Construction World July 2016

PROJECTS AND CONTRACTS

PRACTICAL SOLUTION TO SCHOOL OVERCROWDING A shortage of space and significant overcrowding in some schools is a prevalent concern in the South African education sector. Highlighting this matter, the Education Minister of the Executive Council (MEC) Panyaza Lesufi has confirmed that 533 out of 1 856 schools within the Gauteng Education Department’s (GED) domain have classroom shortages.

The GED has furthermore deduced, based on its survey of these regional schools, that an additional 1 069 ordinary

ects manager, Con de Villiers: “The Kaalfontein project is a unique milestone for Kwikspace. We erected an alternative modular double-storey building for the very first time in South Africa, with a concrete slab on the second floor. This double-storey structure included an additional ablution unit that represents a new design style and methods of construction, incorporating classrooms and ablutions within the same block.” This project activity in the local commu- nity has provided a much needed boost by creating 95 local jobs and employing five local subcontractors who have used their skills in paving, plumbing, electrical and general building applications. Some stringent challenges were presented during the restructuring of the school. The construction site was occupied by 30 mobile classroom units and learners, all of whom had to be accommodated and relocated while Kwikspace set to work. Construction proceeded without affecting the normal process of learning at the existing school. This meant that Kwik-

space’s engineers and managers had to plan all site operations and construction activities in five phases, to adapt to the school’s daily programme. Further arrangements were made to relocate mobile classrooms to their respective designated locations and settle learners into their new spaces on a weekly basis. In a statement made in his budget speech in 2015, MEC Lesufi said that the GED was committed to improving learning conditions by providing students with a safe, well-equipped infrastructure for an environment conducive to learning. “The double-storey building is a miracle – our school is now the envy of all other schools around Thembisa and Kaalfontein,” comments Kaalfontein Secondary School Principal, KG Maduma Kaalfontein Secondary School was estab- lished in 2012, after a steep increase in the community population there, which almost doubled between the years 1996 and 2011, rising from 237 676 to 463 109 citizens.

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classrooms are still required. In light of these circumstances, the GED recently contracted mobile buildings supplier Kwikspace Modular Buildings (Kwikspace) for assistance at Kaalfontein Secondary School in Tembisa, Midrand in the Gauteng Province. Kwikspace provided a permanent structure as an urgent solution that is a benchmark in the industry, providing functional, efficient class- room space for approximately 1 468 learners in a matter of weeks. The mobile solutions company erected a first-of-its-kind, double-storey unit using alter- native building methods that consisted of a steel and concrete structural frame. The project included the construction of 32 classrooms, 10 ablution units, an administration building, a nutrition centre and landscaping of the existing school grounds. Comments Kwikspace construction proj-

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LESSONS FROM CHILE

Partnerships for economic growth, is the theme of this year’s annual SATC that will take place from 4 to7 July at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria. What can the industry learn from the Chile experience in improving the lives of all its citizens? This will be unpacked by Professor de Solminihac during his presentation and is a fitting theme considering the socio-eco- nomic issues in Southern Africa. The objective of this address is to describe Chile’s most relevant expe- riences and examples in its road system development and how this has impacted on the socio and economic development of the country. Delegates will hear about the main problems encountered in Chile. At the same time they will have first-hand information on what solutions were implemented in developing the road infrastructure in offsetting these challenges. Of particular interest will be Professor de Solminihac’s ideas on how a developing country can work to improve its road infrastructure which in turn improves the quality of life for its population. As these designs are being implemented, all road users in Chile are titled, ‘The importance of the road infrastructure development in the socio-economic growth of Chile’ on 5 July 2016 at the 35 th annual Southern African Transport Conference (SATC). > International transport expert, Professor Hernan de Solminihac from Chile will present a talk

benefitting. Reduced travel time, fewer accidents and improved vehicle operating costs are just some of the benefits. Business sectors such as road haulage, mining, agriculture and tourism are also seeing positive spin-offs due to the improved road infrastructure. Delegates will also hear how revitalising a country’s road infrastructure is a great incentive to revitalise a country’s economy. New investments in roads, says Professor de Solminihac, will improve overall productivity. Road transport connects nations and unites countries. Without proper solutions to move people and freight, economies will remain stagnant. The main aim of SATC is to respond positively to the challenges and needs of transport users.

CONSTRUCTION WORLD JULY 2016