Following other significant mergers in the South African construction industry landscape in 2012, BKS is pleased to announce that it has joined AECOM with effect from 1 November 2012. Conclusion of the merger is pursuant to having received merger approval from the Competition Commission on 9 October 2012, and to fulfilling all other requirements of deal closure with AECOM Technology Corporation. For BKS, the move to become more globalised follows a proud and strong history of operating as a South African multidisciplinary engineering firm with international reach in Africa and the Middle East. Established in 1965, BKS has provided consulting engineering services in the areas of buildings, stadia, transportation, and water and sanitation for public-and private-sector clients.
From left: Chief executive of AECOM Africa, Indresen Pillay; Danai Magugumela, managing director of AECOM SA and AECOM chairman and chief executive officer, John Dionisio.
Roadmac Surfacing Cape added to its paving line-up on an intensive rehabilitation project with the acquisition of a Cat RM500 rotary mixer that is contributing to the formation of new and safer road sections. Upgrading strategic routes interconnecting South Africa's Northern Cape hinterland, Raubex Group entity, Roadmac Surfacing Cape (Roadmac) is currently pressing ahead on four major road projects for the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL).
Professional consulting engineering company Vela VKE - which recently became a part of the SMEC Group following the company's successful merger in June 2012 with the Australian-based global engineering consultancy firm - is playing a major role in the development of public transport in Rustenburg.
Vela VKE's head of Rustenburg division Tshepo Matshego points out that the company is responsible for the design and construction monitoring phases of the North-West Corridor of the Rustenburg rapid transport (RRT) system. The project is a joint venture involving UWP Consulting Engineers and Phatwe Consulting Engineers, and is estimated to cost R640-million.
Moving further afield: South African consulting engineering company, GIBB is set to benefit from Zambian government's commitment to a multi-billion US dollar infrastructure development programme. Zambia's infrastructure provision across a range of sectors, including roads upgrading, could create opportunities for GIBB to expand its footprint further into the country, says GIBB Group CEO, Richard Vries.
From left: Roadmac Surfacing Cape's recently acquired Cat RM500 rotary mixer deployed on a section of the R27; GIBB's Group CEO, Richard Vries and the Rustenburg Rapid Transport infrastructure project involves the development of new bus lanes, non-motorised transport lanes, numerous bus stations, a main transfer station, IT connection and control systems, bus depots and a control centre, in addition to street lighting.
