The Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) has awarded a contract to AECOM for the consultancy services for the uMkhomazi Water Project Phase One (uMWP-1) for the development of the Smithfield Dam and Associated Infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

The project comprises the 81-m-high Smithfield Dam forming part of the uMkhomazi Water Supply Scheme which also includes a 32-km-long tunnel. The tunnel will be delivered under a separate contract. The scheme will augment the Mgeni Water Supply System (MWSS) with water from the uMkhomazi River. 

The implementation of uMWP-1 involves the storage and transfer of about 220 million cubic meters per year of raw water via the construction of an 81-m-high earth core rockfill dam and a 26-m-high earth core rockfill saddle dam. AECOM’s role will span project management, design engineering, construction supervision, and environmental compliance. Works will include the design and delivery of access roads, road deviations where required, three gauging weirs and a potential mini hydropower station.