The outbreak of the Covid-19 virus in South Africa has once again highlighted the dangers that the country’s lacking water infrastructure pose for the most vulnerable in our society, says Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA). Image supplied Jan Venter, CEO of SAPPMA, says frequent hand washing with soap and clean water is one…
The Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) has announced its support of the continuation of waste collection, processing and effective disposal during the impending lockdown period. As South Africans prepare to stay indoors for the next three weeks, waste generation at home is projected to increase. “Continuing public waste management is essential; waste…
With regard to the impact of the Covid-19 virus on global business, it is fair to say that in the quest to find socio-economic solutions to pandemic threats, we are witnessing change-management on a globally unprecedented scale. Many organisations are needing to implement measures at many touchpoints at very short notice. It is scary, challenging…
London-based architecture firm De-Urban Design Studio has launched a new ideas competition called ‘De-Urbanized Epidemics: Re-Design of the Concept of Health in Relation to the Built Environment’. Image source: De-Urban Design Studio The brief: Urbanised humans are the most invasive species on Earth, consuming the majority of the planet’s resources. In an endless battle with…
South Africa will enter a nationwide lockdown for 21-days with effect from midnight on Thursday 26 March 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa said. President Cyril Ramaphosa The lockdown, announced in a televised address to the nation on Monday night, is part of efforts to curb the rapid spread of the coronavirus in the country. “This is…
All 61 turbine installations at Kangnas Wind Farm have been completed two weeks ahead of schedule. Furthermore, the project is proud to confirm that the 45-member crew that took on this large-scale lifting programme, are mostly local South Africans from the Northern Cape Province. With all turbines now installed, the project is swiftly moving along…
The construction industry faces a major productivity challenge because it lags behind other major sectors in adopting artificial intelligence (AI). Professor Alfred Ngowi, deputy vice-chancellor: research innovation and engagement, Professor Fidelis Emuze, built environment and Professor Nomvula Rakolote, CEO: Association of Construction Project Managers. “AI can also help the industry overcome its major challenges which…
Big infrastructure projects are always controversial. Yet in parts of the world associated with severely deficient infrastructure, the positive value of major infrastructure investments is often taken as a given. The Kampala-Entebbe expressway.Andi111/Shutterstock.com This assumption needs to be subjected to much greater scrutiny, as I argue in new research that explores the narrative of Africa’s…
Atterbury has been awarded the contract to develop a new distribution facility for Aramex South Africa in Richmond Park, Milnerton, Cape Town. The new facility will consolidate the company’s two existing Cape Town operations into one fit-for-purpose 9,240m2 facility. Earthworks will begin in June this year and the building will be completed in February 2021.…
A new green building project broke ground at the Portswood District of the V&A Waterfront last year, which will use the recycled beverage bottles known as ecobricks as part of its construction. The Ridge Building, a bespoke eco-building, will serve as the regional office of a multinational client, Deloitte. The ecobricks comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PET)…