When people think about a new township, they often picture the houses that will eventually stand there.
What they do not always see is everything that has to happen first.
Before a single home can be built, communities need the infrastructure that makes daily life possible. Water must flow, wastewater must be managed and stormwater must be safely carried away. These are the unseen systems that protect homes, roads and people for decades to come.
That is where engineering makes a real difference.
In March 2026, Zimile was appointed by the City of Ekurhuleni to oversee the construction of the stormwater infrastructure for the Brakpan Old Location Township Development, a project that will ultimately provide dignified housing opportunities for hundreds of families.
PREPARING THE GROUND FOR TOMORROW
The broader township development is transforming an area that currently has very limited municipal services into one that will eventually support a thriving residential community.
Bulk sewer and water reticulation works are already around 90% complete, with the remaining work set to continue once residents occupying sections of the construction area have been relocated.
While these services lay the foundation underground, Zimile’s role has been to deliver another critical piece of the puzzle, a stormwater system that will safely manage rainfall and protect the future development for years to come.
ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS BENEATH THE SURFACE
Our team oversaw the construction of approximately 739 metres of stormwater pipeline, ranging in diameter from 450 mm to 1200 mm, together with six manholes and four kerb inlet structures.
Although the finished infrastructure may look straightforward, the work beneath the surface presented several technical challenges.
Some excavation sections reached depths of up to five metres, requiring careful trench support through sloping and benching to ensure safe working conditions.
As excavation progressed, groundwater seepage became increasingly significant in the deeper sections. Rather than allowing these conditions to compromise the design, the team adapted their construction approach by installing engineered drainage layers consisting of dump rock, 19 mm stone and A4 Bidim geotextile beneath the pipelines.
This allowed groundwater to move naturally through the underlying layers while maintaining the precise pipe levels required for the stormwater system to perform as designed.
It is the kind of engineering that most people will never see, yet it is exactly these decisions that determine whether infrastructure continues performing reliably for decades. Most importantly, despite the technical complexity, the project was completed on programme.
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES ALONG THE WAY
Infrastructure projects should leave more behind than concrete and pipes.
Throughout construction, the project created employment opportunities for 15 local community members, with a strong focus on youth employment and local participation.
Workers were recruited primarily from surrounding wards, ensuring that the investment also benefited the local economy.
The project also focused on developing skills that extend well beyond this single construction contract.
Community members received training as:
- SHE Representative
- Fire Fighter
- Storeman
These are valuable skills that improve future employability while contributing to safer construction practices on site.
SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES
The project also provided opportunities for several local SMMEs who contributed specialist services throughout construction.
Their involvement included the construction of manholes and kerb inlets, plant hire, water carting and site security, demonstrating how infrastructure delivery can support local enterprise while building essential public assets.
A TEAM EFFORT
Successful infrastructure projects are never the result of one individual. They are built through collaboration between clients, contractors, consultants and local communities.
The Zimile team leading the project included:
- Project Manager: Khauoe Mokhoane
- Resident Engineer: Stanley Mokoena
- Assistant Resident Engineer: Lihle Nkohla
Their experience and commitment ensured that challenges were addressed proactively while maintaining quality, safety and programme throughout construction.
LOOKING BEYOND THE CONSTRUCTION SITE
Although the stormwater phase is now complete, the impact of this work is only beginning.
As roads and housing are developed in the coming phases, the infrastructure beneath the ground will quietly perform its role, protecting homes from flooding, supporting future municipal services and creating the foundation for a sustainable community.
Engineering is often judged by what we build. At Zimile, we believe it should also be measured by the lives it helps improve.
The Brakpan Old Location Township Development is a reminder that every pipe installed, every trench excavated and every engineering decision made today contributes to creating safer, stronger and more dignified communities for tomorrow.