AECOM, a leading global infrastructure consulting firm, has secured a contract from the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) to offer consultancy services for Phase One of the uMkhomazi Water Project (uMWP-1).
This phase focuses on developing the Smithfield Dam and associated infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
The project includes the construction of an 81-meter-high Smithfield Dam, integral to the larger uMkhomazi Water Supply Scheme, which also features a separately contracted 32-kilometer tunnel. The primary goal is to enhance the Mgeni Water Supply System (MWSS) by sourcing water from the uMkhomazi River.
“As the foremost firm in water supply and dam design, we are well-prepared to assist TCTA with essential investments aimed at addressing local water shortages,” stated Beverley Stinson, AECOM’s global Water business CEO.
“Leveraging our vast experience in executing significant and sustainable water supply projects globally, we believe this initiative will deliver enduring benefits through a reliable supply of clean water.”
The uMWP-1 project aims to manage the annual storage and transfer of around 220 million cubic meters of raw water. This will be accomplished by building an 81-meter-high earth core rockfill dam alongside a 26-meter-high saddle dam of similar design.
AECOM’s duties will include project management, engineering design, construction supervision, and ensuring environmental compliance.
Their responsibilities also extend to developing access roads, making necessary road realignments, constructing three gauging weirs, and potentially adding a mini hydropower station.
To promote local socio-economic development, AECOM plans to subcontract 30% of the work to black-owned businesses and suppliers.
“uMWP-1 represents one of the largest water infrastructure projects in South Africa in recent years, providing a significant opportunity to enhance local industry and the economy,” noted Hamed Zaghw, AECOM’s CEO for the Middle East and Africa.
“We are committed to fulfilling TCTA’s community engagement objectives through a comprehensive empowerment strategy, which includes skills development for historically disadvantaged individuals and firms.”
AECOM brings considerable experience in dam construction in South Africa, having acted as the consulting engineer for the 37-meter-high Spring Grove Dam on the Mooi River in KwaZulu-Natal. This project, initiated in 2011 and completed in November 2013, supplies 139.5 million cubic meters of water, primarily for municipal and industrial purposes.
Source :AECOM
