THE CHALLENGES

Drilling Methods

The drilling methods used by Mandlethu are rock drilling and hammer drilling to penetrate and fracture hard rock materials. The drill and hammer sizes are 8 inches in diameter. The drilled hole is then encased with the use of UPVC pipes that are 6.5 inches in diameter. The type of casing is mixed between solid and perforated. The perforated pipe is used to harvest in alluvial water that may be present at shallow depths.

Water Harvesting

To extract the water a submersible electric pump in used. The pump is powered by means of solar energy and negates the use of fuels or having to be attended to. The solar energy is harnessed by means of 8 x 80watt solar panels. The system is tied into a 5000lt water tank designed to dispense water to any part of the garden in which the farmer requires it.

Conclusion

Mandlethu’s research has shown that whilst existing methods of irrigating crops by means of water wells and fuel pumps are effective, they are not sustainable. The wells are dependent on alluvial water and are therefore prone to running dry and rely on seasonal rainfall. It is common for a water well to last 5 to 6 years where after it is rendered useless. The boreholes constructed in Tabelot are designed to use water on a sustainable basis and if used according our standards will last the farmer in excess of 30 years.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Mandlethu Concluded a Convention with the Tabelot Commune in May 2016 for the construction and furnishing of 300 boreholes that will be used to irrigate cash crops by farmers renting land from the Commune. Each garden comprises four (4) hectares of land that will be irrigated from the boreholes.

Following the conclusion of a Geophysical Survey Mandlethu began to establish site in October 2016. The areas which are being farmed fall east of the Bazaan Mountain Range and follow a reletatively flat terrain with rich volcanic soils. The formation of the area is loose decomposing granites for the first three (3) meters followed by intermediate dolorites extending downwards for approximately 20 meters in which alluviam waters are trapped. The waters trapped in this layer are harvested by means of water wells and pumped out be the community for the purposes of domestic water, agriculture and livestock. Under this layer lies a rock bed surface made up predominantly of granites and quartze.

The purpose of constructing a borehole is to pass the two outer layers and access water which flows under the bedrock from prehistoric sources. The boreholes constructed by Mandlethu vary in depths from 45 to 70 meters with varying yield results.

PROJECT DETAILS

Categories:
Client: TABELOT 300 BOREHOLE PROJECT
Location: Bazaan Mountain Range
Surface Area: 45,000 m2
Completed: 2016
Value: 10 MILLION
Architect: MANDLETHU CIVILS

PDF DOCUMENTS

CONTACT

31 Boston Road Wentworth, Durban, 4052 KwaZulu-Natal, Republic of South Africa

+27 31 461 3609

info@mandlethugroup.com

+27 31 461 4456

Mon - Fri: 8:00 - 17:00