ON THE COVER Representing global excellence in the demolition industry, Jet Demolition, in conjunction with Edifice Engineering of India, were declared runners-up in two categories at the 2023 World Demolition Awards (WDA). Currently in its 15th year and comprising 11 award categories, the WDA is part of the World Demolition Summit that took place from 17 to 18 October in Toronto, Canada. In partnership with Edifice Engineering, Jet Demolition entered the category of explosive demolition for the controlled implosion of the Supertech Twin Towers in Noida, Utter Pradesh near the capital New Delhi on 28 August 2022. It marked Jet Demolition’s second collaboration with Edifice Engineering, a leading demolition company based in Mumbai.
Mtentu Bridge: Africa's tallest and longest cantilever bridge in the making
South African National Roads Agency Limited’s N2 Wild Coast Toll Road (N2WCTR) serves as a shining example of a catalytic infrastructure project that combines socio-economic benefits and engineering ingenuity. The N2WCTR, which stretches from the Gonubie Interchange in East London to the Mtamvuna River near Port Edward, will shorten the current travel distance by 85 km resulting in a time saving of up to three hours.
The ambitious project entails the construction of two mega-bridge structures, seven additional major river bridges and several interchange bridges, as well as new intersections, interchanges, pedestrian walkways and agricultural under- and over-passes.
Among the remarkable feats planned within this programme is the construction of Mtentu bridge near Lundini in the Eastern Cape province. Once completed, Mtentu Bridge will be Africa's tallest bridge at a staggering 223 m high. With a length of 1,13 km, including a 260 m long main span, the bridge will also rank among the world's longest main-span balanced cantilever bridges.
Key takeaways from the 16th Green Building Convention 2023
Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) held the 16th Green Building Convention in Cape Town recently, including the GBCSA Leadership Awards, celebrating remarkable achievements in the green building sector. Held from November 15-17, the gathering brought together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders committed to advancing sustainability in the built environment. Lead sponsors, Rand Water and Nedbank partnered with GBCSA to make the convention another resounding success.
The event has grown into the largest and most significant built environment conference in South Africa, and hosted 700 professionals, featured more than 100 speakers, workshops, and discussions, showcasing innovative and sustainable initiatives that indicate an extensive commitment to a greener and more sustainable world.
But this needs to include everyone, says GBCSA CEO Lisa Reynolds, reflecting on the strong theme of inclusive sustainability running through many of the presentations: “When GBCSA was established, the goal was focusing on the ‘top 5%’, with the buildings achieving certification indicating a commitment to limiting their impact. But sustainability is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. Anyone who lives in a building is now part of this movement – we are broadening the spectrum and I think that’s exciting.”
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