched on after the Rietvallei Pump Station is operational.

“Two sewer pump stations were fully refurbished since the project started, while two additional pump stations are scheduled for completion by the end of October. Four are scheduled for completion by the end of December and the remaining six pump stations are scheduled for completion by the end of June 2025. Service and maintenance of operational pump stations will continue as per the Wastewater Networks Operation and Maintenance programme. Vacuum tankers are deployed as and when required, and maintenance teams are available on a 24/7 basis to attend to all sewer blockages and spillages.”

Mahlangu added the municipality wishes to restate its commitment to demonstrating transparency, an overturn on operations and management of the network sewer facilities, and to dispel the negative perceptions of a total disregard for the effects of effluent spillage.

“All this for sustained benefit of our people, attracting increased investment, retaining our World Heritage status as the City of Human Origins, tourism and broader city industry growth and increased job creation rather than losses,” Mahlangu concluded.