Objectives

The primary objective of the project is to conduct a hydrogeological study to determine groundwater potential and support the development of production boreholes for the new Sekhukhune Government Office Complex in Jane Furse, Limpopo Province. The study aims to assess groundwater availability, quality, and sustainability to meet the water demand of the proposed office complex, accommodating approximately 1500 employees and supporting external garden irrigation and compliance requirements.

The specific objective for the professional service provider is to compile a comprehensive study covering groundwater resource assessment, including site investigation, geophysical surveys, borehole siting, drilling supervision, aquifer testing, water quality analysis, and long-term management recommendations.

Scope

1. Desktop Study

• Review existing groundwater data and studies in the project area.
• Engage with relevant stakeholders such as the Department of Water and Sanitation regarding existing abstractions.
• Assess groundwater quality, characteristics, sensitivities, and existing users.

2. Site Reconnaissance & Ground Truthing

• Conduct field visits to map hydrogeological features.
• Identify exploration target areas and potential impacts on groundwater quality.

3. Geophysical Investigations

• Perform subsurface geological surveys to locate optimal borehole sites.

4. Borehole Siting, Drilling & Supervision

• Recommend suitable borehole locations based on geophysical and hydrogeological data.
• Oversee drilling operations, lithological logging, water strike depth, yield estimation, and preliminary water quality testing.

5. Aquifer Testing & Analysis

• Assess aquifer capacity and sustainable yield through testing.

6. Water Quality Assessment

• Laboratory analysis of water samples for physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters.

7. Groundwater Resource Evaluation

• Evaluate water demand against aquifer capacity and sustainability.

8. Reporting & Recommendations

• Prepare a detailed hydrogeological report including geological setting, survey results, borehole data, yield analysis, water quality, sustainable abstraction rates, GIS mapping, and long-term monitoring plans if necessary.

Technical Requirements

• Engagement of registered professionals with at least 3 years post-registration experience, capable of signing off scientific reports (Pr Sci.Nat. or equivalent).
• Use of geophysical tools and methods for subsurface investigation.
• Supervision of borehole drilling, testing, and water sampling.
• Laboratory analysis for water quality parameters.
• Preparation of comprehensive reports with GIS mapping and long-term management recommendations.
• Adherence to relevant standards, including SANS 241 for drinking water quality.

Skills Requirements

• Professional registration with recognized scientific bodies (e.g., SACNASP or equivalent).
• Experience in hydrogeological site investigations, borehole drilling supervision, and aquifer testing.
• Proficiency in geophysical survey techniques and data interpretation.
• Ability to conduct water quality assessments and interpret laboratory results.
• Strong report writing and GIS mapping skills.
• Effective stakeholder engagement and project management capabilities.