Imiesa august 2011 preview

I S S N 0 2 5 7 1 9 7 8 V o l u m e 3 6 N o . 8 • A u g u s t 2 0 1 1 • R 4 0 . 0 0 ( i n c l V A T )

IMESAJob creation

eThekwiniWar on wastage

R86 million regional road project complete by May 2012 regional road project complete by May 2012 pp4242

No-Dig SAPanel discussion

IMESAIMESA

MEDIA

The official magazine of the Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa

COLAS

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT • MAINTENANCE • SERVICE DELIVERY

The road forward

NEW GOALS. NEW BRAND. SAME COMMITMENT.NEW GOALS. NEW BRAND. SAME COMMITMENT.Our name has been synonymous with quality, innovation and delivery over our first 50 years. Our name has been synonymous with quality, innovation and delivery over our first 50 years. We are now promoting our collective group capabilities to enhance the services we offer to We are now promoting our collective group capabilities to enhance the services we offer to our growing global client base.our growing global client base.

Our rebrand brings together our evolving businesses with the same commitment, whilst our Our rebrand brings together our evolving businesses with the same commitment, whilst our difference remains our diversity and our people.difference remains our diversity and our people.

We continue to think out of the box and explore the unexplored to achieve our vision of providing We continue to think out of the box and explore the unexplored to achieve our vision of providing innovative solutions globally.innovative solutions globally.

WE ARE CHANGING ...WE ARE CHANGING ...

Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.boschholdings.co.zawww.boschholdings.co.za

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IMIESA AUGUST 2011 - 1


IMESAJob creation




IMESAIMESA

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The road forward

VOLUME 36 NO 8 AUGUST 2011Contents

25TrafficTraffic

congestioncongestion

56BlackburnBlackburn

BridgeBridge

Cold microsurfacing is a very cost effective solution to restore wearing course rugosity, waterproof properties and uniform appearance with minimum disruption to traffic and inconvenience to road users

7842RoadRoad

upgradeupgradeTrenchlessTrenchless technologytechnology

68 SA’s busiest port upgraded69 Keeping the pressure under control

Solid waste70 The power of social marketing

Panel discussion: No-Dig SA75 A change in attitude78 Overcoming misconceptions81 Steady increase in awarded projects84 Asset management drives growth88 Environmental aspects of

trenchless technologies

Safety in construction95 Health and safety from every angle97 Advanced technique assists production

Road construction99 Pothole-free concrete roads100 Attachments for loaders and

skid steers101 Torque converter for loaders102 KZN’s roads upgraded103 N5 rehabilitation105 Long-term affordability

Products and services106 Road equipment showcase107 Vehicle restraint system available108 Essential armour plating for

CPA disputes109 Fleet expansion111 Water cannon for

equipment cleaning

Government perspective17 Transport infrastructure vital

to development

Industry perspective20 Consultants assist government22 CESA’s SCE trains IMESA members

SANRAL25 Is traffic congestion permanent?33 Municipal road maintenance in

South Africa42 Regional road upgrade

People and events45 Event listings and staff appointments

Industry news49 IDC funding approvals51 Secure water for Mandeni52 Super-construction company formed53 World’s largest airport designed54 Fly ash silo constructed55 Adaptation programmes55 Cost cutting affects quality

eThekwini56 Providing access, ensuring safety61 Substation upgrades63 Lighten up on water wastage65 Basic services boost

living conditions66 Phase II of Western

Aqueduct awarded67 Water tower for Shongweni

Regulars3 President’s comment5 Editor’s comment

Cover story6 Defy the ageing process

IMESA9 IMESA’s role in job creation13 IMESA coffee table book to

be launched

The Sustainable Water Resource Conference and Exhibition 2011 will serve

as a platform for international thought leaders to interact and engage with

leading national experts to present, debate and apply global thoughts and

trends to the local environment in South Africa.

The Conference follows the success of the inaugural Sustainable Water

Resource Conference and Exhibition in 2010 which provided delegates with

presentations from the leading industry speakers from South Africa, UK and

Canada.

With floods causing havoc in several South African provinces earlier this year,

it may be hard to believe that the looming water crisis that was debated

in Parliament in 2008 remains an issue. Engineering Council of SA vice-

president Thoko Majozi warns: “the maximum consumption that SA’s water

resources can sustain will be reached in about five years”.

This should sound an alarm for companies and individuals that have not

yet established comprehensive water strategies. Good water management

is crucial for South Africa’s growth and development. Government,

municipalities and private companies need to start working together on

infrastructure now.

“Let’s concentrate on the causes of water shortages - mismanagement -

instead of wasting resources lamenting the effects of mismanagement.”

David Zetland

Join leading water sector decision makers and relevant industry players at

the Sustainable Water Resource Conference and Exhibition as solutions to

the water challenge are debated and sought.

Profile your solutions, products and services at the Sustainable Water

Resource Exhibition adjacent to the conference.

Who should attend:Municipal managers

Water utilities managers and

operators

Water supply organisations

Water research institutions

NGO’s

Tertiary education stakeholders

and students

Water flow and management

product manufacturers

Water infrastructure suppliers

Technology researchers and

manufacturers

Property owners and building

managers

Investors and financiers

Engineers and consultants

Architects and town planners

Mining Houses

Contact [email protected] or call 021 447 4733


PUBLISHER Elizabeth ShortenEDITOR Richard Jansen van VuurenCREATIVE CHIEF EXECUTIVE Frédérick DantonSENIOR DESIGNER Hayley Moore MendelowSUB-EDITOR Danielle HugoCONTRIBUTORS Clive Andersen, Sibusiso Ndebele, Brenda Lacey-Smith, Andile Gqaji, S Tetely, JP Maree, S Schroeder, Jan Venter, Roger Byrne, Andrew Mather, Candice Landie, HR Tyrrell, Vittorio BolloPRODUCTION MANAGER Antois-Leigh BotmaPRODUCTION COORDINATOR Jaqueline ModiseFINANCIAL MANAGER Andrew Lobban (ACIS, FCIBM)ADMINISTRATION Tonya HebentonDISTRIBUTION MANAGER Nomsa MasinaDISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Asha PursothamSUBSCRIPTION SALES Nomsa MasinaPRINTERS United Litho Johannesburg +27 (0)11 402 0571___________________________________________________

ADVERTISING SALESJenny Miller Tel: +27 (0)11 467 6223___________________________________________________

PUBLISHER: MEDIA No. 4, 5th Avenue, Rivonia 2056PO Box 92026, Norwood 2117 Tel: +27 (0)11 233 2600 Fax: +27 (0)11 234 7274/5 E-mail: [email protected] www.3smedia.co.za

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: R440.00 (INCL VAT) ISSN 0257 1978 IMIESA, Inst.MUNIC. ENG. S. AFR.© Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.___________________________________________________

IMESA CONTACTSIMESA Administration Officer: Ingrid BottonP O Box 2190, Westville, 3630Tel: +27 (0)31 266 3263Fax: +27 (0)31 266 5094Email: [email protected]: www.imesa.org.za

BORDER BRANCHSecretary: Melanie MatroosTel: +27 (0)43 705 2401Fax: +27 (0)43 743 5266E-mail: [email protected]

EAST CAPE BRANCHElsabé KoenTel: +27 (0)41 505 8005Fax: +27 (0)41 581 2300E-mail: [email protected]

KWAZULU-NATAL BRANCHSecretary: Rita ZaaymanTel: +27(0)31 311 6382

NORTHERN PROVINCE BRANCHSecretary: Cornel TaljaardTel: +27 (0)82 899 8341Fax: +27 (0)11 675 1324E-mail: [email protected]

SOUTHERN CAPE KAROO BRANCHSecretary: Henrietta OliverTel: +27(0)79 390 7536Fax: 086 536 3725E-mail: [email protected]

WESTERN CAPE BRANCHSecretary: Erica van JaarsveldTel: +27 (0)21 938 8455Fax: +27 (0)21 938 8457E-mail: [email protected]

FREE STATE AND NORTHERN CAPE BRANCHSecretary: Wilma Van Der WaltTel: +27(0)83 457 4362Fax: 086 628 0468E-mail: [email protected]

REST OF SOUTHERN AFRICARepresentative: Andre MullerE-mail: [email protected]

All material herein IMIESA is copyright protected and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without the prior written permission of the publisher. The views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa or the publishers.

Cover opportunityIn each issue, IMIESA offers advertisers the opportunity to get to the front of the line by placing a company, product or service on the front cover of the journal. Buying this position will afford the advertiser the cover story on pages 4 and 5 and maximum exposure. For more informa-tion on cover bookings contact Jenny Miller on tel: +27 (0)11 467 6223.

COMMENT

Sustainable job creation?

It gives me great pleasure to write this president’s comment, from the new head office, where we recently hosted our quarterly IMESA EXCO meeting,

another first for these beautiful premises.The focus of my president’s comment this

month is on job creation, and specifically how IMESA can play a significant role. See our technical director, Clive Andersen’s, arti-cle on page 9 of this edition.

Historically, countries around the world, like Canada, China and Germany, have adopted job creation projects in order to assist out-of-work citizens obtain gainful employment. One has only to think of the United States during the Great Depression. The government of the day, as part of its New Deal policy, created thousands of jobs through projects like the building of the Hoover Dam.

The South African government has consist-ently budgeted millions of rands towards job creation in its annual budget, through ini-tiatives such as the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP); however the potential associated with creating sustainable employ-ment through the ongoing maintenance of infrastructure assets has been largely neglected. In this year’s budget speech, unlike in previous years where significant attention and resources were given to infra-structure, finance minister Pravin Gordhan announced the details of several initiatives and proposals to boost job creation in South Africa, including a R9 billion job fund and spending on skills development. In a recent article in the Financial Mail (Thursday, 26 May 2011), entitled ‘Jobs for Life’, the author makes the salient remark that ‘a healthy economy and the quality of daily life of every person are dependent on engineering infrastructure. The reservoirs, pipes, treat-ment works, bridges, roads, rail, harbours and electricity distribution networks must

be maintained… Investing in infra-structure main-tenance would

PRESIDENT'S COMMENT

create thousands of jobs and save money’. Roger Byrne and I delivered a presenta-

tion to LGSETA and National Treasury last year, where we shared our vision for a National Infrastructure Asset Management Programme that includes planned, routine and emergency maintenance.

Virtually no planned maintenance is under-taken in South African municipalities. The status quo is typified by a reactive, ‘fire-fighting’ mentality, which is costly in terms of financial and human resources. A common refrain is: ‘We don’t have the staff or resourc-es to change things’. We need to change our stance, however, and work together to find a proactive, innovative solution that could solve two major national problems, namely poor infrastructure asset management and maintenance and large-scale unemployment.

A large pool of people exists from which municipalities could draw, for example peo-ple who run micro-enterprises or SMMEs, or unemployed people who live in townships within, or adjacent to, the municipal area in question.

The training of these individuals in skills contributing to effective infrastructure asset maintenance could be undertaken by

Jannie Pietersen, president of IMESA

be ma

I S S N 0 2 5 7 1 9 7 8 V o l u m e 3 6 N o . 7 • J u l y 2 0 1 1 •

DWAWorking together

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The official magazine of the Institute

of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa

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IMIESA AUGUST 2011 - 5IMIESA AUGUST 2011 - 5

EDITOR'S COMMENT

Richard Jansen van Vuuren, editor of IMIESA

larger organisations within the municipal area. Individuals showing promise and a good work ethic could be guaranteed work (e.g. for a period of two years) while asset maintenance training programmes are being developed.

The proposed solution thus provides the unemployed with a bona fide professional or trade course path. Simultaneously, it provides a source of future employees for larger authorities and organisations in the municipal area. Those who have been trained should be deployed in their communities to

mentor and supervise unskilled workers, thus broadening the base of employable peo-ple for the future.

Last, but not least, it is important to mention the social benefits of a National Infrastructure Asset Management Programme. Workers would no longer be forced through economic hardship to perpetuate the destructive cycle of migrant labour, moving away from their families to seek employment in large cities. The social ills of such a system are well docu-mented. Instead, workers would be able to

COMMENT

find meaningful work in their own community, for example in the neglected area of town-ship maintenance. The social benefits are potentially as great as the practical benefits. Families would be able to stay together and communities would be empowered to uplift themselves.

The promoting of a National Infrastructure Asset Management Programme is therefore a worthy endeavour for IMESA, and I would like to encourage all IMESA members to become involved.

TWO NEW STRUCTURES are to be established, an infrastructure com-mission, chaired by the president of the country, and a job creation

commission to be chaired by the deputy president. An air of uncertainty surrounds these developments as it has not been made clear how these new commissions will oper-ate and, more importantly, no mention has been made of whether the new structure will replace or complement existing structures.

To what extent will this widen the chasm between the public and private sectors?

Another question that needs to be asked is: does the announcement of the infrastructure commission serve as the official death knell of the Municipal Systems Amendment Bill and, along with it, the path of good intent in terms of streamlining the process of infra-structure construction?

The Gautrain route between Johannesburg and Pretoria has held sway in news headlines of late following a statement by Bombela revealing that the water seepage disruption is being caused by pipes carrying municipal

Infrastructure commission: more red tape

water. The water seepage is delaying the southern-most section of the line but the amount of water affecting operations is negligible.

The train tunnel has been designed to accommodate ground-water permeating its purpose-built drainage system to relieve the

pressure of water that may exist or arise in the area. This water is collected in drains beneath the tracks which lead to under-ground sumps from where the water is pumped to the surface.

Bombela will be dealing with the issue of water ingress, which will require additional engineering and involve additional associated

costs. Holes will be drilled into the floor of the affected tunnel, through which grout will be injected into the rock below to lessen the permeability of the rock and the volume of water ingress.


An additional layer of political management, intended to help and improve the performance of State, was announced at the end of July.

Does the announcement of the infrastructure commission serve as the offi cial death knell of the Municipal Systems Amendment Bill?

From page 3

6 - IMIESA AUGUST 2011

COVER STORY

Current budget restrictions now make it imperative to keep pave-ments watertight and operational without major reconstruction for as

long as possible.Cold microsurfacing is ready to use within

one hour, which makes it a very cost-effective solution to restore wearing course rugosity, waterproof properties and uniform appearance with minimum disruption to traf-fic and inconvenience to road users.

When compared to other surfacing types, microsurfacings have further advantages in that they are more environmentally friendly. These include:• Low tyre noise of the final surfacing.• No harmful emissions during application

and curing.The Colmat system from COLAS offers the ultimate road-sealing solution in a complete package using Colas leading-edge technical expertise, extensive experience and support during application, and total control of the entire procurement process.

As your partner throughout the process, Colas assists with aggregate selection,

product mix design and will provide the required specialised equipment and person-nel. Colas’ technical back-up and support dramatically reduces your risk and creates added confidence – especially in the applica-tion process.

The Colmat system is the most cost-effective, safe and convenient remedial solution as:• Road surfaces can be sealed, cured and

reopened to traffic in just one hour – under a wider range of weather conditions vis-a- vis conventional slurry and chip seals.

• The profile and skid resistance of existing roads can be improved by the single appli-cation of a thin layer and by the filling of surface irregularities, such as wheel ruts.

• Worker and pedestrian health and safety is assured during and after application, due to Colmat’s environmentally and user-friendly

cold mixing and laying process, and our new improved application machinery.

• The Colmat process guarantees minimal disruption to traffic prior to Colmat applica-tion as there is no need for lifting of curbs and manholes and no tack-coat required.

• The Colmat system is complete in itself, with no additional on-site construction plant required.

• The Colmat system has four variations (Colmat N, Colmat L, Colrut and Colpave) that can be used for different applications.

Colmat, a cold microsurfacing paving system, is the most economically viable facelift the road industry needs. But what is driving the demand for cold microsurfacing?

Defy the ageing process

RIGHT Between January and April 2011 Colas placed in the region of 1 335 m3 of Colmat L microsurfacing(95 000 m2 at an average thickness of 9 mm)BELOW Colmat L has been used in Mogale City since 1994

IMIESA AUGUST 2011 - 7IMIIMMIMIIMIIMIMMIMIMMMIIMIMMIMMMMMMMIM ESAESAESAESAESAESAESAESAESAESAESAESAAESAESAESAESESAESAESAASAEESAESAESSAESAEEESAAAESSSSSS AUAUAUAUAUAUAUAUAAAUAUAUAUAUAUAAUAUAUAUAUAUAAUAUUUUAUUUAUAUUUGUGUSGUSGUGUSGGGUGUSGUSGGGUSGUSGUGUGGGGGGGUGUGUGUSGGGUGGGGGGGUGUSGUSGGGGGUGUU T 2T 2T 2T 2T 2T 2T 2222T 22TT 0110110110110111101101111011011011000 ----- 777777777777777777777

COVER STORY

By definition, Colmat is a cold microsurfac-ing system that seals aged, damaged road surfaces; a cationic quickset bitumen emul-sion mixed with selected crushed mineral aggregate, cement and water and applied with a new, improved purpose-designed machine system supplied by Colas.

Colmat can be further improved by the addition of:• modifiers• fibresThe material components of Colmat consist of:• Continuously graded selected crusher dust.• Quickset cationic elastomer – modified

bitumen emulsion.• Water – to adjust workability .• Chemical additives – to control product

breaking rate.• Cement – used as a setting agent, or to

adjust grading curve.Colmat prevents the ingress of water into the underlying layers of road by filling in cracks and voids of the existing surface and also improves durability by preventing further oxidation of aged binder in the exist-ing surface.

The Colmat product range• COLMAT N – Colmat normal quickset

microsurfacing without polymer. Uses: Existing surfaces carrying medium

For further information on Colmat, telephone Kobus Louw or Premala Singh on tel: +27 (0)21 531 6406.

IMIESA offers advertisers an ideal platform to ensure maximum exposure of their brand. Companies are afforded the opportunity of publishing a two-page cover story and a cover picture to promote their products to an appropriate audience. Please call Jenny Miller on +27(0)11 467 6223 to secure your booking.

levels of traffic, and where traffic accom-modation can be a problem for conven-tional slurry.

Overlay – Urban streets and provincial roads and existing blacktop surfaces or concrete pavements in single pass from 5 to 20mm.

• COLMAT L – Colmat quickset microsur-facing modified with polymer.

Uses: Existing surfaces carrying a wide range of traffic.

Overlay – Existing blacktop surfaces or concrete pavements in single pass from 5 to 20mm.

• COLRUT – Coarse-graded quickset micro-sur facing modified with polymer.

Rut filling: Filling ruts > 20 to < 50 mm to restore road profile i.e. re-profiling.

Colrut is a cost-effective remedial solu-tion for improving road safety by restoring road profile and skid resistance.

• COLPAVE – Medium-set Microsurfacing modified with polymer.

Medium setting polymer modified coarse slurry ideal for: mixing in a concrete mixer and applying by hand; re-sealing small areas such as sidewalks and car parks.

ABOVE Colmat prevents the ingress of water into the underlying layers of road by filling in cracks and voids of existing surface

ABS [email protected] [email protected] Broom [email protected] Arup SA [email protected] [email protected] Group Africa [email protected] Consulting Engineers [email protected] Stemele [email protected] Bosch Munitech [email protected] Consulting Engineers [email protected] Consulting Engineers [email protected] & Blasting Solutions [email protected] Manufacturers [email protected] Built Environment [email protected] Lynn & Partners [email protected] Bank of SA [email protected] Plastics [email protected] Engineers [email protected] Kent Metering [email protected] Waste Management [email protected] [email protected] Consulting [email protected] [email protected] SA [email protected] Technology [email protected] Enterprises [email protected]@Consulting [email protected] Consulting [email protected] [email protected] and Green [email protected]

Johannesburg Water [email protected] Consulting [email protected] Base [email protected] Engineers [email protected] Water [email protected] Narasimulu & Associates [email protected] Consulting Engineers [email protected] Asphalt [email protected] Consulting [email protected] Engineering Systems [email protected] Construction [email protected] Africa [email protected] [email protected] Water Systems [email protected] Consulting [email protected] Lines Pipe Survery Services [email protected] Inc [email protected] Water Company [email protected] Consulting [email protected] [email protected] Syntell [email protected] Engineers East London [email protected] Consulting [email protected] Consulting [email protected] VKE [email protected] Group Africa [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Surfacing [email protected]


IMESA

When infrastructure service deliv-ery is the key focus of our already stretched municipal engineers trying to manage

budgets, quality, resources and timelines; the resultant job creation and poverty alleviation impacts are all too often referred to as ‘soft issues’ and, in fact, in some cases only meas-ured or considered on project completion.

However, unemployment is arguably the most important and vexing problem facing the South African economy and its govern-ance - it is the prime cause of the deepening poverty that has characterised the post-apartheid era in South Africa. Statistics in figure 1 show that unemployment has dou-bled since 1995.

In his inaugural State of the Nation Address in June 2009, President Jacob Zuma stated:

“It is my pleasure and honour to highlight the key elements of our programme of action. The creation of decent work will be at the centre of our economic policies and will influ-ence our investment attraction and job crea-tion initiatives. In line with our undertakings, we have to forge ahead to promote a more inclusive economy.”

In light of the above, and given the large body of literature and empirical research on South Africa’s unemployment crisis and the resultant New Growth Path strategy, we, as municipal engineers, need to ask ourselves what role we should play in the implementa-tion of the New Growth Path drivers?

The government’s New Growth Path Strategy, announced in December 2010, aims to create five million jobs by 2020 and bring the unemployment rate down to 15%. In summary, the key focus areas, or ‘jobs drivers’, of the strategy include the following:1. Substantial public investment in infrastruc-

ture to create employment in construction, operation and maintenance, as well as the production of inputs, by improving efficiency across the economy.

2. Targeting more labour-absorbing activi-ties across the main economic sectors

Job creation…our role“Unemployment is arguably the most important and vexing problem facing the South African economy and its governance.” By Clive Andersen, IMESA technical director: Job Creation

– the agricultural and mining value chains, manufacturing and services.

3. Taking advantage of new opportunities in the knowledge and green economies.

4. Leveraging social capital in the social economy and the public services.

5. Fostering rural development and regional integration.

Clearly, as municipal engineers we have a direct role to play in driver #1, infrastructure investment: especially in terms of construc-tion and rehabilitation, operations, expanded maintenance and the manufacture and sup-ply of components. One of the clear delivera-bles of the New Growth Path Strategy is to expand and increase employment intensities within each value chain.

At a previous IMESA EXCO meeting, a broad outline of a job creation framework was presented, with outcomes that specifically focus on how, as municipal engineers, we can increase the employment intensity rate of the infrastructure value chain within the municipal engineering environment.

Just to touch on a few of the outcomes so as to highlight the job creation potential that exists:

NQF 5 & 7 labour intensive construction training: Currently, LGSETA together with the National Department of Public Works and IMESA, are coordinating the training of approximately 350 municipal officials, the

FIGURE 1

FIGURE 2

10 - IMIESA AUGUST 2011

IMESA

outcome of which is to support the design and implementation of labour intensive construction within the municipal engi-neering environment. In fact, thousands of officials have been trained in NQF 5 & 7 since 2005; however one must ask, has this training been adequately ar ticu-lated in the design and implementation of infrastructure at provincial and municipal level? As municipal engineering officials it is incumbent upon us to ensure that we maximise the benefit of this training and identify projects that can be designed and implemented using the LIC principles where technically appropriate.

In addition to the above programme, IMESA will be conducting a survey to iden-

tify those consulting engineering compa-nies who are accredited in NQF 5 & 7 so as establish available consulting engineering capacity for the programme at large and this will be made available on the IMESA website in due course.

It is interesting to note that, as a result of this joint par tnership project with LGSETA, IMESA has been requested to provide all CPD cer tificates for registered profession-als attending the training.

Maximise the Expanded Public Works Programme:To successfully implement the EPWP pro-gramme within the municipal sphere, it is essential that there is an approved EPWP policy in place that integrates and coor-dinates all sectors using well constituted institutional arrangements, a policy that drives a robust multi-year implementation strategy that interrogates both capital and operating budgets for opportunities.

IMESA, through the shared knowledge platform (website), will be in a position to provide members with standardised meth-odologies, best practice examples, policies and documentation, e.g. EPWP compliant tender documentation and supply chain management BID committee EPWP evalua-tion criteria, etc.

Eligible municipalities need to maximise the benefit of the EPWP2 Incentive Grant. In the first instance, every available job opportunity needs to be reported on in

order to ensure par ticipation in the grant. The funds are over and above existing capi-tal budgets and are suitable for employ-ment intensive programmes such as the provision of interim services to informal settlements, community-based livelihood maintenance programmes, hostel main-tenance, grass cutting, channel mainte-nance, etc.

Contractor development: (the eThekwini case)In KwaZulu-Natal alone, there are 21 000 registered contractors at CIDB level 1 and less than 1 000 contractors regis-tered at CIDB level 2. These statistics highlight the over-saturation and capacity

constraints of ‘contractors’at the lower lev-els, which fur ther amplifies the sustainabil-ity challenge that faces the South African construction industry.

In eThekwini Municipality, as a result of continued quality issues with emerg-ing contractors, a decision was taken by the deputy city manager to formalise a Contractor Development Programme (CDP) to develop existing contractors on the city’s procurement database. The CDP programme includes a fully resourced train-ing centre funded through the EPWP incen-tive grant and programmes include the Department of Public Works’ Vuk’uphile NQF 4 learnership programme and vari-ous other NQF level 2 construction skills programmes, etc. In addition to classroom training, learner contractors are provided with on-site mentorship on a range of pro-jects from atypical municipal infrastructure to agriculture-related infrastructure like fer-ro-cement rainwater harvesting tanks, rural aquaculture ponds/irrigation reservoirs,

rural access roads, water and sanitation and bio-digesters, etc.

This will ultimately support the imple-mentation of the city’s integrated agricul-tural programme (R75 million) over the next three years which in itself will generate a huge number of sustainable jobs. What this model does do is perhaps illustrate the need to have an integrated EPWP policy and implementation strategy to ensure the maximum utilisation of available resources by diver ting them into other more sustain-able sectors.

Quality living environment: (the eThekwini case)Urban and peri-urban settlements are a reality of most municipalities. In eThekwini Municipality alone, there are over 400 infor-mal settlements, most of which are located on land which is both unsuitable and costly to develop. Even with a robust eThekwini housing programme, not all settlements can be provided with fully serviced low income in-situ housing in the short term. As we are all too aware, informal settle-ments face a range of basic challenges, which include health and safety, lack of access to basic services and the perpetu-ation of pover ty. eThekwini is therefore in the process of establishing a pro-active and broad based programme aimed at providing a range of basic interim services to 166 prioritised informal settlements within the municipality with a view to addressing a range of basic health and safety issues. These prioritised settlements are those which are on the municipality’s medium- to long-term in-situ housing programme. The use of local contractors and labour is a key social and job creation deliverable of the programme, together with sustainable skills development and mentorship.

The programme provides a basket of services which include:Communal ablution blocks: Basic water and sanitation is provided by means of conver ted containers which are plumbed into the water and sewer mains. One block provides services for every 75 house-holds and consists of a separate unit for men and women. Each unit includes toilets, showers and hand-basins with solar powered lighting. A local caretaker is responsible for routine maintenance of the units, which will eventually result in over 600 sustainable jobs. In addition to the

As municipal engineering offi cials it is incumbent upon us to ensure that we maximise the benefi t of this training

IMESA

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community blocks, 200 m radius stand-pipes will be provided.

Basic road network and footpaths: Prioritised primary and secondary access roads and associated storm water con-trols will be provided. These consist of main transpor tation routes, as well as some smaller access ways and pedes-trian footpaths, also necessary to pro-vide effective fire protection and other essential health and safety ser vices. This infrastructure clearly offers substan-tial employment potential during project construction phase.

Sustainable livelihoods: A process of par ticipative livelihood engagement is being planned. The sustainable livelihood approach strives to develop communi-ty responsibility, self-help and reduced dependency and will facilitate a better relationship between the urban poor and the municipality.

Practical empowerment plans are also being developed, together with local resi-dents, which will enable them to play a

more effective role in a range of local social needs like home based care, crèche minders, local micro-enterprise and food security gardens. Appropriate training, sup-por t and mentorship will be provided.

The programme will also identify oppor tu-nities for ongoing community based main-tenance programmes that will be funded with EPWP stipends.

The success of the IMESA job creation framework strategy is dependent on the suppor t and par ticipation of each IMESA member and the full job creation document will be published on the IMESA website within the next few months. The intention of this ar ticle is to encourage IMESA mem-bers to share similar examples of catalytic projects or programmes that promote job creation within the municipal engineering environment so that these can be included in the framework and posted on the IMESA website.

Please forward submissions to

[email protected]



IMESA

IMESA is committed to making these celebrations the most memorable events for years to come.

A special coffee table book is being pro-duced, documenting the history and progress of municipal engineering in South Africa, with special emphasis on IMESA. The content for the book was researched and compiled by Professor Johan Haarhof.

Limited numbers of these books will be printed, numbered and available in hard cover. The first 100 numbered hard cover cop-ies have been reserved as commemorative presentation copies. A further 100 numbered hard cover copies are available for pre-sale and will have names listed in the book.

IMESA is printing a quality paperback ver-sion of the book that can be pre-ordered or purchased during the conference.

An official launch of the book will take place at the conference and will be supported by an overview presentation by Professor Haarhof.

The industry has put its full weight behind the conference and celebrations, with vari-ous sponsorships and an estimated 120 exhibition stands already sold. Registrations are proceeding actively and attendance is expected to reach between 800 and 1 000 delegates.

The conference programme promises to deliver an exciting and value-added experi-ence and all papers will be focused on the core theme of ‘Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow – Engineering of the Past into the Future’. Focus areas include: transportation and traffic engineering, sanitation, storm water management, roads, water engineer-ing, environmental engineering and financial aspects of providing services.

When asked about the quality of abstracts received by the conference programme com-mittee, Nico van den Berg of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering comments, “Each year the content quality exceeds past

IMESA coffee table book to be launchedThe 75th annual IMESA Conference takes place at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre from 26 to 28 October. IMESA will also celebrate its 50th jubilee during this time.

submissions and this year is no exception. We were very pleased with the effort put into all abstracts. This has in turn made it difficult to choose, but we believe we have delivered on our mandate and are confident that all del-egates will find the programme thought pro-voking, entertaining and of excellent quality.”

The gala event planned for the Thursday evening of the conference also follows the theme of ‘Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’. The dress code for the evening is ‘sport’ – giving testimony to the important role that sport has played in infrastructural develop-

ment and upliftment in our country. Our great stadia, the transport systems supporting these, and the roads and infrastructure that have been developed to host international sporting activities optimally bear strong wit-ness to South Africa as a passionate, sport-ing nation. Attendees of the gala event are encouraged to don their makarapas, rugby jerseys, soccer, cricket or golf paraphernalia and celebrate this success together.

IMESA conference delegates can claim 2.5 CPD points for attendance on all three days, earning one point for each day attended. Potential delegates are urged to book as quickly as possible even if payment is made a little later, as space is limited and IMESA would hate to disappoint anybody. Festivities have been planned for most evenings and IMESA therefore encourages delegates from out of town to consider staying over at the Birchwood Hotel. This will save on vehicle hire and fuel costs and allow delegates to enjoy themselves without the danger of driv-ing to alternate accommodation. With this in mind, IMESA has negotiated special rates for delegates wishing to stay at the Birchwood.

Per person single is R685.00 per night only, while the double rate is R950.00 per room.

The Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre was selected as the most suitable venue for the conference as it allows for the celebration of all aspects of the conference and golden jubilee in true style. The venue itself is an estate; all accommodation is on the ground floor and combines walkways and fresh air with the internal conference festivities. Golf carts are available to take guests to their rooms and there is ample relaxation, network-ing and conferencing space. This leaves one

with the sense that you can bask in the lovely warm October Johannesburg weather during the breaks, without having to walk miles.

This year’s technical tour is a very special excursion. Delegates will be treated to a Gautrain return trip between Rhodesfield and Sandton. The trip will be preceded by a presentation on the ‘Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’ of the Gautrain to provide the con-text for the trip. The excursion will be followed by a discussion, question and answer session at Birchwood over refreshments.

For those delegates bringing companions/spouses along to join the companion’s pro-gramme, IMESA has put together a good mix of cultural/historical sightseeing excursions as well as a visit to Montecasino for some retail therapy.

“This commemorative period in IMESA’s life promises to be one that delivers fun, enjoyment and plenty of networking, as well as learning and sharing, and we are sure it will be remembered for years to come,” com-ments Gavin Clunnie, chairman of the confer-ence local organising committee. “We look forward to meeting you there!”

A special coffee table book is being produced, documenting the history and progress of municipal engineering in South Africa

Documents

Imiesa august 2011 preview