Badirammogo Water User Association

The challenge: securing a critical water supply

Despite its operational success, BWUA faced significant security threats to its infrastructure and personnel.

A key water supply site, essential to both mining clients and rural communities, was increasingly targeted by vandalism, theft, and social unrest. These incidents put infrastructure such as pump stations and office facilities at risk, endangered staff safety, and disrupted the continuous delivery of water. Vandalism caused damage to pipelines, air chambers, and valves.

Given the unique challenges due to BWUA’s remoteness and the complexity of its operations, Gallagher Security was called in to provide critical security support.
Morne Grobler, General Manager Africa, says the challenges BWUA faced were complex.

“BWUA needed a solution that could secure remote sites, reduce reliance on physical guards, and ensure uninterrupted service delivery while remaining aligned with its values and long-term strategy.”

The solution

“In 2017, BWUA partnered with Gallagher Security as the Technology Partner to implement a comprehensive, technology-driven security solution across its infrastructure,” says Morne.

The system was designed by Consulting Engineer Mark Baillie of Drewmark Consulting and deployed by Reinhard Van Rooyen who at the time worked at CORTAC, one of BWUA’s appointed implementation partners. Reinhard is now employed by BWUA and brought extensive knowledge of the challenging terrain.

"In Africa, water is a massive issue. Compared to electricity infrastructure, laying down a pipeline is far more complex. But with the right systems, it’s possible,” says Mark.

"What we came up with had never been done before on a linear infrastructure basis in this country. We had to navigate vast, unforgiving terrain and rethink everything from the ground up.

"One of the high sites near head office was about 7 kilometres away, but it took two hours to reach by 4x4. That’s the kind of terrain we were dealing with – mountains, isolation, and no connectivity."

Reinhard agrees, and says the team built everything from scratch, including connectivity, infrastructure, and security.

“The Gallagher platform was central to making it all work, integrating access control, surveillance, and smart locks."

Mark and Reinhard used key Gallagher products to develop their unique approach to keeping BWUA’s people and operations safe.

First, they used Gallagher’s Bluetooth-enabled biometric access system to allow remote admission and token entry, eliminating the need for contractors to travel long distances for access permissions.

"The Bluetooth biometric access solution was a game-changer. We can issue tokens remotely, anywhere in the world, without needing to physically see the person. That’s huge for project managers and contractors working in remote areas,” says Mark.

"We integrated cut-and-climb sensors, electrified fencing, and smart locks which are all wirelessly connected to the Gallagher platform. It’s a layered security approach that works even in the most remote locations."

They used motorised gates integrated with Gallagher’s systems to ensure secure entry points.

Reinhard says they placed sensors throughout buildings and pump stations, which feed into the Gallagher platform, enabling real-time alerts and automated camera activation.

"We used smart locks on pipeline manholes are made from a special material that can’t be pried open or repurposed. They’re electronically controlled and programmed through the network, so we know they’re secure and efficient,” says Reinhard.

CCTV and heat vision cameras were also deployed, to provide operational oversight, early warning for environmental hazards, and support health and safety monitoring.
Gallagher’s infrastructure also includes outdoor hotspots, to ensure coverage across mountainous terrain and remote sites.

“Now, the system is automated and secure, and it’s made a real difference,” says Mark.

Safer and smarter operations

Morne is pleased to share that since implementing Gallagher’s solution, BWUA has seen dramatic improvements.

“Security incidents have dropped from frequent vandalism to less than a handful of incidents over the last seven years. Staff numbers have reduced from 30 to 40 guards to just four, with remote monitoring replacing physical presence. Security personnel are no longer exposed to safety threats – and that’s a heartening result,” says Morne.

"The system is now largely unmanned, driven by processes and remote technology.”

CCTV footage has helped identify operational issues, such as dam overflow risks and structural vulnerabilities caused by wildlife.

"We even had a case where a rodent burrowed into a dam support wall. The CCTV picked it up, engineers responded, and the issue was resolved before it became a problem. That’s the level of visibility we now have,” says Reinhard.

“Through our CCTV capabilities, we also spotted a crocodile in one of our dams. It meant we could warn everyone quickly and call the wildlife centre to come and catch it.

"Security used to mean putting lives at risk. Now, with CCTV and automated response systems, we can monitor and react within minutes - without needing someone on-site."

BWUA is implementing the Olifants Management Model Programme (OMMP), a R25 billion (capital expenditure), source-to-tap infrastructure programme that will expand bulk raw and potable water supply across Limpopo. The same security model has been specified for deployment across all the OMMP infrastructure, commencing with Stage 1, which includes approximately 123 km of bulk raw water pipeline from Flag Boshielo Dam to Sekuruwe, together with pump stations, associated water treatment works and an integrated energy solution.

Conclusion

Gallagher’s integrated security platform has empowered BWUA to protect critical infrastructure, reduce costs, and improve safety across a vast and challenging terrain. The partnership continues to evolve, supporting BWUA’s mission to improve lives through water and infrastructure.