7 / 64
5
CONSTRUCTION WORLD
JULY
2015
MARKETPLACE
Removing and replacing concrete that
has already cured or partially cured, is
a risk facing any concrete supplier who
through one mistake may lose millions of rands
or even their business depending on the size of
the pour and resilience of the company.
In a progressive move to protect both the
customer and readymix supplier, the Southern
Africa Readymix Association (Sarma), has
recently worked with insurance role players
to provide specialist indemnity insurance that
provides both parties with peace of mind in
the event of concrete failure. The policy is only
available to Sarma members and is offered by
construction insurance specialists, CivilSure.
Unforeseen failures
Although concrete failures can occur as a result
of unforeseen circumstances, underwriters
of the policy are satisfied that strict quality
standards applied to Sarma members which
are audited annually, and the generally high
standard of Sarma compliance is sufficient
reason to provide this type of insurance to Sarma
members only.
“If for example a person orders concrete
suitable for building a swimming pool, but
when it cures is found to be unsuitable, then
the insurance will kick in and pay for the repair
or removal of the failed concrete and pay for
the replacement of a new structure if required.
The policy therefore provides recourse for the
user, who will have their pool structure repaired
or replaced, as well as providing the supplier
with a means of guaranteeing their work
“The policy will pay out up to R10-million
in the event that the professional member of
Sarma undertook their duties in accordance
with the prescribed best practices as outlined by
Sarma. Claims for injury or damage will also be
covered and additional extensions may bemade
to cover the readymix plant’s actual equipment
against breakdowns, as well as certain legal
defences and consequential loss etc,” says
CivilSure’s Dan Payton.
INSURING AGAINST FAULTY CONCRETE
A specialist indemnity insurance policy has recently been introduced
to insure readymix concrete suppliers against claims arising by
clients or third parties in the event of concrete failures.
Dan Payton of CivilSure.
More cover
Additional fleet insurance packages are also
being made available to Sarma members.
“These are specialised readymix concrete related
insurance products that are made possible
through the high standards upheld by Sarma
members, as well as economies of scale as a
result of Sarma’s large membership.
“This type of cover has been very difficult
to obtain and not affordable, however the
insurance company has seen that the codes of
conduct of Sarma warrant that this cover can be
provided at a reasonable premium due.”
Johan van Wyk, general manager of Sarma,
concludes the insurance policies should
provide suppliers and buyers alike with peace
of mind to know that they are covered in the
event of something going wrong between the
stages of procurement, delivery and curing of
the concrete. It is another reason why users
should specify concrete only from Sarma
accredited members.
>
Pictured at the 28
th
Corobrik Architectural Student of the year event: Back row (from left): Dirk Meyer, Corobrik managing director; Graeme Noeth – Tshwane
University of Technology; Simon Henstra –University of Cape Town; Walter Raubenheimer – University of Pretoria; the winner Harold Johnson – University of
Johannesburg and Musa Shangase – Corobrik commercial director. Front row: Bridget Stevens – University of KwaZulu-Natal; Marius du Plessis – University of
the Free State; Alexandra Wilmot Nelson – Mandela Metropolitan University and Sarah de Villiers – University of Witwatersrand.