Overberg Water Board
Refurbishment, Maintenance and Service of Mechanical and Electrical Equipments

Overberg Water Board – Refurbishment, Maintenance and Service of Mechanical and Electrical Equipments

The ongoing multi‑site maintenance programme managed by the Dinga Sombs Joint Venture (SOMBS & Dinga) continues to make steady progress across the Western Cape's critical water infrastructure network. This update, covering the period from 1 to 5 June 2026, reflects the dedication of our field teams and the close coordination with our project partners.

All‑Scheme Achievements

Across every active scheme, comprehensive load testing for all lifting equipment has been completed successfully. This rigorous process confirms the integrity and safety of hoisting apparatus used in daily operations. In addition, a wide‑ranging telemetry system assessment has been formally scheduled to begin on 8 June 2026, marking the next phase in our digital monitoring enhancement programme.

Site‑by‑Site Progress

Overberg Airforce Base

The installation of a new dosing unit at the Overberg Airforce Base was completed without incident. The upgraded unit ensures precise chemical treatment of the water supply, maintaining the strict quality standards required for this strategic facility.

Duivenhoks

At Duivenhoks, the team successfully carried out essential pipe leak repairs, eliminating a recurring issue that had previously caused pressure fluctuations. The approval for the supply and installation of three Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) has been granted, though work will commence once the initial deposit is processed. Meanwhile, the backwash pump upgrade is already underway, supported by a paid deposit. A quotation for the replacement of butterfly valves with cylinder actuators is currently awaiting client approval.

Caledon

The VSD installation at Caledon remains incomplete due to persistent logistical hurdles. Our procurement team is actively working to resolve supply‑chain bottlenecks so that this critical upgrade can proceed without further delay.

Paarderberg

Repairs to the site's aerator have been finalised, restoring full oxygenation capacity to the treatment process. Routine checks indicate that the equipment is now performing within optimal parameters.

Ruensveld East

Mechanical stirrer maintenance at Ruensveld East has been fully completed, eliminating vibration issues that had been observed in recent inspections. An approved quotation for the repair of a Vogel pumpset will allow our technicians to restore that unit to service shortly. Furthermore, the generator servicing programme is set to begin, with the necessary service kit quotation already approved. A telemetry system upgrade assessment has been green‑lit for this location, and quotations for knife gate valve replacements on the sand filters are under review.

Ruensveld West

While the installation of VSDs at Ruensveld West is still incomplete due to the same logistical challenges affecting other sites, the required deposit has been secured. Repairs to the WKLN 80/10 pump are progressing well, having passed the initial stages of disassembly and inspection. A telemetry upgrade assessment has also been approved, aligning this site with the broader system‑wide monitoring initiative.

Administration & Mitigations

Like many large‑scale infrastructure projects, we are managing several administrative hurdles. Delays in payments to service providers have, unfortunately, led to the temporary suspension of some equipment repairs and paused the release of completed assets. The project management team is intensely focused on improving cash flow to support all outstanding work orders, and we are confident that these measures will restore full operational momentum in the coming weeks.

We remain committed to transparency and will continue to share regular updates as the situation evolves. Our goal is to maintain the highest standards of service delivery while ensuring the financial stability of the entire programme.