Objectives

The primary objectives of the tender are to:

• Assess the feasibility of developing a sustainable groundwater supply through production boreholes for the new Sekhukhune Government Office complex in Jane Furse, Limpopo Province.
• Determine groundwater availability, quality, and potential yield to support the new office accommodation for approximately 1500 employees, including domestic use, fire safety, and irrigation needs.
• Provide a comprehensive hydrogeological study that informs the design, construction, and operational planning of groundwater extraction and management for the development.

Scope of Work

The scope encompasses the following key activities:

1. Desktop Study

• Review geological and hydrogeological maps, reports, and previous studies.
• Engage with water authorities and stakeholders regarding existing groundwater use and licensing.
• Compile regional borehole data and analyze hydrogeological setting, aquifer types, and recharge characteristics.
• Identify constraints and develop a conceptual groundwater model.

2. Site Reconnaissance & Ground Truthing

• Verify site conditions and existing boreholes within a 1 km radius.
• Map hydrogeological features and assess land access and ownership.
• Identify potential risks impacting groundwater quality.

3. Geophysical Investigations

• Conduct surveys (magnetic, electromagnetic, resistivity, AMT) to delineate subsurface geology and locate optimal borehole sites.

4. Borehole Siting, Drilling & Supervision

• Recommend drilling locations based on geophysical data.
• Prepare tender documentation for drilling contractors and assist in technical evaluation.
• Supervise drilling, lithological logging, and water strike assessment.
• Design boreholes and oversee construction, including casing, screens, and sealing.

5. Aquifer Testing & Analysis

• Design and supervise pump tests to determine aquifer parameters.
• Analyze data to estimate sustainable yields and aquifer characteristics.

6. Water Quality Assessment

• Supervise sampling and laboratory analysis for physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters.
• Compare results with national standards and assess treatment needs.

7. Groundwater Resource Evaluation

• Estimate sustainable abstraction volumes aligned with water demand.
• Assess impacts on neighboring boreholes, ecosystems, and aquifer sustainability, considering seasonal and long-term factors.

8. Reporting & Recommendations

• Compile a comprehensive report covering geological setting, geophysical results, borehole data, aquifer parameters, water quality, and sustainability assessments.
• Provide recommendations on borehole yields, abstraction rates, and long-term groundwater management.
• Assist with water use licensing processes if required.

Technical Requirements

• Review and synthesize existing geological and hydrogeological data.
• Conduct field investigations including site visits, geophysical surveys, and borehole drilling supervision.
• Perform aquifer testing and water quality analysis adhering to SANAS standards.
• Develop conceptual and numerical groundwater models.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, maps, and documentation suitable for licensing and development planning.

Skills Requirements

• Registered Geohydrologist with SACNASP (Pr Sci Nat) registration.
• Minimum of 3 years post-registration experience in hydrogeological investigations.
• Proven expertise in hydrogeological mapping, geophysical surveys, borehole drilling supervision, and aquifer testing.
• Experience in groundwater quality assessment and sustainable yield estimation.
• Ability to prepare comprehensive technical reports and assist with licensing procedures.