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Msikaba Bridge opens to retender

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On completion, SANRAL’s spectacular Msikaba Bridge in the Eastern Cape will be the longest cable-stayed suspension bridge in South Africa.

The 580m Msikaba Bridge will cross the 195m deep Msikaba River gorge and will be the longest cable-stayed suspension bridge in South Africa. It will be the second longest in Africa after the 680m Maputo-Catembe Bridge that is currently under construction in Mozambique.

Expected to become an important tourist attraction, the tender process for the Msikaba Bridge – part of the N2 Wild Coast Road project – has been reopened.

The bridge, 23km east of Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape, forms part of the backbone of the greenfields portion of the N2 Wild Coast Road project.

The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) project is a national priority, one of government’s 18 strategic integrated projects (SIPs). SIPs, overseen by the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission, are national projects aimed at supporting economic development service delivery in the poorest provinces.

“The initial tender for the Msikaba Bridge was cancelled as no acceptable tenders were received in the original tender process,” explained SANRAL’s general communications manager, Vusi Mona. “The retendering process is now open and we are confident that this round of tendering will be successful,” he added.

Tenders for the approximately R1.7-billion bridge project close in March 2018 and work on the bridge is expected to begin in the second half of 2018. Construction is expected to take about 33 months.

SMME participation a priority

Mona said that all firms or consortiums who are able to meet the stringent technical functionality requirements are invited to tender. The technical functional requirements include relevant company experience in the construction of major bridges – particularly cable stay bridges, key staff members with the necessary experience and expertise, and the financial stability to undertake a R1.7-billion project over a three year period, he said.

A minimum goal of 30% small, medium and micro enterprises participation has been set for the project, and only firms or entities such as joint ventures with a broad-based black economic empowerment scorecard of level 4 or higher will be eligible to tender.

The bridge

The 580m Msikaba Bridge will cross the 195m deep Msikaba River gorge and will be the longest cable-stayed suspension bridge in South Africa. It will be the second longest in Africa after the 680m Maputo-Catembe Bridge that is currently under construction in Mozambique.

Together with the Mtentu Bridge, the Msikaba Bridge will play an essential role in improving travel time, connecting previously divided communities in the region and opening up opportunities for business and community-based tourism for the Wild Coast.

“By improving the travel time between Durban and East London by up to three hours for heavy freight, and by providing a high mobility route through an area that is extremely isolated and underserved by road infrastructure, the route will have significant social and economic benefits and will act as a catalyst for local and regional development,” Mona said.

Job creation

Direct job creation on the N2 Wild Coast Road greenfields projects has been estimated to reach 1.8 million man-days, or 8 000 full time equivalent jobs, over the construction period of four to five years.

“More than R400-million will be allocated to wages for unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled workers employed directly on the N2 Wild Coast Road project, and a further R1.5-billion is destined for local SMMEs comprising of local contractors and local suppliers of goods and services to the road and bridge construction projects,” said Mona.

Construction of the R1.634-billion Mtentu Bridge, which was awarded to the Aveng Strabag Joint Venture in July 2017, is set to start in early January 2018 and is scheduled to take approximately 40 months.

“As the Msikaba Bridge will have a construction period that is approximately seven months shorter than the nearby Mtentu Bridge, the retender of the Msikaba Bridge will not affect the overall completion date of the N2 Wild Coast Road as the two bridges will be completed within a few months of each other,” Mona noted.

We empower women

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More women should take their place in South Africa’s male-dominated engineering and construction space, and SANRAL is working hard to make that happen, says the agency’s communication’s general manager Vusi Mona.

Vusi Mona, general manager of communications at SANRAL, said the roads agency believes there should be more women in the engineering space, designing and constructing bridges, building new roads, maintaining infrastructure and, most importantly, owning and managing their own construction companies.

South Africa’s journey to become a progressive country can often be measured against the successes we have achieved in empowering women.

This is especially relevant in the sectors in which South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) operates – engineering and construction – which have in the past been perceived as male-dominated.

SANRAL believes there should be more women in the engineering space, designing and constructing bridges, building new roads, maintaining infrastructure and, most importantly, owning and managing their own construction companies.

Since its inception shortly after the country’s democratic transition, SANRAL has actively pursued policies and practices aimed at bringing women into these sectors, both within its organisational structure and as contractors on major projects.

Transformation policy

We are accelerating this process with the adoption of a transformation policy that recognises the critical role SANRAL plays in the transformation of the construction industry.

Through its procurement processes, the agency can ensure increased participation of women as contractors, professionals and suppliers, and break down the traditional monopolies in supply chains.

Our track record shows that we are making progress and the implementation of the new transformation policy will enable us to measure such progress against clear targets set for the participation of women, youth and emerging enterprises. In addition, we require primary contractors who derive much of their income from SANRAL construction tenders to demonstrate a similar commitment to the transformation of the industry.

Women and SMMEs winning

In the past financial year, small- and medium-sized enterprises earned a total of R4-billion from subcontracts on road construction projects.

Construction and maintenance projects are invariably accompanied by skills-development programmes that enable emerging participants to move up the ladder to become primary contractors in their own right.

More than 4 260 enterprises benefited from these programmes, including 1 690 women.

SANRAL’s commitment to women is also reflected in our support for young women who are studying in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics – the STEM areas – at universities and tertiary institutions.

Thirty-two of the 132 students who were awarded bursaries this financial year are women and we intend to increase this ratio to enable more women to become professionals in fields that are vital to the growth of the country’s vast road infrastructure network.

More than 60% of the 200 high school learners who received SANRAL bursaries and 40% of the 304 interns placed within the organisation and at other companies that conduct business with the agency are women.

Within our own Technical Excellence Academy, SANRAL offers advanced training programmes to equip graduate engineers with the knowledge and competencies that will enable them to meet professional requirements set out by the Engineering Council of South Africa.

More than third of the 27 candidates who received training at this academy, based in Port Elizabeth, are women.

OR Tambo commemoration

2017 marks the 100-year commemoration of the birth of Oliver Tambo, one of the stalwarts of the South African liberation struggle and globally recognised as an icon for his visionary leadership, which led to the fall of apartheid and to the country’s democratic transition.

At SANRAL, we paid tribute to his legacy by hosting events that celebrated OR Tambo’s broader contributions to society – especially his commitment to science education and the empowerment of women.

In August, the national focus was on women by remembering the 1956 march of more than 20 000 women of all ages and races across South Africa who converged on the Union Buildings to protest pass laws and other forms of discrimination.

Many of the leaders of the Women’s March, such as Gertrude Shope, Ruth Mompati, Dorothy Nyembe and Rahima Moosa, served with OR Tambo in the struggle and were there to hear a message delivered in his name at a mass conference of women in 1990.

Paying tribute to the vital role women played in the mass mobilisation for democracy and human rights in South Africa, Tambo called on participants to mobilise the broader society.

“The struggle must now be taken forward to ensure that the gains we have made lead to further advancements,” he said.

Tambo’s words remain a compass in the ongoing struggle to ensure the rightful participation of women in South Africa’s mainstream economy. They are also reflected in the objectives and activities of SANRAL.

We do more than build roads. We empower people and communities and we contribute to broader initiatives to give women a greater voice in our society.

Vusi Mona is the communications general manager at SANRAL.

 

COMMUNITIES TO BENEFIT FROM TWO NEW SANRAL ROAD SAFETY PROJECTS

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Minister of Transport Joe Maswanganyi launched the Kwabhoboza Interchange on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast.

The safety of motorists and pedestrians as well as the preservation of the road surface on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast has been boosted with the opening of two strategic projects today – a truck weigh bridge and a busy intersection.

Minister of Transport Joe Maswanganyi launched the Eteza Traffic Control Centre and the Kwabhoboza Interchange which were constructed by the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) at a cost of almost R500-million.

The two SANRAL projects also involved the community through job creation and skills training.

Eteza Traffic Control Centre

The Eteza Traffic Control Centre will help curb extensive overloading of trucks, which has resulted in a marked deterioration in the condition of the province’s road network.

Damage to roads as a result of overloading leads to higher maintenance and repair costs and shortens the life of a road. This in turn places an additional burden on the state as well as law abiding road users, who ultimately carry the costs of careless and inconsiderate overloading.

At the overload control facility at Eteza, heavy vehicles of more than five tons gross mass are weighed. Drivers of heavy vehicles will be issued a fine if the vehicle exceeds the permissible gross mass and/or axle unit mass.

The overload control facility is also used to inspect the roadworthiness of vehicles on a 24-hour basis.

A safer intersection

At Kwabhoboza, the existing intersection was very busy and the high speed of the vehicles travelling on the N2 made the crossing extremely dangerous not only for motorists but also for pedestrians trying to cross at this intersection.

The improvements at the interchange have resulted in improved and safer walkways for pedestrians, improved safety for pedestrians and motorists, and a reduction in accidents.

In addition, taxi lay byes and pedestrian facilities were provided within the interchange precinct. A new pedestrian fence on the road reserve within the KwaMsane community was also installed.

Dumisani Nkabinde, Operations and Maintenance Manager at SANRAL’s Eastern Region said during preparation for the construction of the Kwabhoboza Interchange, the roads agency undertook a transportation study of the function of the N2 within the Mtubatuba region.

N2 problems addressed

A transportation study conducted around 2008/2009 reported that there were between 500 and 700 pedestrians crossing the N2 freeway daily. But they were doing so under unsafe conditions, especially at the point where the new interchange is now built. Several serious and fatal accidents were witnessed weekly.

The report also revealed that due to the poor condition of community roads linking KwaMsane Township and Mtubatuba, motorists and pedestrians were being forced to use the N2 as the access road into town.

SANRAL addressed these road safety problems. The municipality was assisted in the construction of concrete internal collector roads by SMMEs at a cost of R21-million.

SANRAL also rehabilitated other community roads in the area after the community complained about their houses being flooded due to poorly designed existing roads.

Ending Transport Month

The launch of the Eteza Traffic Control Centre and the Kwabhoboza Interchange coincided with the close of October’s Transport Month.

October is known as Transport Month in South Africa, a month during which the Department of Transport advances promotes road safety initiatives while also creating awareness of the economic benefits of the sector.

This year, the successful campaign was under the theme “Together we move South Africa Forward”. Numerous events in villages, towns and cities resulted in a greater understanding of the critical role that transport plays in the lives of our people.

During October, the Department of Transport motivated all stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to improving the quality of transport facilities, to addressing service delivery backlogs in transport infrastructure, to promoting road safety and to encouraging community dialogue about transport.

Minister Maswanganyi also addressed a community imbizo at the Amangwe Sports Field at KwaMbonambi in KwaZulu-Natal.

Maswanganyi said the government’s investments in rail, roads and public transport were changing the way people accessed their places of work, study and entertainment.

These investments also helped grow the economy and address the challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality.

“The transport sector is at the heart of the country’s development and it is my duty to ensure that South Africans have safe, reliable, affordable and convenient public transport.

HIS DREAM TO BE A PILOT GROUNDED BY A FULFILLING JOB IN ENGINEERING

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Recalling his first paying job as a learner draughtsman, during which time he was often asked to buy pies and cool drinks for older technicians and engineers, Harrison’s advice to his younger colleagues is to keep developing an enquiring mind.

Few of his associates would know that engineering did not feature at the top of career choices for Gavin Harrison, a former project manager at South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) Eastern Region who retired recently.

In fact, his first career choice was to become a pilot, preferably a helicopter or test pilot, given his interest in the natural forces of gravity and aerodynamics.

He believes his second choice would probably have been hydrology or geology, which again would have originated from his passion for understanding natural forces and various aspects of the natural environment.

Ultimately, Harrison ventured into the dynamic and challenging field of civil engineering, not knowing that only after joining SANRAL in 2009, that his dream assignment would be fulfilled.

Reminiscing on his first job

Recalling his first paying job as a learner draughtsman, during which time he was often asked to buy pies and cool drinks for older technicians and engineers, Harrison’s advice to his younger colleagues is to keep developing an enquiring mind.

“Instead of accepting things as they are presented to you, rather go a step further to question the credibility of the information at your disposal by testing what you are told,” he said, adding with a smile, “except of course if it’s your boss.”

Harrison has thrived on the daily challenges he has encountered while working at SANRAL and believes this has contributed to his development as a professional.

So gratifying has his work been within SANRAL that he is quick to remark that as an engineer, he “has experienced a most rewarding and satisfying vocation”.

He considers the guidance and support received from his fellow colleagues over the years to have been an indispensable part of his job.

Engineering challenges and highlights

Harrison recalled how one of the highlights of his career with SANRAL was being assigned as project manager for the upgrade and the completion of the Dr Chota Motala Road Interchange, Pietermaritzburg’s first multi-level interchange, which carries traffic from Dr Chota Motala Road over the notoriously busy N3.

He has been involved in a number of other equally challenging design and construction projects including interchange upgrades, and major dualling and rehabilitation works along the national road network in KwaZulu-Natal and Free State.

He believes obtaining his engineering qualification from the University of KwaZulu-Natal enhanced his ability to think through, process, analyse and solve problems in the work environment. He is also a registered professional engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa.

SANRAL’s support and camaraderie

He says it is this strong network of support and camaraderie at SANRAL that has helped him to meet the numerous challenges encountered over the years.

He considers his relationship with people to be a key strength, which has guided him in the successful conceptualisation, implementation and completion of projects.

After some 31 years since the passing of his father-in-law – a missionary medical doctor – Harrison still believes that the ideals and values that were imparted to him have been a positive and influential part of his life.

“My father-in-law was gifted with an uncanny attribute of humility, coupled with a quiet, confident strength and authority, which never belittled or made anyone feel inadequate or small.

“When requested, his advice was always extremely wise and balanced, yet never threatening.  He treated all members of society – whether big or small – equally, with utmost respect, even when he didn’t agree with them,” said Harrison.

He is married to Brenda and they have four grandsons, the youngest being only a few weeks old.

Harrison has a passion for radio-controlled aircraft. He also plays several musical instruments including the guitar, bass guitar and the harmonica. He is a jazz enthusiast who would very much like to join a jazz quartet as one of his pastimes during his retirement.

SANRAL conference paves way for future of road tunnels in SA

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The almost four kilometre long tunnel reduces the distance between Paarl and Worcester by 11km and eliminates a climb of some 500m over the Du Toits Kloof Pass.

After almost thirty years, the Huguenot Tunnel in the Western Cape is due for an upgrade, said South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) CEO, Skhumbuzo Macozoma.

The tunnel was one of the focal points at this year’s World Road Association (PIARC) Conference on Road Tunnel Operations in Low and Medium-Income Countries, which was held at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town from 18 to 20 October 2017.

SANRAL hosted engineers from several countries across the globe, who were invigorated by thought-provoking presentations of new technological breakthroughs in civil engineering, mostly around safe design and operations of road tunnels.

Macozoma, also a registered civil engineer, opened the event by saying: “The national road network is at the core South Africa’s future growth trajectory. It links people to opportunities, connects communities across rural and urban divides, and holds vast potential for job creation, empowerment and skills development.

“At a time when the world is undergoing rapid changes brought on by new – and sometimes disruptive – technologies, it is important for 21st-century organisations such as SANRAL to embrace change and continuously adapt our strategies to remain at the leading edge of trends in the management of vital economic infrastructure.”

Macozoma added that it is also of critical importance that SANRAL unlocks the value of the country’s road network and build partnerships with communities so that they become active participants in the entire process of delivery – from planning to construction to the supply of services and material to long-term maintenance.

The conference

On the first day, the South African team led with a presentation on the Huguenot Tunnel, with a focus on operations, maintenance and planned upgrades.

Day two was a site-visit to the Huguenot Tunnel, in particular the operations control centre and the North Bore. This tunnel constitutes a major transportation link between the coastal plains of the Western Cape and the interior and is one of the most strategic infrastructure assets of the national road network in South Africa.

The almost four kilometre long tunnel reduces the distance between Paarl and Worcester by 11km and eliminates a climb of some 500m over the Du Toits Kloof Pass, which by its nature imposes severe constraints and safety concerns for the road user.

The technical site visit provided great context for reflection on previous plenary sessions as well as insight for paving the way forward in planning much-needed upgrades that are both structural and technological.

“We are very proud of the Western Cape’s flagship project, the Huguenot Tunnel, which this year is 29-years old. At the time it was built, it has revolutionised the way road users travel within the region. However, nearly 30-years on, the time has come for significant upgrade and improvement,” said Macozoma.

The conference concluded with a focus on sustainable funding for safe tunnels, tunnel construction choices and, in particular, case studies based on the Huguenot Tunnel and Gautrain.

Drawing on experience, insight and technical expertise from countries where the road tunnels are far superior in design, capacity and technology, the way was paved for SANRAL to take the next step in road tunnel engineering, as the Huguenot Tunnel and its imminent upgrades remains a priority.

Another unqualified audit report for SANRAL

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SANRAL achieved 32 out of its 37 targets related to corporate performance, which translates into 86% achievement.

The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) has received an unqualified audit opinion for the past financial year from the Auditor General (AG).

This was announced at an Annual General Meeting the Minister of Transport, Joe Maswanganyi, held with the agency in Pretoria on 30 October 2017.

The roads agency submitted its Integrated Annual Report to Parliament on 31 October 2017.

Quality corporate governance

Roshan Morar, Chairman of SANRAL’s Board, said the AG’s report confirms the quality of corporate governance and financial management at SANRAL.

Matters raised by the AG will be addressed as priorities and progress will be reflected in future integrated reports.

Morar said wasteful expenditure has been reduced in the past year, from R1.1-billion the previous year to about R425-million.

“Where required and as part of consequence management, disciplinary action was taken against responsible employees, and in two instances against service providers, and it was made clear that any deviations from good corporate governance will not be tolerated,” said Morar.

He added: “Understanding that some of the fruitless, wasteful and irregular expenditure emanate from events that precede the financial year under review, we have given management the instruction to eliminate these by the next financial year.”

Meeting targets

The agency achieved 32 out of its 37 targets related to corporate performance, which translates into 86% achievement.

For the reporting period, the agency awarded 172 contracts worth R15.9-billion for new works, rehabilitation and improvement, routine and special maintenance, and community development.

Out of this investment, small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) earned R4-billion on contracts, meaning the agency directed almost 25% of its contract expenditure to SMMEs, of which more than half were black-owned.

SANRAL’s CEO Skhumbuzo Macozoma said the total value of contracts and its multiplier effect demonstrates government’s commitment to infrastructure development and SANRAL’s investment in the construction industry.

“While we are pleased with the investment we have made in SMME development, we think there is room for us to invest even more and that is what we are seeking to do through our draft transformation policy, which is currently going through a consultation process,” said Macozoma.

Results of SMME development

The investment has resulted in 4 247 people (which includes 1 690 women) being trained in road-building and other skills such as business management. Additionally, the investment led to the creation of an equivalent of over 19 000 full-time jobs, 11 242 of which were taken up by youth.

Two major projects – Moloto Road and the N2 Wild Coast Road – were launched during the reporting period. These projects are significant drivers of economic growth for the provinces where they are being implemented. In addition, these would further drive the development of SMMEs.

The integrated report follows an announcement by finance minister, Malusi Gigaba, during his medium-term budget policy statement that SANRAL has been provided with a R38.9-billion guarantee to expand its toll road portfolio.

This gives the agency more room to borrow under the guarantee and allows the agency to service all its commitments over the medium term.

Speaking at the AGM as the shareholder representing government, Maswanganyi expressed his satisfaction with SANRAL. “The work done by SANRAL is commendable. I am happy with how it has aligned its operations and delivered in accordance with government’s infrastructure development plan.

“Of course, I am alive to the challenges the agency has had with regard to its tolling portfolio, especially the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project. I am planning a roads funding discussion with all provinces so that we can find solutions and thereafter take our proposals to Cabinet. I am intent on resolving this matter as soon as possible so that there is certainty and markets do not second guess us.”

R61 Road upgrade valued at R550 million completed

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A view of the Ngqeleni Interchange.

The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) has completed major work on the R61 mega-road infrastructure project in the Eastern Cape.

The R550-million Mthatha Sprigg Street to Ngqeleni Road infrastructure development and safety programme is also part of a master plan for tourism and other long-term mega projects in the Eastern Cape.

About the project

The project commenced on 16 September 2013 and was completed on 8 September 2017. The project consisted of the construction of a new 7.3km dual carriageway between Mthatha and the turn off to Ngqeleni.  The east bound carriageway was newly constructed, while the west bound carriageway entailed an upgrade of existing road infrastructure.

As a result of the new carriageway, six new bridges – one each over the Mthatha River, the Corana River, Sidwadweni River on Bernard Schultz Drive, an agricultural overpass bridge at Ngqeleni turn-off, and two new interchange bridges at the Ngqeleni turn-off – were constructed.

The dual carriageway at Corana with replacement houses on the left.

Two large agricultural underpass culverts were also constructed.

Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Southern Region manager, said: “The R61 Mthatha Sprigg Street to Ngqeleni turn-off project is one of several projects, each with different starting and completion dates in a mega-road infrastructure development and safety programme for the R61 which commenced in 2011, and which will be completed by 2020.”

Road users at SANRAL’s heart

The plan is to improve the safety of the road users and pedestrians through the closing of unsafe intersections, a new interchange at Ngqeleni turn-off and the construction of formalised and channelised intersections.

This is also an integrated road safety programme which aims to decrease the road hazards, which may lead to accidents and motor vehicle accident related deaths.

Many accidents on the R61 between Mthatha and Ngqeleni involve motorists hitting stray animals. Between December 2014 and January 2015, local traffic authorities impounded 266 stray animals including goats, cattle, sheep and donkeys.

To address the problem, SANRAL has constructed two agricultural underpass culverts as part of the R61 Mthatha Sprigg Street to Ngqeleni turn-off project.

Community development

The project has created work for 60 small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), of which 48 were black-owned entities. There were 628 job opportunities created, of which 541 (86%) were male and 87 (14%) female and further broken down into 328 youth (52%).

“One of the successes is that the project has already injected a salvo of benefits to members living in villages from Mthatha to Ngqeleni,” said Peterson.

SANRAL delivered 31 new replacement houses to residents whose dwellings fell under the construction footprint and in the process eradicated poorly constructed structure homes. “The project has also brought meaningful initiatives of social development to residents and communities,” said Peterson.

Training and skills development initiatives also benefitted members of the local communities. Sixteen Walter Sisulu University students from the community also gained on-site experiential training in order to obtain their diploma qualification.

Local SMMEs were mentored in the construction of houses according to National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) standards. They also participated in several courses, which include construction tendering, basic computer literacy skills, site administration and monitoring. The workers have been provided with, among others, road safety and environmental awareness training.

The project also links with other programmes including the conversion of Sprigg Street and Madeira Street in Mthatha’s Central Business District (CBD) into one-way system to help improve traffic flow.

Challenges along the way

The risks of working on the project included work that was carried out in a heavily trafficked and densely populated built up area, and within a confined construction zone involving the simultaneous construction of earthworks, structures, and the relocation of services. 

This, along with the interface between formal and traditional land tenure systems for land acquisition and relocation of communities have produced unique challenges, which SANRAL solved through proper planning and continuous stakeholder engagement.

The operation of heavy earth-moving equipment required and rock blasting in close proximity to residential and business dwellings also presented a special challenge.

Eastern Cape projects inject R30-million in SMME development

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The N2 is a national route in South Africa that runs from Cape Town through Port Elizabeth, East London and Durban to Ermelo. Its total distance of 2,255 kilometres makes it the longest numbered route in South Africa.

The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) utilised more than 200 local labourers from King William’s Town to work on a major road construction project, which is due to conclude at the end of November.

SANRAL has trained 26 CIDB grade one and two SMMEs on the first phase of the rehabilitation project of the N2 from Buffalo River to Breidbach and the R63 from Alexandra Road to Bhisho.

Six of these SMMEs were also directly employed on this project. Furthermore, a total of 21 SMMEs ranging from CIDB grade one to six participated in this project, with approximately R30-million being spent on SMMEs.

Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Southern Region manager, said: “SANRAL would like to express their gratitude to all motorists and residents for their understanding during the construction process, and their trust that the new improved road will result in safer travels for road users in King William’s Town.

“Already, SANRAL is receiving good feedback on the Hargreaves traffic circle with motorists commenting on the improved traffic flow.”

Phase two is the realignment of the N2 from the Bulembu Airport Road intersection to the Buffalo River Bridge, tying into phase one. “This project will include improvements in the horizontal and vertical alignment of the N2 and the construction of three new bridges, which will replace the current ones,” Peterson added.

Phase three will include the construction of the Breidbach underpass and partial construction of the Belstone interchange. “This system is designed to make travelling easier for travellers from East London to Bhisho,” he said.

Second phase

Phases two and three of the roadworks will start in mid-2018 and will run concurrently over a construction period of 30 months.

“It is envisaged that further opportunities for SMMEs will be created in the implementation of these phases, in line with government policy on empowering SMMEs,” Peterson said.

Progress Hlahla, SANRAL’s Southern Region project manager, said the construction went well and he looked forward to working on other phases. “I extend my gratitude to all government departments and private entities including SMMEs who participated in the realisation of phase one of this project, and [I] look forward to further partnering and intergovernmental cooperation in the implementation of phases two and three.”

An Asset to South Africans

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Matete Matete, Non-Executive Director at SANRAL, believes the agency’s commitment to empowerment is most reflected in its management of construction and maintenance contracts across the country’s vast road network. Many SMME’s received their first business contract through SANRAL.

The value that SANRAL adds to South Africa stretches way beyond its professional management of Africa’s most sophisticated primary road network. Since its establishment in 1998, the agency has earned recognition as a true national asset that contributes to the broader South African society and invests in communities through training, job creation, entrepreneurial support and empowerment programmes.

One of the country’s most talked-about future challenges is the need for skilled and trained human resources. The National Development Plan (NDP) notes that “education, training and innovation are central to South Africa’s long-term prospects”.

Without these core elements, the country will struggle to eliminate poverty, reduce inequality and create a more just society. SANRAL focuses much of its developmental resources on education and training initiatives designed to improve the quality of maths and science teaching.

The latest results of global study Trends in International Mathematics and Science show that South Africa still ranks low in maths and science, despite major improvements in recent years. SANRAL’s response is to support education programmes at schools, focusing on training and upskilling the educators who teach maths and science.

Partnership with universities

Through its partnerships with universities, SANRAL sponsors programmes that help bridge the gap between high school and tertiary education. Scholarships are offered to deserving learners and many of them have the opportunity to continue their studies through the financial support provided by SANRAL.

For the financial year 2015/2016 we invested R2.99-million in scholarships for 196 high school learners, up from R2.37-million and 172 learners a year earlier. Bursaries awarded to students in the engineering disciplines help to create a pipeline of new graduates who will, in future, design, build and maintain the country’s physical infrastructure. In the same financial year, we invested R7.5-million in 122 university students compared to 105 the year before. Fourteen were for post-graduate studies.

SANRAL’s Training Academy in Port Elizabeth offers graduate students the practical experience required to be registered as professional engineers.

Within the public sector, SANRAL has set the standards on how to attract, retain and manage highly sought-after talent. Through its human resource strategy, it has put in place mentorships and coaching programmes that encourage innovation, knowledge-sharing and careerlong development. Higher education bursaries went to 32 staff members, of which 23 enrolled for post-graduate studies.

A recent climate survey conducted by an external company showed that more than 95% of employees who responded found their jobs interesting and rewarding.

SMMEs grow through SANRAL

This commitment to empowerment is also reflected in SANRAL’s management of construction and maintenance contracts across the country’s vast road network. Many small and medium enterprises have received their first business contracts through SANRAL.

The experience they gain working with established contractors enables them to grow their business, create jobs and plough money back into local communities. SMMEs earned R3.56-billion in the last financial year. Importantly, our contract participation goals (CPGs) saw the development of 1 004 black-owned companies individually contracted to perform work to the value of approximately R1.9m.

An example of a recent project that exceeded the agency’s CPGs is the patch and reseal of the R58 between Burgersdorp and Aliwal North in the Eastern Cape.

The minimum prescribed contract participation targets for this project were 4% labour maximisation and 8% SMME/Black Enterprise (BE) utilisation. We achieved a labour maximisation figure of 4.81% and a SMME/BE utilisation of 8.79%.

On this project 458 640 hours were worked – equivalent to 190 people receiving employment. SANRAL is a valuable national asset.

Our national roads agency is about far more than roads; it contributes to the country’s growth and prosperity through every one of its activities – from the very big to the seemingly small.

An opinion piece by Matete Matete, Non-Executive Director at the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL)

Adelaide and Fort Beaufort R63 Section upgrades completed

Ray Maotaauthor5436views0comments
Major works on this project included base, rut and surface repairs, sealing of cracks, sealing the surface with a new bituminous double seal along the rural section and an asphalt overlay through the Adelaide Town portion, replacing damaged fencing, and new road marking and studs.

The R49-million periodic road maintenance project on the R63 between Adelaide and Fort Beaufort in the Amathole District Municipality, Eastern Cape, by the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL), has been completed.

Prior to the upgrade the existing surface was showing signs of chip loss as well as localised surface and base failures.

Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Southern Region Manager, said: “We are pleased to announce a durable, waterproof, skid resistant and all-weather road surface for motorists and safer conditions for pedestrians.”

Major works on this project included base, rut and surface repairs, sealing of cracks, sealing the surface with a new bituminous double seal along the rural section and an asphalt overlay through the Adelaide Town portion, replacing damaged fencing, and new road marking and studs.

Community development

As part of the community development part of the project, which reserved work packages for SMEs on lower CIDB gradings, Sanral also repaired kerbs and sidewalks, and constructed pedestrian walkways in Adelaide.

The road agency also constructed safe layby areas near the entrance of Fort Beaufort for vendors operating in the informal economy.

Peterson said: “Until the upgrade of this section of the R63, pedestrians were forced to make use of the surface road shoulder. Now, they have been provided with walkways which separates vulnerable roads users from the motorised traffic.

“A lack of proper periodic resurfacing would have resulted in the asset requiring expensive and premature rehabilitation. Our resurfacing programme will prohibit the ingress of moisture into pavement layers and as a result the life of this asset will be preserved.”

During the project, Sanral empowered and developed individuals from local communities through 12 training and skills development workshops with a combined value of R256 441,68.

The workshops included construction skills such as brick paving, kerb laying, and road marking as well as business skills such as enterprise development through tendering, among other things.

In terms of targeted labour employed, the youth and women empowerment participation goals achieved on this specific project, were 30% and 37% respectively while 80% of targeted enterprises participating were woman-owned enterprises.