3 minute read
Engineering
A huge bridge in the Eastern Cape is an engineering challenge.
One of the most exciting engineering projects in South Africa – and fraught in more ways than one – is the Msikaba Bridge project that forms part of the new N2 toll road between Port Edward in KwaZulu-Natal and Umtata in the Eastern Cape.
The CME JV (Concor – MECSA Construction Joint Venture) is the main contractor and it has had to stop work more than once because of protests of various sorts. Environmentalists don’t like the idea of this part of the Wild Coast becoming more accessible to miners and tourists and local residents have protested more than once about what they claim are unfulfilled promises of jobs on the building project.
The project will see the construction of two mega-bridges on the Msikaba (pictured) and Mtentu Rivers, seven other river bridges and several interchange bridges, as well as a new intersection, interchanges, pedestrian walkways and under- and overpasses for the use of farmers and for their stock.
In addition, sophisticated techniques are required to ensure that the 580m cable-stayed structure, which will span the 198m-deep Msikaba Gorge, is stable. The deck will be supported by 34 cable tendons connected to two 128m-high pylons. Winds have been known to blow at 100km/h at the site.
The CEO of Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) has called for a united front to help the sector fight its corner. Chris Campbell has noted that the country has “countless industry bodies” including, but not limited to, ECSA, SAICE, SABTACO, NSBE and SAIEE. Campbell referenced an earlier overarching body, the South African Forum for Engineering (SAFE) as a model. Such a body would be able to take an industry-wide position on issues such as the contentious issue of Cuban engineers working
SECTOR INSIGHT A call has been made for consulting engineers to unite.
on South Africa’s water system. The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) regulates the industry through professional registration and the standardisation of tertiary qualifications. South Africa is the only African member of the International Engineering Alliance (IEA).
An Investment and Infrastructure Office has been created in the Presidency. It is headed by the former Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Dr Kgosientso Ramokgopa. In 2020, 51 infrastructure projects with a total investment value of more than R340-billion were gazetted and hopes are high that this initiative will provide a boost for engineering firms. A study carried out by KMPG found that spending on infrastructure resulted in additional economic activity worth R26-billion and created 92 000 direct jobs.
The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) has created an entirely new industry in less than seven years, with investment of about R200-billion in solar parks and wind farms. This has created many opportunities for engineers.
Marine repair and engineering form a significant sector in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, with established companies such as EBH South Africa offering comprehensive services. Both KwaZulu-Natal ports are expanding and will continue to attract engineers.Dormac, which is ONLINE RESOURCES
Consulting Engineers South Africa: www.cesa.co.za Engineering Council of South Africa: www.ecsa.co.za South African Consulting Engineering Firms: www.consultsa.co.za Southern African Institution of Civil Engineering: www.civils.org.za headquartered in the Bayhead area of the Port of Durban, is best known for its marine engineering but it offers specialised services to the sugar industry and provides machinery for industrial giants like Toyota and Defy. The Engineering Council of South Africa has a programme where trainees can earn certificates in specific disciplines from a range of institutions. The qualifications are in line with the council’s Exit Level outcomes. Six of South Africa’s biggest construction companies have established a R1.25-billion skills fund. Several partnerships between the public and private sectors are trying to address the skills deficit. The Skills Development Amendment Act is intended to improve the situation. Universities, universities of technology and companies are increasing their focus on the training of engineers. ■
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