Construction World December 2017

COMMENT

2 17 BEST PR O JECTS

Added to this is the fact that the country is still facing major social challenges. One such problem is the space planning from the past which is now causing to be a major headache for logistics – and for future engineering. “Transport engineering hasn’t found its proper place,” he stated. “We can’t keep building further.” In other major metropolitans across the world, such as New York and Mumbai, he says, the density figures are much higher: 9 600 people per square and 32 814 respectively. In stark contrast, in the Western Cape (for instance) there is a mere 1 293 people per square kilometre. Yet, despite this, the country is facing severe urban challenges with landfill and water issues. The collusion that took place during the construction of World Cup infrastructure is a contributing factor to the mistrust that exists between the government and the private sector and may be hampering engineering solutions. In general, says Manuel, “There is undoubtedly so much corruption, and so much violation of legislation that what South Africa needs is a new approach to engineering.” He uses China as example of how engineering could be implemented for the betterment of the country’s citizens. “It’s about finding solutions that I think will bring engineering back into fashion,” says Manuel. Bringing engineering back into fashion This is a special Best Projects issue that showcases how excellent South African engineering and construction can be. The projects in especially the civil engineering contractors and professional services categories, illustrate how engineering can be used to improve the lives of South Africa’s people. These categories include projects such as an urban bridge that connects the people from Alexandra to Sandton, water care works, the construction of a major bulk sewer for the Cape Flats, and various road projects to connect the country’s people. Speaking at a recent event for the South African Institution of Civil Engineering Young Member leadership, former Finance Minister and Minister in the Presidency, Trevor Manuel, said that unless South Africa deals with the widespread corruption, the country will be unable to provide the engineering services to its citizens that it should.

Sponsors AfriSam was the main sponsor of this event – and has been a supporter of this initiative from the start. This year it was joined by the gold sponsor (Federated Employer's Mutual Assurance Company), the silver sponsor (MBA North) and the bronze sponsor (Den Braven). We thank the sponsors who make this event possible.

Amit Daweerangen, General Manager Readymix Concrete at AfriSam

Ndivhuwo Manyonga, the CEO of Federated Employer's Mutual Assurance Company (FEM)

Mohau Mpomela, the executive director of MBA North.

Averil Webbstock, the MD of Den Braven.

Wilhelm du Plessis Editor

@ConstWorldSA

www.facebook.com/construction-worldmagazinesa

EDITOR & DEPUTY PUBLISHER Wilhelm du Plessis constr@crown.co.za ADVERTISING MANAGER Erna Oosthuizen ernao@crown.co.za LAYOUT & DESIGN Lesley Testa CIRCULATION Karen Smith

PUBLISHER Karen Grant PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Crown Publications cc P O Box 140 BEDFORDVIEW, 2008 Tel: 27 11-622-4770 • Fax: 27 11-615-6108

TOTAL CIRCULATION: (Third Quarter ’17) 4 874

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher. PRINTED BY Tandym Cape

www.constructionworldmagazine.co.za

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD DECEMBER 2017