Johannesburg Water gives a glimpse into the new Brixton reservoir and tower construction project

Johannesburg Water (JW) gave behind-the-scenes access to its ongoing infrastructure project to improve the water supply in the Commando system, at a cost of almost R270m.

The project includes the construction of a new Brixton reservoir and tower, as well as the revamping of the Crosby pump station. Construction, currently sitting at 34% complete, is expected to be finished by April next year, well within the 18-month timeframe. The site for much of the work is on the premises of the Brixton Primary School.
The Commando system, which comprises the Brixton, Crosby, and Hursthill complexes, has been facing water supply problems for years due to factors such as the city’s growing population and often badly maintained ageing infrastructure.

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JW highlighted the significance of boosting water storage capacity and improving supply to the feeder zones. The Brixton reservoir and tower will have a capacity of 26 megalitres and 2.2 megalitres respectively. The Crosby pump station will be upgraded to deliver at least 400 litres per second.
The Brixton reservoir will not only provide a reliable backup during operational failures but also significantly increase the overall storage capacity.

The spokesperson for JW, Nombuso Tshabalala said, “The existing infrastructure in the Commando system, constructed in 1917, has exceeded its useful lifespan. As a result, the Brixton and Hursthill area has been experiencing water shortages, which have impacted critical institutions such as the Helen Joseph and Rahima Moosa hospitals. To address this, additional water capacity was required.”
The project manager, Nqobizitha Ndimande, shed light on the limitations faced by the Crosby pump station and the need for a comprehensive overhaul. “Currently, water is supplied to the reservoir zone in Crosby via a 700-diameter pipeline connected to the Commando meter. However, ageing infrastructure and space constraints will call for a complete transformation.”

The plan now involves replacing the existing pump station with two state-of-the-art stations. One will pump water to the Brixton reservoir, while the other will cater to the Hursthill resident area.

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“Additionally, a standby generator will ensure uninterrupted water supply, even in the face of load-shedding.”

The construction projects involve various components, including the construction of a new 600mm diameter rising mains from the Crosby reservoir to Hursthill, the overhaul of the Crosby pump station, and the construction of a 3 300mm and 1 000mm diameter steel pipeline from the Rand Water connection to the Crosby reservoir.
In addition to improving the water supply, JW is also taking the opportunity to contribute to the community.

Ndimande concluded, “As part of the project, a multisport centre will be constructed on the land of Brixton Primary School, providing a safe and convenient drop-off area for children. Plans are also underway to develop sporting facilities on top of the reservoir, promoting an active lifestyle and community engagement.”
The project employs 56 men, nine women, and 40 youth, totalling 65 workers on-site.

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