Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a professional service provider capable of managing the full lifecycle of establishing a high-capacity groundwater supply system for the Atlantis Special Economic Zone (ASEZ). This includes conducting feasibility assessments, obtaining regulatory and environmental approvals, drilling and testing boreholes, selecting and installing pumping equipment, establishing water storage infrastructure, and implementing high-pressure irrigation pumping systems. The project aims to enhance water security, reduce reliance on municipal water, support sustainable infrastructure, and contribute to the zone’s green and climate-resilient development goals.

Scope

The scope of work encompasses:

• Feasibility assessment and site surveys, including geophysical and groundwater potential studies.
• Securing all necessary environmental and statutory approvals (EIA, WULA, DWS applications).
• Design, drilling, and testing of boreholes, including detailed borehole reports and geohydrological data collection.
• Selection, installation, and commissioning of borehole pumps and associated equipment.
• Development of water storage infrastructure (e.g., tanks, concrete slabs, pipework, sensors).
• Implementation of high-pressure irrigation pumping systems, including electrical and mechanical components.
• Water quality analysis and compliance testing.
• Preparation of detailed reports, project management, and adherence to regulatory standards throughout the project lifecycle.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements include:

• Conducting geophysical and hydrogeological surveys using advanced electronic survey machines.
• Drilling boreholes with depths ranging from 165 to 254 meters, with appropriate casing and gravel packs.
• Performing borehole yield testing, including step-drawdown and constant discharge tests, following industry best practices.
• Monitoring and recording groundwater levels, flow rates, and water quality parameters.
• Discharging abstracted groundwater at specified distances to prevent recharge effects during testing.
• Design and installation of water storage tanks (e.g., 75 kL HDPE tanks), pipework, sensors, and control systems.
• Provision of electrical and mechanical components such as submersible pumps, rising mains, control panels, and solar power systems.
• Ensuring all work complies with environmental, health, safety, and regulatory standards, including obtaining necessary permits.

Skills Requirements

The successful bidder must demonstrate:

• Proven experience in borehole drilling, groundwater assessment, and hydrogeological surveys, with at least three (3) completed projects in the last 10 years.
• Expertise in geophysical survey techniques and the use of advanced electronic survey equipment.
• Qualified SACNASP-registered geohydrologists and environmental practitioners with relevant experience.
• Capability to conduct comprehensive borehole testing, including step-drawdown and recovery monitoring, following recognized hydrogeological standards.
• Experience in environmental approvals, including EIAs and WULAs, with documented successful projects.
• Technical proficiency in designing and installing mechanical and electrical infrastructure for water abstraction and irrigation systems.
• Strong project management skills, including reporting, monitoring, and compliance with regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to work collaboratively with regulatory authorities, stakeholders, and project team members.