by

Alan Witherden

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I thought you (especially the newcomers to Veekraal)  might be interested in the Rand Water Pipelines that run on the other side of the river 8 km downstream from the dam to an outfall (the lights are clearly visible at night from the R716 to the West of the Koppie opposite plots 1 to 17) from where the water runs in a canal to the Suikerbossie Purification Works near Three Rivers from where water is supplied into to a vast area, probably the biggest water utility in the world.

There are three pipelines:  The first from the late 1930’s when the dam was first built, the second in the 1950’s and the third from 2010 – 2013, a massive 3 metre diameter steel pipeline.  The concrete breather shafts can be seen at intervals along the pipeline route.  The contractor was Esor Franki.  Some houses had been built across the servitude and  had to be demolished although one was legally contested which delayed completion.

In the picture, I’m on a site inspection in July 2011 whilst the pipe is being laid.  This was about opposite the boundary between Club 40 and Pieter Malan’s farm.  Of interest, the pipe is suspended between two bulldozers; one at each end, and gently lowered into the channel.  Note the counterweight on the opposite side of the bulldozer to keep it in balance.

Something of interest perhaps for your visitors.

The following photos were taken from plot 28 at this time.