A relatively large tender was recently awarded to civil engineering and construction group Esor’s pipeline division – the Thukela Pipeline Project that calls for the installation of 29 km of DN900 continuously welded steel pipeline, with 6 mm and 7 mm wall thicknesses, between the Command Reservoir near Mandini and the Mvoti Reservoir at KwaDukuza-Stanger in KwaZulu-Natal.

The project, awarded by state-owned water utility, Umgeni Water is part of the Lower Thukela Bulk Water Supply Scheme that will extend the utility’s bulk water infrastructure system along the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast area to meet the ever-increasing water demands of the population in this area.

Esor has successfully completed an extensive amount of work for this client in the past and along with competitive pricing and a technically sound tender, the contract was awarded in February 2013. Laying of the 29 km pipeline, which has a polyurethane exterior coating and an epoxy internal lining, began at the Mvoti Reservoir and has progressed through KwaDukuza and Darnall and is currently en-route to Command Reservoir near Mandeni. 

The pipeline will also cross the Nonoti River by means of being attached to an existing road bridge. The Esor pipelines team will pay particular attention to pipeline crossings of existing services such as powerlines, fibre optic cables, water and sewer pipelines, as well as the construction of the new pipeline adjacent to existing services. Eight pipejacks, four beneath major roads and four beneath operational railway lines, are also being constructed.

The contract includes connecting the pipeline into the Mvoti Reservoir and constructing a new outlet chamber at the reservoir, and connecting the outlet to the existing supply pipeline from Hazelmere. Esor will also performance test the pipeline and this will include testing of coatings and linings and hydrostatic pressure testing.

The core Esor pipelines team on this project totals 40 personnel and about 200 local labourers have been recruited to supplement the work crew. All the specialist equipment necessary for this project has been sourced from Esor’s own fleet.

Esor’s pipeline division operates mainly in the gas and petrochemical, water, stormwater and sewerage sectors. With specialist expertise in laying and welding of steel pipelines as well as in pipeline refurbishment including mechanical and linings and coatings, the division services both public and private sector clients from top mining and industrial groups to regional and municipal government. A fully equipped workshop and yard to support fleet maintenance operates on site at the business unit’s head office.

THUKELA PIPELINE PROJECT PIC 01 AND PIC 02 : Esor's pipeline division was awarded the contract for the installation of 29 km of pipeline between Command Reservoir near Mandini and the Mvoti Reservoir at KwaDukuza-Stanger in KwaZulu-Natal.

THUKELA PIPELINE PROJECT PIC 03 AND PIC 04 : Esor's pipeline division is installing the pipeline that will extend Umgeni Water's bulk water infrastructure along the KZN North Coast area.