Enhancing potable water supply in the City of Ekurhuleni

The Northmead area in Benoni experiences persistent water supply problems associated with low water pressure in the reticulation network. To address this problem the City of Ekurhuleni approved the construction of the R44.6 million Northmead Reservoir, a 5.5 Mℓ elevated water reservoir that is 28.6m wide and 31m high. The project commenced in May 2018 and is still in execution. 

The R56.7 million Isando Reservoir is a 15 Mℓ circular reinforced-concrete reservoir with a domed roof, guardhouse, valve chambers and access road, which is currently under construction. The project is estimated to be completed in December 2020 with cumulative expenditure at the end of the year under review amounting to R17 million.

The Etwatwa Reservoir project encompasses the construction of a new reservoir with the storage capacity of 1.1 Mℓ, an access road, pump station alterations and all associated works. The project commenced in January 2018. On completion, the Etwatwa Reservoir will stand tall at 42 meters and will be known as the “Mandela Tower” in celebration of the life of former President Nelson Mandela. 

Accordingly, special architectural design features have been incorporated. The design was inspired by a solar calendar and will incorporate his date of birth (18 July), date of death (5 December) and his age at death (95 years). In the morning on the 18th of July, the sun will fall through the elements of the tower illuminating a row of 95 obelisks and on the 5th of December just before sunset the sun will fall onto the 95 obelisks resulting in 95 shadows of different lengths falling onto a concrete slab. The reservoirs will contribute to the alleviation of the water supply challenges in the City. In addition to the benefits of reliable water supply, the Etwatwa Reservoir will also contribute to tourism in the area due to its architectural design features.