ADVERTORIAL
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THE RIGHT TO WATER FOR ALL SOUTH AFRICANS IS ENSHRINED IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN CONSTITUTION, UNDER SECTION 27 (1)(B)
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The priceless value of partnerships A sound platform for the company’s future plans resides in strategic partnerships, in particular with Grundfos, the highly regarded Danish water utility and industrial group. Grundfos’s global presence and experience in the field provide invaluable advantages for Mega Water, including technology solutions, expertise and research, enterprise funding, and products and services support. Beyond these benefits
however, it is both the European and African companies’ guiding philosophies of sustainability and environmental awareness that makes their partnership so natural and opportune. With the late-2014 100% acquisition of an established water engineering and services company in a deal worth R100 million, the corporation is squarely on course to realize its R1.2 billion deal pipeline ambitions within South Africa’s water sector. This deal bodes extremely well for the partnership’s commitment to meeting South Africa’s water challenges, but has been preceded by a host of initiatives in various stages, from completion to long-term existing contracts, and planning. In fact, The Mega Water Corporation and Grundfos had already successfully delivered on a number of water projects and secured further maintenance contracts through their Water Services Division. Says Jonathan Hamp-Adams, MD of Grundfos Sub-Saharan region: “We are blessed to be part of one of the greatest causes, in which lies one of the greatest potentials, on a foundation of the greatest values. We will deliver a positive impact on our environment – clean water and energy savings.” Projects and delivery: making a difference from the beginning By way of illustration, perhaps one project most emblematic of the company’s ambitions involves the provision of water to the Naledi Trust in Free State Province through the management of rural groundwater. This was achieved by the innovative approach of rehabilitating the existing groundwater supply utilizing a renewable energy source. From having no access to potable water for more than 4 years, the community at Naledi Trust now has clean water piped to their homes. As part of their on-going rural groundwater schemes, the Mega Water Corporation has planned for an initial 40 boreholes to go into operation into 2015, and to sustain
www.alive2green.com/publications/green-economy-journal/
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The Mega Water Corporation
INFRASTRUCTURE PRESENTS AN ACCRETIVE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WATER AND WASTEWATER SECTOR.
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astonishing growth in sustainable water projects worldwide. Global Water Intelligence estimates that since 2011, and up to 2014, companies have spent more than US$84 billion on such schemes around the world. These schemes hold lessons for how water is managed, conserved and obtained. We have taken cognisance of best practice wherever it may occur, but of course many of our challenges are unique to our markets, and we need bespoke solutions. This is where South African ingenuity really comes into play, and this is where opportunities for all stakeholders reside.” Against the backdrop of past and present challenges set out above, The Mega Water Corporation will act as a pivot between Government and business in marshalling skills, technologies, and investment to address SA’s water requirements. With Government budgeting R12.49 billion for the Sanitation and Water Department through 2015, Mega Water sees enormous potential for private participation in this area, and for investment to bridge the funding gap.
up to 180 boreholes by year six of operations. In terms of larger strategic water projects, the corporation has secured the right to supply innovative chlorine gas dosing systems to the many municipal water treatment plants around South Africa. In parallel to this, the company will also provide the supply chain with chlorine gas replenishment for water plants around the country. To date, more than 30 of these plants have been deployed in and around Greater Gauteng and its surrounding districts. It is expected that at least 10 rehabilitation and 10 chlorine gas disinfection plants will be completed by the end of year one, ramping up to 100 plants by year six. Together with Grundfos, The Mega Water Corporation has to date
completed three comprehensive Water Utility Audits on major hospitals for the Free State Department of Health. These audits cover security of water supply, chilling plants, disinfection, energy savings and the management and removal of wastewater from the facilities in a manner that ensures maximum hygiene. Sustainability: a watchword, not a buzzword Although still a relatively young company, as demonstrated above, The Mega Water Corporation already has a host of initiatives under its collective belt, with many more in the planning stages and in the pipeline. The company will continue to grow in a structured, scrupulously planned manner, supported by appropriate risk, control and governance structures. In essence, the company’s sustainability must mirror its activities on the ground. Concludes Mr Roberts: “Sustainably is our watchword and guiding principle. Indeed, all of our activities, present and future, flow from there.”
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