SOUTHERN CAPE NEWS - The South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) in the Southern Cape announced the winners of its Regional Engineering Excellence Awards at a gala dinner at Fancourt on Friday 31 August.
Judging by the increase in numbers from the previous year, which necessitated the event's move to the ballroom, SAICE is alive and well and thriving in the Southern Cape. The event was attended by SAICE members from local government and the industry. Cornelle Carstens, journalist at the Mossel Bay Advertiser, was the master of ceremonies.
Branch chairperson of the SAICE Southern Cape, Adrian van Molendorff, said the Southern Cape branch takes great pleasure in presenting the region's best projects. "They showcase our industry's ability to master the local engineering challenges. These projects will be our first going through to the national competition this year," he said.
Awards
In the category "most outstanding civil engineering achievement: institutional and structural engineering project", the new 12,5- megalitre reservoir at the old George water treatment works, walked away with the laurels. The George Municipality employed consulting engineers Royal HaskoningDHV on this project and Urhwebo e-Transand acted as contractor.
Another project in George awarded for excellence is the Thembalethu pipe bridge No 5. This project claimed the award for "most outstanding civil engineering achievement: community based project". Aurecon was the consulting engineers employed by the George Municipality, with contractors Entsha Henra and sub-contractors Urhwebo e-Transand and Freyssinet New Structures.
Mossel Bay claimed an equal share of awards. The Sonskynvallei phase 2 human settlement project was awarded "most outstanding civil engineering project achievement: project management and construction project". The Mossel Bay Municipality involved Royal HaskoningDHV in this successful project. Royal HaskoningDHV made use of Urhwebo e-Transand and Marnol Projects as contractors for civils and top structures respectively.
Winners at the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) Regional Engineering Excellence Awards were announced last Friday. This year's projects are the first from the Southern Cape to go through to the national competition.
The upgrading of the stormwater systems of several streets in Mossel Bay was awarded the top spot for "most outstanding civil engineering achievement: technical excellence". V3 Consulting Engineers was tasked by the Mossel Bay Municipality to take on this project. Sub-consultant ASP Technology and contractors Urhwebo e-Transand and Phambili Civils were also brought on board.
Growth and moving ahead
Van Molendorff commented that SAICE Southern Cape is continuing on its growth path, whilst making an effort to develop members and the engineering profession. "The courses in the region have been very well received. We will continue on this path in the new year and strive to deliver to the region's needs. The technical talks and site visits will develop into the future as well, to try and engage with our younger members. We have also taken the first tentative steps in engaging with the local IMESA committee to see how our activities and resources can be developed to the benefit of both organisations."
Van Molendorff mentioned a number of notable projects currently underway that have the potential to be future representatives of the region: the Gwaiing bridge upgrade, the Outeniqua WWTW upgrade, various housing projects, the extensive reworking of the old Toyota garage and extensive work on the national routes in the region.
"These again showcase that our industry best shows how our country will overcome the obstacles - by creating employment, training, infrastructure and economic opportunities for the communities they serve.
"The investment in our region continues and we see the positive growth in private development as a good sign for the future of our industry in the region."
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
