Hydro Utilities (Pvt) Ltd Consulting Engineers is an engineering infrastructure design and project management firm with a strong background in civil, water and structural engineering, since 1991.
The current Managing Partner and Director is Eng. Thami Mpala who is a registered Civil Engineer with 25 years’ post graduate experience in the infrastructural engineering sector.
He has a number of international qualifications including an MBA degree from Steinbeis University (Germany), a Master’s degree in Water Resources Engineering and Management from the University of Zimbabwe and a BSc degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Hertfordshire, UK.
His specialisation is focused strongly on water supply systems, water and wastewater treatment, hydraulics, sanitation and water resources management.
The company has over 30 years of experience in the field of civil engineering, structural engineering and water resources engineering across Zimbabwe and the southern African region.
They provide civil and structural engineering designs, feasibility investigations as well as complete project management services from concept to commissioning.
This includes preparation and administration of tender documents, contract administration and management, contractor pre-qualification, quality assurance and quality control, project evaluation and project financial management. Hydro-Utilities has a staff complement of 10 registered engineers and technicians, licensed with the Engineering Council of Zimbabwe, and they are members of the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers.
“We are officially recognized and licensed to practice engineering consultancy by the Zimbabwe Association of Consulting Engineers and the Engineering Council of Zimbabwe,” says Eng. Thami Mpala.
Some of their associated services include topographical surveys, cadastral surveys (relating to land boundaries), soil investigations, surface exploration, field surveys, geophysical studies, geographic referencing, material laboratory testing and environmental impact assessments.
Their portfolio includes a wide range of clients incorporating local authorities, municipalities and town councils, Government departments, non- governmental organisations and tertiary institutions. Also included are development banks, private organisations, infrastructural institutions, property developers, mining companies and funding agencies.
Their services fall into three main categories: civil engineering, structural engineering and water resources engineering.
Civil engineering projects include:
• Civil engineering site investigations
• Earthworks
• Water treatment and supply
• Irrigation engineering, dams and canals
• Pipelines and storage structures
• Wastewater networks and pump stations
- Sewage conveyance and treatment
- Civil infrastructure master plans and servicing
- • Bills of Quantities and Civil Engineering Specification
- • Contract Management and Construction Supervision
Structural engineering projects include:
• Building engineering
• Bridges and walkways
• Retaining structures
• Single and multi-storey buildings
• Structural detailing and draughting
• Structural engineering assessments and inspections
• Warehouses and commercial structures• Mining infrastructure
• Structural engineering Contract Management and Construction Supervision
According to their company profile “Infrastructure Engineering is at the heart of our business. Over the years, Hydro-Utilities has gained strength and experience in designing and delivering a diversified range of innovative infrastructure engineering projects.
We pride ourselves on the fact that our team has significant experience and knowledge in design and draughting.”
Water resources engineering:
Hydro-Utilities has successfully completed a number of projects in collaboration with multi-donor organizations and regional utility institutions within the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector.
Their Water Resources Management division boasts of a complement of highly qualified and experienced water resource experts and planning managers.
This division offers a range of services within the water resources, water supply and sanitation sector.
Recently, Hydro-Utilities, in partnership with Castalia, completed a water supply assessment study for the Zimbabwe National Water Authority that looked into assessing 50 small-town water supply stations across the country.
This study was followed by a UNICEF and Australian AID funded water and sanitation project to increase capacity within 14 local authorities and the maintenance of water supply and sewage treatment systems.
Last year Hydro Utilities, in partnership with Castalia completed the Botswana National Sanitation Management Strategy and Implementation Plan. This assignment looked into developing a sanitation strategy taking into account the existing situational context and ability to implement new technologies and innovative solutions.
Contributing to mining infrastructure
Hydro-Utilities has continued to offer the mining sector engineering infrastructure consulting design in civil, structural and water engineering. The mining sector is an important industry for economic growth and infrastructural development in the country. Gold, diamonds, platinum and recently lithium are just a few of the minerals mined in Zimbabwe and the need for environmentally friendly and sustainable mining operations is a top priority. Recent project commissions have seen Hydro-Utilities work on a variety of mining infrastructure projects, including the design of tailings storage facilities and water treatment plants.
“Hydro-Utilities has a good portfolio of engineering infrastructure projects in the country and over the last five or so years our primary focus has been on delivering innovative mining infrastructure projects ranging from water audits, wastewater recycling treatment facilities, structural integrity assessments to the design and implementation of tailings dam storage facilities,” said Eng. Mpala.
Ethics and social responsibility
In 2021, Hydro-Utilities was awarded the “Ethical Company of the Year” award in the Civil Engineering Category, recognising the company’s focus and drive on implementing good corporate governance
and ethical standards in all its business processes.
The company’s Board and executives have taken part in the Ethical Leadership Development Programme (ELDP) from the Business Ethic Centre.
Each year, the company enrolls student engineers on industrial placements and internships and in the process they are helping to support young engineering professionals and contribute to national development.
Text by Michael Nott | Photos supplied by Hydro-Utilities