OUDTSHOORN NEWS - The Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Blossoms Water Project on Wednesday 4 October.
This highly anticipated project, which was completed in August 2023, marks a significant achievement in the region's efforts to improve water accessibility.
PHOTO GALLERY: Grand opening of Blossoms water project
The official opening ceremony was graced by distinguished guests who were personally invited by Oudtshoorn Mayor Chris Macpherson.
In his welcoming address, Macpherson expressed profound gratitude to all attendees, both organisations and individuals, for their unwavering support and dedication to addressing the critical issue of water availability in the area.
Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, MEC Anton Bredell, said it was an honour to attend the opening. Bredell took a moment to reflect on the challenging drought experienced in 2017, highlighting the critical importance of ensuring and safeguarding reliable and sustainable access to water resources.
Minister Bredell went on to commend the Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality and Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) for their dedication to the development and implementation of the Blossoms Emergency Water Project. He acknowledged that their efforts have opened up discussions about the enhanced quality of water, recognising the project as a significant step forward in this regard.
Project overview
Chris Swart, Senior Manager: Water and Sewerage - Technical Services, presented an overview of the project and said it will change lives.
For years, Oudtshoorn and its rural areas have grappled with water shortages and drought that have affected daily life, agriculture, and economic prospects. Blossoms promises to turn the tide, offering hope and a sustainable solution.
Swart said from the beginning of 2019 through 2020, the project focused on meticulous planning and design, leading up to the acquisition of a substantial amount of pipe material required for the pipeline. The following year, from 2020 to 2021, marked the installation of the initial 6 km of the line. During this period, the project also saw the procurement of all essential mechanical equipment. Finally, from 2021 to 2023, the project was carried forward, reaching completion with the remaining pipeline installation and the construction of essential mechanical equipment. He said this structured timeline and strategic allocation of resources highlight the dedication and meticulous planning that have gone into ensuring the success of the Blossoms Emergency Water Project.
The heart of this project lies in a 22 km pipeline that starts at the main borehole on the Kleinfontein Farm in the Blossoms area from where it is pumped over 1,5 km to a booster pump station and reservoir. Water from the secondary boreholes is also pumped to the booster pump station and reservoir. From this reservoir, water is pumped at 48l per second to the main reservoir 2,5km away on the farm, Chandelier. From this reservoir, water will gravitate along a pipeline of 17 km, and cross the Olifants River via the old road bridge just outside Oudtshoorn. There the water is divided with some of the supply going to the Rural Water Scheme and the rest to the East Reservoir near the Correctional Services grounds to augment the water supply to the town.
Swart also extended his heartfelt gratitude to the stakeholders, affectionately referred to as "the team," who played an indispensable role in the success of this transformative project. Among these dedicated collaborators, he recognised Umvoto, Lyners (Consulting Engineers), SES Environmentalists, Safe Working Practice (SWP), De Jager Loodgieters, Hidrotech (Mechanical Contractors), and NRB.
The Blossoms Water Project will supply 48l per second of water to Oudtshoorn.
Timeline and funding
The project was given the green light in 2018, with funding coming in three crucial phases over the years. Construction commenced in 2020, and the final touches were put in place in 2022/23, culminating in a total cost for the drought project of approximately R100 million.
A grant of R97,15 million from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and the Municipal Disaster Relief Grant was allocated to various aspects of this project.
This funding was utilised for three main purposes:
- Design of the pipeline
- Procurement of most of the materials required for the pipeline and boreholes
- Completion of the initial approximately 6 km of the pipeline.
The funding was divided into four separate allocations:
- R30 million was provided as part of DWS's drought relief efforts during the 2019/20 financial year.
- An additional R20 million was made available through the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) from DWS for the 2020/2021 financial year.
- R47.15 million was made available in the 2021-2023 financial years from the Municipal Disaster Relief Grant
- and a final amount of R 3,85 million was funded by Oudtshoorn Municipality itself.
The construction work started on the pipeline in 2020 with 5km being completed. The remainder of the pipeline was completed during 2022/23 and all pump stations and reservoirs were built, and installations completed.
Work on the final phase of a drought project to bring water from deep boreholes near Blossoms to Oudtshoorn started in full swing again in March 2022 after it was delayed by a shortage of funds.
Challenges faced
The Blossoms Water Project encountered formidable challenges, primarily stemming from funding constraints, the intricacies of the pipeline route, and the unresolved power supply issue from Eskom, all of which demanded careful consideration and adaptability throughout its duration.
Furthermore, the municipality faced difficulties accessing specific areas and collaborating with local farmers. However, diligent negotiations led to an agreement with the farmers, resolving these access and cooperation issues.
Impact on the community
With the completed Blossoms Water Project, the future is looking brighter for Oudtshoorn and its rural communities. This project promises to supply a staggering 4,150kl of water to Oudtshoorn and surrounding rural areas, ensuring more secure and prosperous water security.
The final touch
As we stand on the threshold of transformation, there is one last vital piece of the puzzle: the installation of power lines by Eskom. Once this is completed, the Blossoms Water Project will be fully operational, bringing fresh hope and vitality to our community and areas as far as Calitzdorp.
“The Blossoms Water Project is indeed a lifeline for Oudtshoorn and its rural communities, representing a significant step towards addressing the critical issue of water accessibility in the region,” said Macpherson.
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