The project sought to address the high accident rate at the old Breidbach intersection and the traffic congestion. (Image source: SANRAL)

The N2 Belstone Interchange and route MR0688 lining Bhisho to Zwelitsha to traffic has opened in South Africa

The announcement was made by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) and marks an end to the project that was begun in September 2021. The workscope included the construction of new interchanges at the Belstone and the Breidbach intersections, construction of a link road from Breidbach towards Sweetwaters outside Zwelitsha, free-flowing interchange at Belstone Bridge, dualling of the MR0688 road Bhisho and reinforcement of the concrete structures with the necessary road works.

“The upgrades to this section of the N2 will result in improved management of traffic flow from Bhisho, Breidbach, Zwelitsha and East London, and improved safety for pedestrians and other non-motorised road users,” commented Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s regional manager for its southern region. “The one loop and off-ramp will present safer access to the N2 and improve safety for both motorists and pedestrians.”

A boost for local community

The project was valued at R438mn (approximately US$24mn), with a health proportion being spent on targeted SMMEs. Moreover, SANRAL invested in formal training of 614 locals by accredited training service providers to contribute to the skills development and capacitation of targeted enterprises to ensure they can be self-sufficient beyond the project.

“The benefit to the community goes beyond the new and safer road infrastructure,” continued Peterson. “Through this project, SANRAL was able to create job opportunities for 376 general workers from the local community, with about R106mn spent on wages of targeted labour.”

The Carmix 3.5TT is renowned for its robust performance in concrete mixing. (Image source: Carmix)

Carmix has announced a significant milestone in its partnership with NamWater, Namibia’s national water supplier

After extensive collaboration, NamWater has issued a tender for the purchase of a Carmix 3.5TT. This decision marks a new chapter in the reconstruction of a vital open concrete water canal.

The canal, stretching approximately 150 km from the village and border post of Omahenene to Oshakati, the largest northern town, is crucial for water distribution in the region. Initially, the first phase of the reconstruction, covering around 11 km, was completed in 2021 and 2022 through two different contractors. NamWater has now opted to handle the continuation of this project independently, signaling a strategic shift towards self-sufficiency.

It appears that Carmix’s persistent efforts have paid off as NamWater recognised the efficiency and reliability of the company’s solutions. The Carmix 3.5TT, renowned for its robust performance in concrete mixing, will play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the remaining phases of the canal reconstruction.

Carmix has indicated it is looking forward to supporting NamWater in the ambitious endeavor, confident that the Carmix 3.5TT will exceed the organisation’s expectations and contribute significantly to the infrastructure development in northern Namibia.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project at: www.carmix.com

Multiple member of Julius Berger were present at the summit. (Image source: Julius Berger)

Julius Berger Nigeria, an engineering construction company, has highlighted its commitment to greener and inclusive urban development through its participation at the Future Cities Summit

The conference ran in Lagos, Nigeria, from 16-19 July and was held under the theme of ‘Building Resilient Futures: Integrating Carbon Neutrality, Circular Economy and Inclusive Urban Development’. It placed urban resilience at the forefront of policy discourse on the trajectory of African cities with organisers suggesting that sustainable urbanism is not just about reducing carbon emissions but creating inclusive environments that can adapt, survive and thrive among future challenges. It featured a number of presentations from event sponsors and partners around this theme to set new norms in African construction as well as devise strategies for achieving carbon neutrality in cities.

Julius Berger was among these and contributed to the collective drive towards greener practices. Speaking at the conference, Jochen Stolle, director, corporate development of Julius Berger Nigeria, recalled the various initiatives by the construction company in enhancing sustainability in all aspects of its operations. He stated that Julius Berger actively pursues opportunities to foster shared value, aligning the interests of the company with those of the nation, communities, and dedicated staff. As reported by the organisation, Stolle touched on the various topics at the forefront of the summit and how Julius Berger has contributed including:

• Environment-centric solutions: company targets include the ongoing adoption of such solutions like incorporating energy-tracking smart buildings, utilising green concrete and recycled aggregates, implementing sustainable site installations, and leveraging prefabricated construction techniques;
• Sustainability and corporate social responsibility: the organisation adheres to the ten universal principles of the United Nations Global Compact;
• CSR: Julius Berger remains committed through donations and community development initiatives;
• Health safety & environment: the director noted that the company prioritises welfare of staff, broader society and the environment in Nigeria, adding that rigorous health, safety, and environmental measures are implemented to ensure responsible growth while preserving resources for the future.
• Human capital development: efforts include philanthropy and social welfare initiatives.

Ghana’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, speaking at the launch. (Image source: Office of the President, Republic of Ghana)

Ghana’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has presided over the sod-cutting ceremony for the dualisation of the Anwiankwanta-Ahenema Kokoben Road

The 20 km project is considered a vital step towards enhancing the road infrastructure in the Ashanti Region and alleviating traffic congestion and improving connectivity.

“The dualisation of the Anwiankwanta-Ahenema Kokoben Road will address the perennial congestion experienced on this road, which has affected the movement of goods to towns such as Ahenema Kokoben, Brofoyeduru, Kotwi, Trede, Adjamesu Dominase, Ofoase Kokoben, Anwiankwanta, Bekwai, and Obuasi,” commented the President at the ceremony.

He continued by highlighting that the project is part of a broader initiative to improve road conditions across densely populated areas in a bid to reduce travel times, lower vehicle operating costs and enhance road safety.

The project in Ghana will be executed by M/S Kofi Job Ltd, a Ghanaian company, under the supervision of the Ministry of Roads and Highways through the Ghana Highway Authority.

“Our government remains committed to decongesting urban areas and improving the overall infrastructure of our nation,” the President surmised. “This project is a testament to our dedication to solving real-life challenges and enhancing the quality of life for Ghanaians.”

Other significant road projects in the region were also outlined by the President, including the dualisation of the Ofankor-Nsawam Road and the Adenta-Dodowa Road. Additionally, the government is focused on replicating such initiatives along other road corridors within the region, such as the Suame Roundabout to Tafo Pankrono, and in other parts of the country, such as Takoradi and Tamale.

In his concluding remarks, President Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of continued investment in road infrastructure to address the country’s road deficit and meet the evolving needs of the population.