Construction World April 2018

intensive and, therefore, complements state’s focus on using infrastructure to create jobs. “Moreover, manufacturing relies on skilled workers, motivating ongoing investment into skills development by precast concrete companies, depending on the rate of roll-out of state infrastructure-delivery programmes. Working on multiple projects simultaneously, workers also benefit from secure employment prospects that are not reliant on the location or rate of rollout of EPWP projects,” he says. Maintenance of the facility is another important criterion in the selection of the most suitable construction material for the podium on all of Uranus Consulting Engineers’ projects, with precast concrete having proved to be a more cost-effective alternative to structural steel over the long-term. The material complements the use of other strategically selected materials, such as the clay face brick, to help reduce maintenance costs for the municipalities. De Jager concludes that he is confident that Corestruc will continue participating in these projects. This is considering the focus Cyril Ramaphosa, South African president, recently placed on accelerating infrastructure to create jobs, develop small and medium enterprises, as well as provide essential services to communities in his maiden State of the Nations Address.  • 70 members of poor communities are provided with construction-related jobs. • The complex comprises a sports centre, basketball and tennis courts, as well as a pitch. • Outsourcing has mitigated risk.

The company has designed an off-the-shelf system for the quick erection of precast concrete podiums. BELOW: Precast concrete has proved to be a cost-effective alternative over the long term by reducing maintenance cost.

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD APRIL 2018