SEWER OUTFALL PROJECT
Headed up by Baatshuma project manager, the project was successfully completed over a space of six months. Divided into three phases, Baatshuma was tasked with implementing the replacement of concrete pipes in the vicinity of a highway. The first phase was necessitated after the original pipes began to collapse after 75 years of wear and tear. As such, Baatshuma introduced a length of 492m of concrete pipe, parallel to the previous pipes. This was required as the old pipes served an active residential community.
Once the new pipes were laid, they were reticulated with the existing water system. In order not to prevent a danger to the local community, Baatshuma used an excavator to dig up the area where the old pipes had stood. The space was filled with and levelled. In all, the first phase began on 26 February 2012 and ended in April of the same year. Since the client was so satisfied with Baatshuma’s work, we were commissioned to continue the project working on a second phase of 792m. The third phase, which was handed over on the 13 of July 2012, consisted of two lengths – the first was 800m and the second an extensive 2,2km.
SEWER PUMP STATIONS
A community will only run successfully based on the upkeep and maintenance of existing infrastructure. This is especially the case with regards sewer pump stations, which are required to pump sewerage to the sanitation plant without obstruction. As such, Baatshuma has been involved since October 2010 in scheduled maintenance (thrice monthly and once every two months) to prevent the build up of sand and sludge along this crucial pathway. In addition, Baatshuma has responded to emergency calls when unusual blockages have occurred, restoring flow within a few hours.
METER READING SERVICES
Baatshuma has been involved in meter-reading-related services since 2004. Quantities of meters in areas range from smaller numbers (around 34,000) to extensive regions (around 215,000). Water and/or electricity meter readings are done monthly, with readings taken in the field sent to the relevant municipality for processing. Whenever required, Baatshuma also repairs and maintains all meters in its jurisdiction.
SEWER AND STORM-WATER MAINTENANCE
Sewer and storm-water maintenance involves using high-pressure jets to unblock, clean and sweep sewer lines. The scope of these projects can vary hugely and can require either shallow or deep excavations. For deep excavations, we make use of a TLB (tractor, loader, backhoe) and for a live sewer network, we may need to use a sludge-over pump to divert sewage without affecting the point repair area. Our success rate is excellent. Over a period of eleven months just one of our project managers was responsible for 46 sewer maintenance projects. Those of a generally smaller magnitude take about 15 days to complete and arger projects, such as pipe cracking outfall sewers will take a month and half, while concrete outfall sewer lines take two months or more. On our sites, we always have a qualified foreman per project, three semi-skilled labourers and 10 labourers from that direct community in order to assist with empowerment efforts. Baatshuma prides itself on our superior service within allocated time frames, and we continue to invest in plants and upgraded equipment to further speed up service delivery.