In February 2023, a momentous meteorological event unfolded in the vicinity of the renowned God’s Window, situated between Graskop and Bushbuckridge, as Sappi bore the brunt of an astounding 754 millimeters of precipitation.
This climatic occurrence wreaked havoc on various critical infrastructure elements, with the Kyloe Village Dam being one of the most severely impacted. The spillway of the dam bore the brunt of the damage, succumbing to complete erosion.
Additionally, this meteorological episode led to the formation of a donga, measuring approximately 100 meters in length, 20 meters in width at its widest point, and with a depth reaching around 5 meters.
Recognising the gravity of the situation, Hannes Vosloo, Sappi’s Forestry Manager overseeing civil engineering projects, swiftly acknowledged the need for external expertise.
He turned to Fanie Joubert, of Civil, Structural, and Eco-Engineering, based in Nelspruit. Given the area’s delicate ecological equilibrium, it was imperative to exercise the utmost care and precision in order to minimise disturbances both to the surrounding environment and the newly formed donga.
Following a painstakingly thorough examination and an in-depth topographical survey of the affected site, Fanie Joubert conceived a comprehensive proposal centered on the creation of gabion erosion and stabilisation structures.
The rehabilitation endeavor entailed the procurement and utilization of approximately 600 tons of gabion rock and 600 cubic meters of filling material to reinstate and fortify the spillway.
Furthermore, the project encompassed the strategic construction of three check dams within the confines of the donga. Careful calculations were made to determine the spacing between these check dams and the spillway’s base, ensuring a minimum water depth of 300 millimeters. This precise configuration was crafted to induce a calming effect on the water flow, thereby facilitating sedimentation in the area. Additionally, a 2-meter high gabion wall was erected between check dams 2 and 3, targeting areas where erosion had been particularly severe.
Following an exhaustive competitive bidding process, Civil, Structural, and Eco-Engineers clinched the contract for executing the project. Construction activities commenced on August 29, 2023, with a dedicated workforce of six individuals, supported by a 24-ton excavator employed for 14 days and a TLB (Tractor Loader Backhoe) utilized for 20 days.
Despite the formidable scale and demanding timeline of the project, the team achieved an admirable feat by successfully completing all assigned tasks by September 20, 2023.
Their remarkable efficiency ensured compliance with the mandated completion date of September 30, 2023.
