21
CONSTRUCTION WORLD
OCTOBER
2014
Duncan says that the Diepsloot project for
example will require an extensive upgrade
of William Nicol Drive, including a Bus Rapid
Transit (BRT) lane as well as the construc-
tion of a major water reservoir and sewerage
network, while electricity supply to the
development also has to be coordinated
carefully to ensure that the lights can be
switched on once the houses are built.
Another major challenge is managing
the diverse team of subcontractors working
on the development. “We manage all the
subcontractors, whether electrical, civils
or building, while the professional team at
this stage is managed by Gauteng Province
through its appointed project manager.
Another requirement from Province is that
30% of the work by value has to be under-
taken by local resources.” Duncan says that
Esor Construction brings in the necessary
supervisory skills and then deploys small
focused teams to acquire skills as they carry
out the actual work. However, the pedes-
trian bridges are challenging monolithic
structures being built largely without the
involvement of smaller contractors. “The
pedestrian bridges presented a construction
challenge in that it is tricky and difficult work
which is undertaken at a substantial height
over a major road.”
Adding to the mix of challenges is the
presence of threatened giant African bull-
frogs on site which necessitated onerous
requirements in terms of the environmental
management plan. “The idea is that as we
start building on site, through some ‘struc-
tured coercion’ the bullfrogs will migrate
down to the vlei portion of the site that has
been designated as a wildlife reservation for
their preservation.”
It has also not been decided yet as
to whether or not the infrastructure and
housing components should be tackled
jointly or separately. “From a contractor’s
perspective it will be wonderful just to
complete the infrastructure for the entire
development before building the first
house.” However, Duncan does not believe
that this will be a realistic strategy as there
are probably 40 000 people across the road
in the current Diepsloot residing in appalling
conditions and who need to be re-housed
in a safe and healthy living environment as
soon as possible.
A need for more local
projects
Despite its strong focus on South Africa,
Duncan says that Esor Construction does
have an office in Zimbabwe where it is on
the lookout for additional work. “Our philos-
ophy is that we will cross one border at a
time, but are in no real rush to head north
as we still have sufficient work here at home
to keep us going.” Duncan argues that the
South African government urgently needs
to roll out its infrastructure development
plan. “Unless this starts to be put into action
I do not see the outlook for the civils sector
changing much from its very pedestrian
growth rate at present.”
However, the housing sector presents
a rosier picture. “We are still sitting with a
very under supplied market especially on
the affordable housing side. There are signs
of real growth in that projects are being kick
started and the banks are lending again. The
government also has to deliver in terms of its
national housing budget.” In terms of some
of the latest trends in the housing sector,
Duncan says that the Diepsloot develop-
ment will incorporate a large number of
so-called CRUs (Community Rental Units)
in order to cater for the bottom end of the
rental market. “Rental is becoming a bigger
and bigger component of the affordable and
subsidised housing markets.”
In conclusion
Duncan concludes that the Diepsloot project
is a landmark integrated development not
1. The iconic ‘bird wing’ features taking
shape on South Bridge.
2. A view of North Bridge. Construction
on both pedestrian bridges started
simultaneously, but was delayed on North
Bridge due to difficult ground conditions.
3. The pedestrian walkway under
construction at North Bridge. It will be
fitted with iron balustrading.
only for Gauteng but for South Africa as a
whole. “It is developments such as these that
are advancing the subsidised and affordable
housing markets in the country.” There
are a number of trends being pioneered at
Diepsloot, such as the Total Street Concept,
where the entire road servitude is paved in
order to accommodate pedestrian walkways
and cycle and traffic lanes. “Such extensive
blacktop is more expensive but it is a far
better concept in terms of urban planning
as it definitely enhances the living spaces
of the residents.” Duncan adds that the fully
subsidised housing units at Diepsloot will
feature insulation and even double glazing,
in addition to a 20 m
2
rental unit attached
to each 40 m
2
house in order to create micro
landlords and help generate additional
income for residents.
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