Boreholes to alleviate dry spell
Three boreholes have been drilled to relieve the water shortages in and around Estcourt
The globally recognised humanitarian organisation, Gift of the Givers, has stepped in to alleviate the water crisis that has been tormenting hundreds of residents during the past three months.
After it became obvious that water supply far outweighed the number of households that required this essential source, negotiations between both the local and district municipalities and the Gift of the Givers started.
It was decided that boreholes would be drilled in essential areas and would feed these communities, taking strain off the demand on the reservoirs.
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A month later and three boreholes have been drilled; these are at the Masjid Ghouse Azam in Protea Road, Estcourt Hospital and in Rensburgdrift.
“The current situation is actually a disaster for the town and especially those living in Forderville, Papkuilsfontein and Rensburg. That is why the Gift of the Givers stepped in to assist,” said community liaison Jaaved Khan.
He explained that the process of borehole drilling entails extensive testing.
“We start with water sighting to find a correct spot for drilling. Two different methods are used. The spot is then marked and ready for the rigs to be brought in. The hole is then drilled. The depth depends on the yield achieved and the rock formation. A sample of every meter is kept and the geologist studies this to see if drilling will go deeper or not. Once water is struck and we are happy with the volume, the hole is then blown out with compressed air to remove debris. It is then closed up and welded. It is now ready for the yield testing and pump installation teams. While yield testing is being done, samples are sent to the lab for testing,” Khan explained.
The cost of each borehole depends on the depth of each drill, with costs increasing as digging goes deeper.
The borehole at the Masjid yields 14,000 litres per hour, in Rensburgdrift the yield is 18,000 litres an hour, and at Estcourt Hospital nearly 50,000 litres per hour.
Proper yield tests will be done in the coming week to confirm volumes.
Once pumps and storage tanks are fitted to the boreholes in Rensburgdrift and Estcourt Hospital, they will be ready for use.
“The CEO of Estcourt Hospital was at a loss for words, as a key institution like theirs was left without water for days. He said that their water problems are now over. The uThukela acting municipal manager and mayor were also very grateful for our intervention, and they said this will help lessen the load on the Forderville reservoir,” added Khan.
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