New Water Towers to Alleviate Pressure on Gauteng's Water Supply
In Gauteng’s bustling urban areas, where water demand often outpaces supply, good news is on the horizon for residents of Kempton Park, Brixton, and nearby communities. Two state-of-the-art water towers are nearing completion, promising to ease the burden on an already strained infrastructure.
John Damant, CEO of Uni-span, shared insights into these exciting developments, underscoring that they are pivotal milestones within South Africa’s expansive strategic projects in energy, water and sanitation, transport, and digital communications infrastructure. These improvements are vital for addressing the region’s water supply challenges and ensuring sustainability for years to come.
The new water tower in Kempton Park, an impressive 43-meter conical structure, is strategically located on the western edge of the City of Ekurhuleni. This region has historically contended with high water demand and occasional shortages. With a capacity to hold up to 2.5 mega-litres of water, this tower will significantly alleviate some of the pressure residents face.
Meanwhile, Brixton’s tower, characterized by its innovative slanted wall design, is set for completion by the end of 2025. This addition will enhance the water distribution system in the water-stressed areas of Johannesburg, promoting better accessibility and quality for residents.
Uni-span delivers complex large-scale formwork and scaffolding solutions for critical Kempton Park and Brixton water tower projects.
Uni-span, a leader in formwork and scaffolding solutions with over 36 years of experience, is at the forefront of these builds. The company is well-known for its commitment to delivering the foundational structures that encompass bridges, water reservoirs, and power plants across Africa. Damant emphasized that the construction of these towers requires meticulous design, particularly given their high load-bearing capacities, circular geometry, and specific preventative measures to ensure stability in extreme weather conditions.
“A water tower takes around 18 months to complete and presents one of the most challenging projects a contractor could undertake, often more complex than building a bridge,” Damant remarked. This complexity is driven by the need for careful planning and on-site support to ensure that these towers can withstand the test of time and effectively meet the community’s needs.
Gideon Lesia from Mapitsi Civil Works, who is overseeing the Brixton project, expressed optimism about the transformative impact these towers will have on the existing water supply system. “This project is set to positively transform the area’s water infrastructure challenges and is crucial for supporting the broader community,” Lesia said, praising Uni-span for their efficient collaboration and professional designs.
These new water towers not only highlight the need for robust engineering practices but also reflect a broader commitment to enhancing community infrastructure across South Africa. As the region’s population continues to grow and urban areas expand, it is essential to prioritize sustainable development and reliable public services.
In conclusion, these strategic infrastructure projects signify a promising step towards addressing water supply challenges in Gauteng. As more advancements are made in water management and distribution, residents can look forward to improved access to this vital resource, ultimately fostering a healthier, more sustainable environment.
Tags:
#SouthAfrica #Gauteng #UrbanDevelopment #WaterInfrastructure #Sustainability #Tourism
