Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to right sidebar Skip to footer

MEDIA RELEASE: FREQUENT AND COSTLY BREAKDOWNS AT THE MEUL PUMP STATION ARE SOON TO BE IN THE PAST AS ITS UPGRADE IS ON THE LOOM

Issued by George Municipality

10 May 2022

The Meul sewer pump station, one of George’s most critical pumpstations, which has in recent years experienced frequent and costly breakdowns that threatens the integrity of the sewage system it serves, as well as the surrounding environment, is soon to be upgraded to provide more energy efficient pumps that meet future flow needs, as well as providing additional safety by adding an emergency power generator to keep the installation operational during load shedding, amongst other critical upgrades.

The contract value is approximately R31.67 million and the new upgrade is expected to be completed in the next 12 months. The George Municipality’s Civil Services Department confirmed that the appointed contractor has already started with the design work of the upgrade at the Meul Pump Station. The pump station is more than 30 years old and requires refurbishment to ensure equipment is kept in working order as well as upgrading to provide sufficient capacity.

The upgrade comprises three main components which are civil engineering, mechanical refurbishment and electrical. “The civil engineering upgrades will include repairs to the pump station including refurbishment of the internal of the pump station, new Motor Control Centre (MCC) room, new generator room and new valve chamber to rising main and sump modifications,” said Gerard de Swardt, a project manager in Civils department.

“Mechanical refurbishment will incorporate upgrading of the pump station including pumps, pipework, valves, screens, equipment, while the electrical comprises electronic and instrumentation refurbishment including new bulk electrical, motor control centre, standby generator, instrumentation, and related cables,” de Swardt added.

It is envisaged that there would be no disruption in services during the construction. “The public will be informed through media and George Municipality’s communication channels should there be any planned disruptions in any related services,” he added.

Access to the site will be strictly controlled. No members of the public will be allowed to enter the working area. The site will comply with the relevant requirements in terms of the COVID19 regulations.

Ends.