Forthcoming industry event information and revue of recently held functions

Absa Bank has announced that it is going to commit a significant amount of capital towards the low-cost housing market in South Africa by the year 2010 - a total of R2,6-billion. Speaking at the handover function of the first houses of the Olievenhoutbosch Ministerial Project Steve Booysen, group chief executive of Absa, stated that by 2010 Absa will be involved in 100 00 homes through collaboration and consultation with the National Housing.

The National Minister of Housing Lindiwe Sisulu and Mongezi Mnyani from the Gauteng Department of Housing handed over a completed 'special needs' house to disabled Refilwe Makau of Alexandra, north of Johannesburg on 30 March. Makau who is now 18 years old was born without legs.

In a further display of its commitment to meeting the cement needs of the country, Pretoria Portland Cement Company has announced a R604-million inland cement milling upgrade and expansion project. This latest expansion project is in addition to the group's current Dwaalboom Batsweledi R1.4 billion expansion project which will bring an additional 1.25 million tons of cement capacity on line.

Industry news and views from Southern Africa

Various construction products and services are highlighted for review

Current and proposed upmarket developments within South Africa are discussed