Agency’s quarry in Ventersburg has resulted in a saving of cost and time, and limited the harm caused to the road surface. 

To reduce the cost of materials, decrease the damage caused to roads by heavy vehicles hauling construction material and save time, the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) has established a quarry to supply stone for the upgrading of the N1 between Winburg and Kroonstad. 

The quarry at Ventersburg has been supplying crushed aggregate to roadwork contractors.  

Zandile Nene, Project Manager at SANRAL Eastern Region, said the establishment of the quarry was necessary as the upgrading of the N1 generated the largest crushing contract of its kind on any road project. 

Saving Rands and roads 

Supplying crushed aggregate from the new quarry as opposed to sourcing it from commercial sources has resulted in a saving of approximately R125-million during the upgrading of the N1. 

“The quarry eliminated the need for heavy trucks carrying stone to travel over long distances to construction sites. Thus, damage to the roads has also been minimised,” he said. 

“Locating a quarry near the construction site resulted in considerable savings of time and money.” 

The quarry contract, worth R163.5-million, was awarded to Triamic Plant, and entailed the production and delivery of approximately 1.36-million tons of a range of crushed aggregate. 

The contract also provided crushed aggregate for concrete and subsoil drains, as well as rock for gabion installations. 

Local community empowered 

The quarry contract helped empower the local community through the employment and development of local labour, mainly women and youth, and by providing industry-specific and business training to local and small businesses in Ventersburg. 

Where possible, several black-women-owned companies and emerging enterprises were appointed as subcontractors and service providers. 

Nene said: “The site will be fully rehabilitated in strict accordance with the approved Environmental Management Plan upon completion of crushing activities, and with limited to no visibility from the N1. Various local species of trees will also be planted to promote full rehabilitation of the quarry.”