Infrastructure June 2023

INFRASTRUCTURE

GROWING INFRASTRUCTURE,

REDUCING IMPACT INVESTING IN MAINTENANCE SERVICES

THE SOCIAL AND EDUCATION CHALLENGE

DEVELOPMENT

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

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Green shoots among South Africa’s crumbling infrastructure

South Africa’s public infrastructure has been buckling in the past few years, as road, rail and water networks begin to crumble due to lack of maintenance or adequate oversight.

On the flip side of the coin, the drive towards sustainability and the increasing implementation of renewable energy mean that there are plenty of exciting infrastructure projects in the offing as well. In this issue, we consider both the challenge facing public services and facilities, and the opportunities arising from the new, green focus on infrastructure.

This includes pondering exactly what would be required to unlock the local renewable energy sector, as well as how architects are implementing sustainable and green designs into new buildings. We also consider how infrastructure development

5 DEVELOPMENT

How to make the expansion of infrastructure more resource efficient and less environmentally damaging.

6 SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Can the massive backlog in the education sector be solved by private-sector investment in necessary infrastructure?

9 SUSTAINABILITY

How to meet urban demands for economically, socially and environmentally sustainable infrastructure.

11 THOUGHT LEADERSHIP: CITIES

South Africa needs well-located, multi-family, mixed-income units that are integrated

can be made more resource efficient and less environmentally damaging.

Education remains a priority in South Africa, which makes it vital that infrastructure development in the education space happens. We look at the role the private sector can play here.

In addition, we focus on how to ensure effective fire safety by implementing the necessary processes early in the infrastructure life cycle, why infrastructure investments are fast becoming an essential component of many institutional investor portfolios, and how cities’ needs for well-located, multi-family, mixed-income units, integrated with commercial and work opportunities, cannot be met without the expertise of architects.

Rodney Weidemann Editor

with commercial and work opportunities, and local architects need to deliver.

Contents15 THOUGHT LEADERSHIP: SUSTAINABILITY

The importance of green building techniques in the 21st century.

21 THOUGHT LEADERSHIP: INVESTMENT

Infrastructure remains an attractive asset class for institutional investors.

27 THOUGHT LEADERSHIP: MAINTENANCE AND DEVELOPMENT

Investing in the maintenance and development of the country’s infrastructure will benefit millions of citizens.

28 THOUGHT LEADERSHIP: SAFETY

Key fire-safety measures for the average modern building and when these should be implemented.

Growing infrastructure, reducing impact

The expansion of infrastructure is being recognised as an opportunity to facilitate more resource-efficient and environmentally friendly ways of life. Can South Africa learn from the mistakes of other countries and develop for a more sustainable future?

By ANTHONY SHARPE

FAST FACT

Government plans to spend more than R812-billion on infrastructure development for the period 2022–2025.

Source: National Treasury

Thoughtfully designed, functional infrastructure is key to the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of any country. As the world attempts to move towards more sustainable practices in an effort both to adapt to climate change and to stave off even greater climatic shifts, infrastructure – that interconnected web of assets that underpins our lives – is increasingly coming under the spotlight.

Moreover, in a world where the direct and knock-on effects of climate change are becoming more tangible with every passing year, the necessity for infrastructural resilience is gaining appreciation. A report by The Economist Intelligence Unit, The critical role of infrastructure for the Sustainable Development Goals, states: “First, the infrastructure must itself be resilient to the shocks and stresses it will encounter. This in turn enables it to make an essential contribution to sustainable development and overall societal resilience, by ensuring that the vital services infrastructure provides are less vulnerable to extreme events and disruptions.”

Driven by success

Given how frequently we face disruptions – from extreme events and systemic mismanagement alike – South Africa’s circumstances and challenges are unique, but there is nevertheless much we can learn from the experiences of other nations. Fundamentally, building infrastructure is fraught with complexity and the unexpected – a study published in the Project Management Journal found that nine out of ten megaprojects run over budget.

Simon van Wyk, director for sustainability and ESG and risk advisory at Deloitte Africa, estimates that for every R1-billion invested in infrastructure, you can safely anticipate a loss of more than R220-million.

“Clearly, something needs to change. What we’re seeing internationally is taking a success-driven approach to infrastructure. That means firstly understanding what good looks like, then honing in on the critical success factors that can get you there.”

Of course, the country’s particular circumstances mean that our infrastructural needs are urgent. While legacy infrastructure presents its own challenges around how to change and augment assets, van Wyk says the first point for all new infrastructure is ensuring that the recommendations from environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA) are implementable.

“The second step is to let the design and operational philosophies of the infrastructure actually be guided by stakeholder needs,” van Wyk says. “We should also harness our abundance of solar and wind resources to meet our own power needs and fuel our energy transition.”

Moreover, increasing energy efficiency will enable us to get the most out of the resources and energy we have, with the ultimate aim of achieving deep decarbonisation. Van Wyk says that while it might seem difficult to choose a focal area among these goals, they can be achieved in parallel by identifying infrastructural opportunities across them.

Designing for need

One crucial element of forward-thinking infrastructure development is designing for what people need, especially in terms of spatial planning. “Spatial planning is too often more a case of what we think people need, rather than what they actually need,” says van Wyk. “Infrastructure should serve a purpose and bring value to people. We need to engage with, relate to and gain perspective from stakeholders, then design infrastructure assets with purpose.” Purposeful design is about taking into account more than just present needs, however. It needs to consider future needs in order to ensure lasting relevance – and resilience, especially important in the face of burgeoning climate change threats.

“Resilience is a choice,” says van Wyk. “The materials and design considered for infrastructure ought to be developed based on the principles of future needs. You should design and build for future generations, because they too are entitled to a safe and healthy environment.”

He takes the view that climate change, while an undeniable threat, also presents an opportunity for fresh and progressive thinking around infrastructure. “Innovations like solar thermal storage – prompted by the pressures of climate change and the need to meet our net zero ambitions – can be localised and have substantial impacts on societies while generating minimal environmental impacts,” he concludes.

“Spatial planning is too often more a case of what we think people need, rather than what they actually need.” – Simon van Wyk

Simon van Wyk

The social and education infrastructure challenge

South Africa’s social infrastructure, especially in the education sector, faces severe deficiencies that require private sector assistance to help make them fit for purpose, writes

BENJAMIN VAN DER VEEN

• Public ordinary schools: D

• Technical vocational education and training colleges: D+

• Universities: C+

The report highlights issues around ordinary public schools: “While some progress has been made on improving school facilities, many are not well maintained and are out of order. Improvement programmes routinely miss targets, and available budgets must be fully utilised.

“In addition, the reliability of water and electricity supply in schools could be better, while theft, malicious property damage, and arson remain significant threats to overcoming the backlogs in public schools and higher education centres.”

Combating our education backlog

EDUCATION INVESTMENT FUNDING

Established by Old Mutual in 2011, the Schools and Education Investment Impact Fund South Africa (SEIIFSA) is the first and largest education impact fund in the country. Its focus is on making investments that improve the quality of education in South Africa, particularly with regard to the upgrading of existing or building of new independent schools in the affordable market segment. SEIIFSA also seeks to make a positive social impact through contributing to employment creation, gender equality, transformation and environmental sustainability. Its portfolio is diversified across seven investments and 39 schools in seven provinces, managed by six specialist operators, three of which are 100 per cent black-owned.

Source: Old Mutual Alternative Investments.

Social infrastructure is lacking in South Africa, says Infrastructure SA head Kgosientso Ramokgopa, specifically highlighting a massive backlog in the education sector. This, he explains, has required the private sector to plug the gaps for around R193-billion in total schools expenditure.

South Africa has been plagued by infrastructure problems since the mid-2000s. Moreover, in the past 12 years, South Africa’s overall infrastructure rating has fallen to a D (at risk of failure), indicating that it is currently not coping with public demand and buckling due to poor maintenance.

The South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) first published the rating while highlighting the country’s infrastructure difficulties, noting that South Africa is at risk of becoming a “failed state”.

According to the SAICE 2022 Infrastructure Report Card, only 15 of the 32 different local infrastructure segments assessed were found to be “satisfactory”, or above a C grade. “The remaining segments have fallen into a graded D or E category, which means they are at risk of failing or being unfit of purpose,” the report states.

Most notably, the report mentions that social infrastructure, such as education, scored on average a D+. These sector scores are as follows:

South Africa’s education system faces many challenges, including food insecurity, inequity, language barriers, learning backlogs, poor infrastructure and insufficient funding. While these challenges to the public education system obviously existed long before COVID-19, it is clear that the pandemic exacerbated them.

According to Gail Campbell, CEO of the Zenex Foundation, an independent education grant-maker, schools can remediate some of the effects of poverty and disadvantage by implementing certain interventions. “To improve South Africa’s education system, we must solve learning backlogs. Achieving this in turn requires well-trained teachers who can support such learners, and crucially, having sufficient resources, vibrant classrooms and decent physical infrastructure. Ultimately, quality schooling can make a difference in negating the impact of poverty.”

The Department of Basic Education has already partnered with private companies to implement some of these interventions.

Here, Anglo American’s education programme is seen an example of what South Africa needs to help end the learning backlogs within the country. This programme is integral to its Sustainable Mining Plan, and commits the company to a holistic range of ambitious goals that shape how its stakeholders guide their business.

Nolitha Fakude, chairperson of Anglo American’s South African management board, indicates that the company entered phase 2 of its education programme earlier this year. “This phase entails the company investing an additional R510-million to support an additional cohort of 84 schools and about 80 early childhood development centres in the Limpopo, Northern Cape and North West provinces over five years. R110-million of this will be invested in infrastructure.

“Our partnerships with the Department of Basic Education and other key stakeholders are fundamental to the success of the programme and to the transformational impact we can have as a responsible business,” Fakude concludes.

According to the SAICE 2022 InfrastructureReportCard, only 15 of the 32 different local infrastructure segments assessed were found to be “satisfactory”, or above a C grade.

Gail Campbell

Nolitha Fakude

MAKING SOUTH AFRICA’S INFRASTRUCTURE PLANS BANKABLE

South Africa has a pipeline of infrastructure projects to take the country forward. Engaging the private sector is one way to implement the delivery of these projects. By BUKIWE

While South Africa has a good core infrastructure, it has deteriorated significantly over the last few years, as backlogs in maintenance and new infrastructure development have taken their toll. This has made it difficult for government (both national and local) and businesses to meet the needs of a growing population.

If there is some good news, it is that government has acknowledged the impact of the neglect of existing infrastructure and the lack of development of new systems and has set up initiatives to tackle this. These include Operation Vulindlela, which should drive the reforms needed to support accelerated infrastructure development. Meanwhile, several projects are in the pipeline that could help to build South Africa’s infrastructure capacity considerably.

In the next two years, we understand that the following projects, which will require private funding, will come to market:

• Redevelopment of Tygerberg Hospital PPP;

• Redevelopment of six Ports of Entry Programme PPP;

• Umkhomazi Water Augmentation Programme;

• Lanseria Wastewater Treatment Works phase 1;

• Magalies Water: Water Supply projects;

• Several Transnet projects in the rail and ports space; and

• Gautrain expansion phase 1 and the renewal of the existing concession.

OBSTACLES

There are, however, two major obstacles to getting these projects off the ground, namely cost and bankability.

Regarding cost, as of March 2021, South Africa’s infrastructure finance requirement was estimated at R6.2-trillion, a figure that government cannot fund on its own. This is where private and other external capital can be deployed through sources such as commercial banks, the development finance institutions, debt funds, equity funds and the bond market.

market: to been

While the private sector certainly has the resources to fund infrastructure projects, bankability remains a major issue. In particular, projects need the various risks to be mitigated appropriately to make them attractive to private capital. Some progress has been seen on this front,

with government sponsors aiding government entities to ensure appropriate due diligence and financial structuring activities are undertaken. Innovative financing models that tap into private capital can make the world of difference. South Africa has previously successfully implemented public-private partnerships in the financing of projects, and this should be a model for the future. Blended finance could be used for these projects to ensure certain local government and municipal level projects benefit from a combination of public sector and private sector finance. This blended finance will expand the number of projects that can be considered bankable.

Our experience in engagements with key government stakeholders is that there is a growing willingness to embrace these models. We are cautiously confident that in the next two to three years, we will see more bankable projects coming to market. While we believe the overall regulatory framework is sufficient to drive infrastructure projects, agility in the project preparation and key approval stages is required to get these projects to the capital they need.

Finally, the unlocking of infrastructure finance also hinges on technical expertise in the construction, operations and maintenance of infrastructure projects. We believe South Africa has a mature construction sector that also meets the relevant Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment requirements to successfully manage the challenges ahead.

PANTSHI, infrastructure finance consultant at Investec, and MARTIN MEYER, head: power and infrastructure finance at Investec

Bukiwe Pantshi

GOVERNMENT’S SPECIALIST ADVISORY ENTITY

Infrastructure SA was established to be the single point of entry for all infrastructure projects and the custodian of the comprehensive infrastructure project pipeline in South Africa. It has played a significant role in improving the investment climate, increasing private sector participation in infrastructure development and promoting sustainable infrastructure.

Delivering sustainable infrastructure projects

In a world that is recognising the importance of sustainability, the term “sustainable infrastructure” is generally seen as infrastructural development that is planned and implemented under the principle of doing no harm – either to people or the environment – in order to enhance the sustainability of the infrastructure’s operation and the market in which it operates.

Locally, sustainable infrastructure development is crucial for reaching South Africa’s long-term economic and social goals. Infrastructure delivery will be one of the biggest contributors to the country’s transition from a historically closed, minerals-based economy to one that is globally and regionally integrated, low carbon, inclusive and promoting of dynamism in the industries of the future.

The issue, notes Cameron Staude, co-founder and director of construction at law firm NSDV, is that in reality, South Africa’s infrastructure is on the verge of collapse. Such challenges are exacerbated by the impact of the climate crisis (recall the KwaZulu-Natal floods of 2022), which leads to greater damage to critical infrastructure.

“So, what is needed to stop our infrastructure from sinking, and to deliver sustainable infrastructure projects?” asks Staude. “A good place to start is with the laws. Government’s planned infrastructure legislative amendment programme is aimed at putting the legal framework in place required

to foster infrastructural development. The legislative change that has had the most impact on sustainable energy infrastructure delivery recently is the amendment to Schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act 4 of 2006. This increased the licensing threshold for self-generation power facilities from 1MW to 100MW.”

This legislative amendment has ushered in a new era for independent power production, continues Staude, with projects worth billions completed or in the pipeline. These can ease dependence on the strained national grid, while reducing the country’s carbon footprint.

Infrastructure funding mechanisms

According to Wildu du Plessis, senior partner at Alchemy Law Africa, funding sustainable infrastructure remains a challenge. “Various financing mechanisms such as private-public partnerships (PPPs), blended finance and green bonds are being explored. Public investment in infrastructure is essential for providing the initial funding necessary to build said infrastructure. Private investment in infrastructure can also provide additional funding to supplement the public kind. This investment can take various forms, including equity investments, debt financing and PPPs.”

Du Plessis notes that PPPs are often seen as the best approach for sustainable infrastructure, as they can leverage privatesector expertise, innovation and funding to

deliver sustainable infrastructure. “The main challenges in getting PPPs up and running include the complexity (and robustness) of the procurement process, lack of capacity within the public sector to manage PPPs effectively, and the need for clear and transparent governance arrangements.

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to sustainable infrastructure development, and the suitability of different approaches depends on the specific circumstances of each project. PPPs do have a number of advantages, but other strategies might also be appropriate depending on the situation. Public finance, private grants and subsidies, or green bonds are a few alternative strategies.”

The next steps

Staude says South Africa needs considerable investments in renewable energy, public transportation, affordable housing, sustainable agriculture, waste reduction and education. “The country should also foster collaboration between government, civil society and the private sector, while implementing policies that promote sustainability such as carbon pricing, renewable energy targets and green building standards.

“Additionally, we should increase investment in sustainable infrastructure using the innovative financing mechanisms already mentioned, while establishing a monitoring and evaluation system to track the impact of sustainable infrastructure projects. In this way, government can promote development that benefits its citizens, and addresses environmental and social challenges, while also promoting economic growth and creating jobs.”

By working together, adds du Plessis, we can ensure that South Africa’s infrastructure development meets the needs of its citizens and is sustainable for future generations. “Remember that sustainable infrastructure also helps improve community service delivery – including access to clean water, reliable electricity, safe and efficient transport, modern healthcare facilities and access to education – making it essential for long-term social wellbeing.”

The right laws and funding mechanisms need to be in place if we are to foster truly sustainable infrastructure development in South Africa, writes RODNEY WEIDEMANN

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to sustainable infrastructure development, and the suitability of different approaches depends on the specific circumstances of each project.” – Wildu du Plessis

THE COLLECTIVE VOICE FOR PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTS

The South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) and its nine regions is a voluntary membership-based association representing the interests of its members and upholding the dignity of the profession

The South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) is recognised by the architectural regulator, the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP). SAIA is a member of the Africa Union of Architects (AUA), the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA), the International Union of Architects (UIA), the International Commission on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), and the International Committee Documentation and Conservation of buildings, sites and neighbourhoods of the Modern Movement. (DOCOMOMO).

MISSION

SAIA’s mission is to act as the collective voice serving the interests of its members in pursuit of excellence and responsible design.

It aims to uphold the dignity of the architectural profession and contribute meaningfully to the enhancement of society and the environment. The fundamental principles of equality and justice are implicit in its Constitution.

CODE OF ETHICS

SAIA and its regions are committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and competence.

Members are required to uphold and subscribe to these objectives and, within the built environment, strive to improve the standards of health and safety for the protection and welfare of all members of society and to enhance, with their professional skills, the natural environment for the benefit of all.

The SAIA Code of Ethics establishes principles for the conduct of members in pursuance of these goals.

MEMBERSHIP

SAIA membership comprises professional architects, candidate architects and architectural students that are educated and trained to provide leadership, critical judgement, specialist knowledge, skills and aptitude for the design and development of the built environment.

Members enrol as individuals with a region of SAIA and their architectural practices are registered nationally with SAIA. Membership benefits include the following :

• Advocacy: ensuring the protection of the architectural profession from regulatory changes and the changing responsibilities of other professions and role players in the built environment.

• Communcations: newsletters and publications.

• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) validation of the architectural sector courses and offering category one activities: webinars addressing practice and transformation.

• Practice support: advice and services ranging from contractual documents and appointments of arbitrations to mediations and specialist opinions resulting from conflict resolution.

• Promotion of architecture: awards recognising individuals and the Corobrik SAIA Awards of Merit and Awards for Excellence and regional awards through the SAIA regional institutes.

• Professional indemnity insurance through the APIGIS scheme at discounted rates.

• Network opportunities: regional-based events and exhibitions.

SAIA AND REGIONAL OFFICES

SAIA National Offi ce Tel: 011 782 1315 website: www.saia.org.za

SAIA Border-Kei (Eastern Cape)

Tel: 043 748 1156 website: www.bkia.co.za

CIfA a region of SAIA (Western Cape)

Tel: 021 424 7128 website: www.cifa.org.za

SAIA Eastern Cape Tel: 078 586 6556 website: www.ecia.co.za

SAIA Free State Tel: 051 447 4909 website: www.fsia.co.za

GIfA a region of SAIA (Gauteng)

Tel: 010 006 5566 website: www.gifa.org.za

SAIA Kwazulu Natal (KwaZulu-Natal)

Tel: 031 201 7590 website: www.kznia.org.za

SAIA Limpopo Tel: 015 297 0204 website: www.saialimpopo.co.za

SAIA Mpumalanga Tel: 079 686 6535 website: www.mpia.co.za

PIA a region of SAIA (Gauteng)

Tel: 012 346 1051 website: www.pia.org.za

ABOUT THE SOUTH AFRICAN COUNCIL FOR THE ARCHITECTURAL PROFESSION

For more information: 011 782 1315 admin@saia.org.za www.saia.org.za

Creative cities are those that optimally harness the skills of architects

Architects have a crucial role to play in transforming South Africa’s cities and addressing their historical issues, writes

PROF AMIRA OSMAN of the South African Institute of Architects

The most creative cities are those that acknowledge the importance of the architectural profession in their development. This is made evident by the number of architects per capita in the most advanced cities of the world. Some countries even have government-funded agencies dedicated to exploring innovation in the built environment.

A great deal of innovative projects have come about because city authorities have consulted with the architectural profession in conceptualising briefs. Many urban innovations that we take for granted originated because of the involvement of architects or the employment of “city architects”.

Every project and site-level intervention has the potential to be transformational. Experimentation and innovative pilot projects are as important as policy change. We have many progressive policies on the built environment; the challenge is in the translation of these policies into actual projects.

Designing change

This is where the architectural profession has a vital role to play. However, the profession will not be able to participate meaningfully in addressing socioeconomic and environmental transformation unless there is political will to make these policies a reality, and for them to have a positive and tangible impact on the daily lives of people.

In terms of the Architectural Profession Act, only persons registered with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession may practice architecture. This mandatory requirement serves to protect the environment against unsound architectural practices, and to ensure the delivery of services to the public with due care, skill, diligence and integrity. While architects have been feeling the need to intervene, participate and be heard, they must also work with communities, harnessing local knowledge systems in developing context-specific solutions.

This is not only about seeking a solution for “the poor”; it is a change in thinking

and practice that benefits every sector of society. Our segregated cities disadvantage everyone. An integrated and transformed city benefits everyone.

Simple solutions to complex problems

South African cities need well-located, multifamily, mixed-income units that are integrated with commercial and work opportunities and social services. This cannot be achieved without the expertise of architects, yet the solutions are not necessarily complex.

A return to simple principles in constructing our buildings, neighbourhoods and cities may help reduce our reliance on mechanical systems. It can also reduce energy consumption, allow for small-scale builders and communities to participate, and ultimately achieve solutions that are relevant,

environmentally conscious and socially and economically appropriate.

There is a need to recognise affordable housing and food production as integral components of all urban developments, as well as to ensure high density to support small business development, functional transport systems, safety through passive surveillance, and ease of access to healthcare and education. Infrastructure projects need to be conceptualised with a view to achieving spatial transformation agendas.

Climate change will continue to exacerbate the vulnerability of communities unless systematic and targeted programmes are put into place to increase their resilience. A broader alignment of infrastructure development projects includes the rectification of South Africa’s historical spatial inequities. Plans should align with spatial and economic agendas at all levels of the built environment – across the conceptualisation, procurement, implementation and maintenance stages.

The way our cities are structured has been, and still is, soulless and soul destroying. Being the most unequal country internationally, South Africa could yet become a pioneer in reversing this situation, and the architectural profession may be at the forefront of this process.

While the capacity of the private sector is to be mobilised and celebrated, it must be remembered that it is only government that may lead a truly transformational and developmental agenda.

South African cities need well-located, multi-family, mixed-income units that are integrated with commercial and work opportunities and social services.

Conradie mixed-use social housing city of the future

COMMITTED TO CREATING A SIGNIFICANTLY TRANSFORMED AFRICA THROUGH INFRASTRUCTURE

As a leading African engineering and infrastructure development company with a diverse array of interests, assets and projects across Africa, Bigen is helping to bring much-needed development to the African continent, writes

Bigen Group CEO LUTHANDO VUTULA

The poor state of infrastructure in many parts of Africa is negatively impacting economic growth and business productivity, making Africa – despite its enormous mineral and other natural resources – one of the regions with the lowest productivity levels in the world. One business working to address this situation is Bigen, a solutions-driven infrastructure development company with a firm foothold in Southern Africa and a fast-growing African footprint. With increasing levels of opportunity within the infrastructure development space, the Bigen Group continues to focus on assisting Africa in reaching its 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This approach is based on the group’s engineering and infrastructure development expertise in all the major market

sectors that drive Africa’s economic growth, such as transportation, water and sanitation, real estate, energy, mining, health and education. Coupled with its strong social and environmental conscience, Bigen is regarded as a game-changer when it comes to helping Africa fulfil its economic growth potential.

CREATING SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT

Our philosophy is embodied in our creed of ”doing good while doing business ”, which is consistently evident in the socioeconomic impacts derived from every project we undertake. Through all our projects we endeavour to increase access to services, reduce poverty, build capacity and generate opportunities for increased economic participation and employment.

Accordingly, Bigen emphasises the need for localisation, with regional offices established in Kenya, Botswana, Namibia and Ghana to tap into these markets through an increased focus on providing professional services, promoting socioeconomic development impact and identifying investment opportunities.

Our strategy includes partnering with local firms and private companies to deliver world-class infrastructure to the rest of the continent. Together with our local partners, we aim to grow into an African brand that is synonymous with successful projects and economic growth for Africa and its people. We believe in African solutions for Africa, by Africans.

Interconnectedness and accessibility are key economic drivers, and Bigen plays a key role in ensuring these through the development of roads, ports and communication network infrastructure, as well as infrastructure to promote access to reliable and sustainable water resources, education and health services. In addition, Bigen continues to support national economies through expanding and improving port terminals, providing telecommunication

services and completing feasibility studies such as for mines and hospitals.

With a rich history spanning more than five decades, the Bigen Group is expertly equipped to offer a broad spectrum of socioeconomic, financial, technical, environmental and institutional services to a wide range of public and private sector clients. Given Bigen’s strong performance over more than five decades, there is every reason to believe that this star player will continue to improve the quality of life of millions of Africans while supporting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

MINING

According to the International Monetary Fund, the mining sector contributes about 10 per cent to gross domestic product across 15 resource-intensive sub-Saharan African countries. In most of these countries, mining exports represent 50 per cent of total exports, on average, and are the main source of foreign direct investment. The Bigen Group prides itself on significantly influencing the effectiveness of this sector by providing much-needed and efficient transportation and water solutions that are vital to the success of any mining operation.

We recognise that the mining industry faces several challenges, particularly, because of the remote locations of most mines, harsh climates and regulatory compliance requirements. In addition, mining companies face mounting global pressure to further socioeconomic development around mining sites by adopting a stronger environmental, social and governance (ESG) approach Mining companies are expected to go beyond their governing duties and to, in particular, take more responsibility for their impact on communities. Our diversified service offering assists mining companies to remain

profitable enterprises, while also contributing positively to socioeconomic development in the communities where they operate.

Apart from providing a convenient one-stop-shop experience in providing enabling infrastructure, such as potable water supply systems, wastewater facilities, refuse disposal solutions, buildings, housing, energy provision and roads and rail required by mines to operate effectively, Bigen offers development advisory and impact services as an extra value-add.

This approach has achieved proven results, not only in the mining industry, but also throughout all the major sectors where Bigen operates across Africa. Bigen’s development advisory and impact experts will typically advise, at the initial infrastructure development planning stage of a project, on deriving maximum impact from the project to ultimately also benefit the surrounding communities.

WATER

More than a precious commodity for life to exist, water is also key to every industry and agriculture, and is therefore at the heart of all socioeconomic development. More than in any other facet of sustainable development, long-term planning for water provision is imperative for governments. Bigen has full capability in the entire value chain of water services infrastructure development, whether on a national or a community scale. Having successfully helped to deliver on many water projects, including the massive Botswana

North-South Carrier water pipeline scheme, Bigen draws on its own creativity, expertise and strategic partnerships to ensure successful project execution. This ranges from preparation stage and feasibility studies to implementation, construction supervision and ongoing asset management.

With an intimate understanding of the requirements of governments, local authorities, mines and industries, the Bigen water team can provide clients with complete solutions, whether gratifying local communities with critical, sustainable freshwater supplies or meeting government’s national development goals. The group possesses expertise in providing a comprehensive service offering that encompasses water resource and transfer systems, water and wastewater treatment systems, and water systems planning.

In Botswana, Bigen’s role as the government’s representative in the 360-km North-South-Carrier water transfer system –the country’s largest engineering project ever undertaken – not only helped to avert a major water crisis in Gaborone, but also created a welcome economic revival amid surrounding communities through the creation of thousands of job opportunities, training prospects and access to potable water. Closer to home, Bigen’s involvement in the Potsdam Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTWS) upgrade project will see improvement in treated effluent quality and ensure high wastewater treatment standards at this main wastewater management facility in Potsdam, Cape Town. This upgrade is one of the largest infrastructure projects undertaken by the City of Cape Town, and will more than double the plant’s current capacity of treating 47 million litres of wastewater per day to 100 million litres per day. Through all Bigen’s water projects for a multitude of clients across Africa, the group’s passion for delivering sustainable and reliable water supply solutions that drive growth and create value is clearly evident.

THROUGH ALL OUR PROJECTS WE ENDEAVOUR TO INCREASE ACCESS TO SERVICES, REDUCE POVERTY, BUILD CAPACITY AND GENERATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INCREASED ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION AND EMPLOYMENT.

TRANSPORTATION

Bigen’s transportation footprint runs deep in countries across Africa where the group has been delivering transportation solutions successfully for more than 50 years. Understanding the importance of transportation as a life-giving artery of trade and socioeconomic growth, the group helps improve Africa’s cross-border transportation network to move goods, people and services more effectively to create prosperity.

Our specialists develop new ports, terminals, roads and railways and create innovative, cost-effective and sustainable solutions for the upgrading, rehabilitation and refurbishment of existing infrastructure across borders and markets.

Wherever we work, our transportation services contribute significantly to social and economic development impact. We have pioneered emerging contractor development in road construction and maintenance and developed in-house procurement strategies for contractors to maximise small business development and localisation.

Some of Bigen’s recent project highlights in the transport sector include:

• Upgrading of the more-than 220km of rail from Walvis Bay to Kranzberg in Namibia.

• Pre-feasibility study for a new railway line connection for a proposed iron ore mine near Franceville to connect with existing Trans Gabon railway in Gabon.

• Logistic study of copper export from DRC Congo.

• New approach to upgrading and improving efficiencies on the North-South Corridor between Ndola and Durban, South Africa.

• Chrome export from South Africa to Maputo making efficient use of inland terminals.

REAL ESTATE

For South Africa, housing the nation is a key national priority. It is also at the forefront of the South African government’s drive to create and sustain a better life for its people. At the same time, it is evident that, despite section 26 of the South African Constitution declaring that everyone has a right to access adequate housing, for the majority of South Africans, homeownership remains a dream.

Recognised as a market leader in the real estate space, the Bigen Group is particularly proud of its involvement in various integrated human settlements projects in South Africa in accordance with the Breaking New Ground Policy of the national government.

Resolving South Africa’s high levels of unemployment is integral to finding innovative solutions for the housing crisis as joblessness directly impacts demand for and the ability of South Africans to invest in housing. An encouraging and decisive step in the right direction, and one that addresses both the housing backlog and the high levels of unemployment, is the South African government’s approach of developing integrated human settlements.

The paradigm shift from merely providing shelter to creating sustainable integrated communities by blending a variety of housing opportunities with social and commercial facilities stimulates wealth creation, poverty alleviation and social equity. This approach resonates with our own methodology of stimulating the direct and indirect economic multiplier effect of housing construction as a vehicle for job creation and the empowerment of local labour and small-time contractors.

Bigen has been involved with various integrated human settlement projects

countrywide that transcend the traditional concept of just providing shelter to offering a wide variety of mixed income, mixed typology and mixed tenure housing opportunities while also encouraging socioeconomic development.

The group has been providing multidisciplinary engineering, project management and development impact and advisory services to several public and private sector clients, leading to a host of successful integrated human settlement projects across South Africa.

These projects are resounding proof of the success of the integrated approach to drive socioeconomic development while addressing the housing crisis. Projects include the Lufhereng Integrated Housing Development in Soweto, Lerato Park Integrated Housing Development in Kimberley, Thorntree View Housing Development in Shosanguve, Chief Mogale Housing Project in Krugersdorp, and numerous other large-scale integrated developments in South Africa.

Bigen’s involvement in the implementation of these and other large-scale housing development projects has, once again, convinced us of the significant benefits to be derived from an integrated and outcomes-based approach to housing delivery. By providing sustainable infrastructure and engineering solutions with development impact as a key focus area, we remain committed to assisting governments to house their nations while also supporting socioeconomic development.

TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES AND ECONOMIES

A host of infrastructure development projects across Africa, whether in the mining, health, real estate, transportation or water industries, bears silent testimony to the success of Bigen’s undertaking to consistently transform Africa by providing infrastructure benefitting communities, clients and stakeholders and improving the livelihoods and wellbeing of the people of Africa.

As staunch supporters of the African developmental agenda, we are committed to shaping a better future for Africa’s people. With a professional and experienced workforce, an intimate knowledge of the needs of Africa, diversified business lines and a continued focus on development impact, we look forward to continuing working with our private and public sector clients to transform the economies of African nations and the prosperity of their people.

For more information: www.bigengroup.com

THE GROUP HAS BEEN PROVIDING MULTIDISCIPLINARY ENGINEERING, PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT IMPACT AND ADVISORY SERVICES TO SEVERAL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR CLIENTS, LEADING TO A HOST OF SUCCESSFUL INTEGRATED HUMAN SETTLEMENT PROJECTS ACROSS SOUTH AFRICA.

Transforming tomorrow with green buildings

The shift towards green and net zero buildings has played a key role in informing architecture’s evolution in the 21st century, writes

Looking forward, architects are increasingly employing design strategies and selecting alternative materials to reduce the embodied carbon impact of the building, such as switching to the use of something like cross-laminated timber for building façades.

South Africa is aligned with the global target that by 2030, all new buildings that we design and build will operate at net zero carbon, and that the embodied carbon of buildings will be reduced by 40 per cent. This is an ambitious target, but one we need to meet in order to remain within the Paris Agreement, and to limit temperature increases to 1.5°C.

Architects are critical in informing how a building responds to its environment and its function, making architecture the foundation upon which green and sustainable buildings are built.

The core principles of sustainable architecture have for the most part not changed over time. What has changed in recent years is the increased awareness that the built environment contributes 40 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, hence the need for radical change in how we deliver buildings.

To this end, the drive for net zero carbon buildings is currently a key driver of change and evolution in building design. What exactly is a net zero carbon building? The Green Building Council South Africa defines this as one that is highly energy efficient, with the remaining energy use from renewable energy, so that there are zero net carbon emissions on an annual basis. However, this only speaks to the operational carbon side of things, such as the “in-use” impact of having lights on.

While architecture plays a pivotal role in driving operational efficiencies, it has an equally significant impact on the material selection and choice of building components. Looking back, traditional materials such as steel, concrete and natural stone have provided several advantages, but we now understand that these also have significant carbon impacts.

GEORGINA SMIT, head of technical at the Green Building Council South Africa

Architects are increasingly employing design strategies and selecting alternative materials to reduce the embodied carbon impact of the building.

Georgina Smit

PLASCON PROFESSIONAL OFFERS UNIQUE COATINGS AND CARE FOR YOUR PROPERTY PORTFOLIO

A professional relationship with Plascon is not just about a can or two of paint — it’s a lifelong partnership aimed at providing peace of mind, writes Plascon Professional market manager,

CAROL RAS

With many years of experience and an unwavering vision for quality, Plascon Professional can co-create integrity-based relationships, thanks to both the Plascon Professional coatings range and the Plascon 360° Partnership Pledge.

The Plascon Professional range of coatings spans preparation, trim, wall and specialist coatings, meeting every need of the architect, developer, asset owner and contractor for all stages of any professional project.

Understanding the importance of solid foundations, the Plascon Professional range of preparation coats – which includes the Water-Based Gypsum and Masonry Sealer, Gypsum and Plaster Primer, Alkali Resistant Plaster Primer, All-Purpose Undercoat and Bridging Compound – helps prepare walls for the next phase in coating.

The Plascon Professional wall coatings range, in a variety of different finishes and tintable to a wide choice of colours, covers all your interior and exterior coating needs. This includes sheen products Superior Low Sheen, Hygiene™ Low Sheen, Aquarista and Elastoshield™ and matt-finish Superior Matt, Super Matt, All-Purpose Matt, Contractors Matt and Damp Plaster Paint.

If you’re looking to create a textured wall focal point, Plascon Professional’s range of rough- to medium-texture coatings are a perfect choice: Marroca Coarse Texture, Marroca Rippled Texture, Marroca Heavy Texture 1mm Suede, Marroca Heavy Texture 2mm Stone and 4-In-1 Textured Wall Coat. The Gloss Enamel and Eggshell Enamel trim coats help to sign off a job in style.

PEACE OF MIND FOR CUSTOMERS

In addition to this range of Plascon Professional coatings, Kansai Plascon offers its revolutionary 360° Partnership Pledge: a comprehensive service for new and redecoration projects that provides peace of mind by managing all coatings requirements, both interior and exterior. This comprehensive service is available at no additional cost for projects awarded to a Plascon Preferred Applicator and where the paint value exceeds R250 000.

Plascon Professional is involved from inception to completion. It is all about building long-term partnerships that leave its clients with peace of mind. To ensure this, Plascon Professional works with you from the very beginning of a project to make sure the most suitable coating system is specifi ed, taking into account the substrate condition and environment.Within the Plascon 360° Partnership Pledge, the client receives an array of benefi ts. First, the Plascon Professional team will do an on-site assessment to determine coating needs and help you select the most suitable coatings and colours for the project, ultimately providing a tailor-made specifi cation. Plascon’s colour specialists work with the latest global and local colour trends and help you make the right colour choices for your project through colour schemes and renders, mood boards, wet samples and brushouts.

From there, it’s time to assist with the application. Plascon Preferred Applicators offer quality assurance, joint supervision and responsibility. Before the fi rst brush stroke goes on, Plascon selects reference area to prepare and paint, carefully measuring

moisture levels, weather conditions, wet fi lm thickness, surface preparation and overcoating times. And when the painting does begin, Plascon representatives will visit the site regularly to monitor adherence to specifi cation and arrange on-site training, if necessary, before compiling a comprehensive site report.

But the job isn’t over yet. After the fi nal site inspection is done, Plascon provides its quality assurance guarantee, which covers product and materials, and prepares a maintenance plan to extend the life expectancy of the coating system, saving you money and contributing to your bottom line.

GREEN PHILOSOPHY

Alongside this commitment to lifelong partnerships, Plascon Professional is committed to environmentally conscious coatings solutions – specifi cally solutions that won’t compromise a product’s performance, ensuring a beautiful, desirable and professional fi nish to every project.

Plascon’s green philosophy is underpinned by three pillars: green processes, green practices and green products. As a leading manufacturer in the coatings industry, Plascon is aware of how its production impacts the

environment and, since 2005, all of Plascon’s South African manufacturing plants have been ISO14001 certifi ed, meaning that they adhere to internationally agreed-upon standards for an environmental management system.

The company has also implemented pioneering processes for its formulas that reduce levels of glycols and solvents (high concentrations of which can seriously affect human, animal and plant health), eliminate the use of environmentally toxic lead driers, pigments and additives, and reduce the need for the energy-intensive process of converting ilmenite ore into titanium dioxide, the most important white pigment used in the coatings industry.

Product-wise, Plascon does not compromise when it comes to sustainability. Due to a lack of global regulations, many paint products contain large quantities of volatile organic compounds, which can emit dangerous chemicals into the air we breathe. However, Plascon’s interior water-based premium brands all meet the strict criteria laid down by the Green Building Council of South Africa’s Green Star rating tools, which stipulate specifi c low or zero levels of volatile organic compounds.

Other green innovations from Plascon include implementing more water-efficient cleaning processes, effective waste management and environmentally aware packaging, and preventing on-site pollution. Each of Plascon’s product lines is continuously reviewed and innovations are put into practice to ensure the utmost environmental consideration and sustainability.

With its superior quality, advanced formulations and extensive colour choices, Plascon’s Professional range offers not only aesthetic appeal, but also enhanced durability and protection. Paired with the comprehensive full-service 360° Partnership Pledge that manages all coating requirements, both interior and exterior, the Plascon Professional solution covers all the needs of professional projects. For product, technical and colour advice regarding Plascon products and application, contact the Plascon Advisory Service at 0860 20 40 60.

PLASCON PROFESSIONAL WORKS WITH YOU FROM THE VERY BEGINNING OF A PROJECT TO MAKE SURE THE MOST SUITABLE COATING SYSTEM IS SPECIFIED, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE SUBSTRATE CONDITION AND ENVIRONMENT.

Scan this QR code to go directly to the Plascon website.

THE PLASCON PROFESSIONAL RANGE OF COATINGS SPANS PREPARATION, TRIM, WALL AND SPECIALIST COATINGS, MEETING EVERY NEED OF THE ARCHITECT, DEVELOPER, ASSET OWNER AND CONTRACTOR FOR ALL STAGES OF ANY PROFESSIONAL PROJECT.

TAKING CONCRETE STEPS TO CREATE A MORE RELIABLE CONSTRUCTION VALUE CHAIN

While not complicated, precision lubrication requires a structured, holistic approach to develop, deploy and engrain new lubrication routines and practices.

KEY INTERVENTIONS

Establishing a lubrication baseline assessment

Concrete is the second most consumed substance on Earth after water, with an average of three tonnes of concrete “consumed” per person yearly – a number set to rise significantly as infrastructure development burgeons. Right here at home, South Africa’s National Infrastructure Plan (NIP) 2050 phase one outlines R6.2-trillion in investment by 2040.

That’s a lot of concrete. This places increased pressure on cement manufacturers to pursue optimal ways of producing cement, while maintaining and exceeding the product properties for application.

One of the key success factors is ensuring that the plant throughput is at its designed capacity consistently without pushing the plant to a point where the equipment life is cut short. Plant reliability and asset condition management have become increasingly important focus areas to support a proactive maintenance strategy. It involves predicting a failure before it happens and taking corrective steps before a plant or equipment failure occurs, as opposed to waiting for a failure to happen and then fixing it. Taking this approach involves either restructuring the engineering department resources to include different roles, using computerised maintenance management systems, improving planning and procurement, and using modern maintenance tools and techniques or teaming up with a credible and trusted energy and lubricant solutions partner, with extensive experience in asset condition management and reliability solutions.

Machinery lubrication is a fundamental part of asset reliability in asset-intensive industries.

This assessment focuses on critical areas, with each being scored to determine an average score and grade for current lubrication practices to establish a baseline. After a 12-month period, the assessment must be conducted again to evaluate improvement and an adjusted baseline for the next 12 months.

Focus areas include:

• training and education;

• oil sampling practices;

• oil analysis basics;

• lubrication storage, handling, and dispensing; and

• equipment maintainability and contamination control.

A contamination control strategy

To develop a targeted plan of action, start with a strategy:

• Set targets: determine your current state and where you need to be.

HOW THE FLUIDLINK ASSET PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT WORKS

The Fluidlink Asset Performance Management programme uses a partnership approach to leverage both the customers’ plant knowledge and our expertise, then build upon that base with lubrication infrastructure, work processes and technology to monitor and improve plant reliability. We have had great success in improving plant uptime for various customers over the past 20 years by applying proven maintenance and reliability methodologies geared towards driving plant operational excellence.

• Take action: a systematic approach is needed after a holistic view has been taken of the fluid lifecycle.

• Measure results: evaluate if the actions taken are giving the desired results.

Continuous monitoring and improvement

Ideally, conduct a two-hour review with site leadership to discuss progress every 90 days. Thereafter, review additional recommendations or support on equipment modifications, storage and handling upgrades or changes to the contamination control policy. Furthermore, determine what additional support will be needed to continuously improve overall lubrication performance.

Any sustainable lubrication maintenance programme needs to be built from the bottom up to be effective.

Engen’s Fluidlink Asset Performance Management programme partners with industrial customers to monitor and improve plant reliability, writes GUSTAV GROENEWALD, Engen Fluidlink’s Asset Performance Management manager

Infrastructure remains an attractive asset class for institutional investors

It is important for the financial sector to offer long-term financing solutions beyond providing short-term finance for day-to-day and temporary cash requirements, writes

JUDY KOBUS-OLAWALE , head of infrastructure sector solutions at RMB

Growing interest

Over the last year, South Africa has seen significant activity in the infrastructure sector, driven by the energy crisis in particular, with a number of renewable energy projects being implemented driven by both the public and private sectors.

The pipeline for infrastructure delivery is looking positive, with a number of projects coming out of various sectors. These include, but are not limited to, the formation of a Water Partnership Office, which will assist municipalities in preparing and delivering projects in the water sector, the various infrastructure projects registered under Infrastructure SA which are coming to market, and the rail and port projects that Transnet is currently tendering.

Infrastructure is critical to the economic development of any country. An investment in infrastructure has a multiplier effect, meaning that for every rand invested, multiple rands are generated in the economy through the ripple effects of that investment. In addition, infrastructure creates jobs and drives a country’s overall competitiveness. However, for infrastructural development to occur, long-term financing needs to be readily available in a given market, and such financing needs to be competitively priced and appropriately structured.

As an asset class, infrastructure is very attractive to institutional investors because it offers stable cash flows with relatively low volatility, which are long term in nature and typically escalate in line with inflation. Infrastructure assets are therefore a particularly good match for the long-term liabilities that institutions such as pension funds typically have.

Historical limitations

However, infrastructure has historically been an attractive sector to only a select few institutional investors, struggling to attract broader interest. This has largely been because of muted infrastructure delivery that has resulted in infrastructure investment vehicles not being able to replace assets as historical assets amortise, thus leading to portfolios with declining net asset values over time. This delayed infrastructure delivery has also resulted in very few infrastructure assets being available to the market, with even fewer available publicly in listed vehicles. This has further limited the accessibility of these assets to the institutional investor, in turn resulting in South African banks being the major long-term holders of these assets.

However, given the restrictions in Basel regulations, which require banks to hold more capital for longer-term exposures, the institutional investor market is best placed to hold these assets long term, while the banks are best placed to originate, structure and de-risk them through construction.

In addition, the amendments to Regulation 28 of the Pension Funds Act, which prescribes the allocated investment limits per individual assets for local pension funds, have been finalised. The amended regulations encourage pension funds/ retirement annuities to fund infrastructure by firstly allowing them to invest in a broad range of infrastructure assets, and by allowing up to 45 per cent of the portfolio to be invested in infrastructure assets. The changes to the regulations, coupled with the marked increase in the activity levels in the sector, should result in more institutional investor interest in infrastructure.

Closing the gap

South Africa currently has a broad infrastructure gap and a significant backlog in terms of development and construction. Addressing this will require significant capital investment that cannot come from banks alone. Institutional investors need to get on board and enter the sector if the country is to have any chance of bridging this gap and developing a sustainable economic future.

The good news is that because of the investment required, the infrastructure sector is a massive growth space and an opportunity for investors to leverage sustainable returns over the long term.

In addition, the social and environmental benefits associated with investment into infrastructure projects in particular can assist investors in diversifying portfolios and improving environmental, social and governance factors, while contributing toward the economic growth of the country. With updated regulations and barriers to entry lowered, the deal flow is there, and infrastructure investment will generate significant returns for many years to come.

Delayed infrastructure delivery has resulted in very few infrastructure assets being available to the market, with even fewer available publicly in listed vehicles.

Judy Kobus-Olawale

ADVANCING THE CIVIL ENGINEERING PROFESSION IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR 120 YEARS

The South African Institution of Civil Engineering is celebrating 120 years of shaping and driving the profession

Over the past century, the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE), which celebrates its 120th anniversary this year, has witnessed and adapted internally to the evolution of the built environment, actively responding to changing societal needs, technological advancements and global trends.

From the early days of building roads and bridges to the complex and innovative engineering solutions of today, SAICE has been at the forefront of shaping the future of civil engineering in South Africa, says Dlozi Mnisi, chairperson of the SAICE Future Leaders Panel, executive board member and council member at SAICE.

The world has evolved from computers used in the 1960s – initially, huge slow installations fed by punch cards – to simpler surveying – as long tedious calculations involving seven-fi gure logarithms can now be solved in seconds on calculators – and the revolution of Building Information Modelling (BIM) that is digitally transforming the industry, explains Tony Murray, SAICE History and Heritage Panel committee member.

“For example, the need for integrated township development has resulted in it

developing into a separate sector of civil engineering. A sector that involves drainage, water supply, sewerage, electricity, roads, recreation facilities and housing construction, all co-ordinated by sophisticated project management programmes and cost control,” Murray says of this evolution.

Chris Roth, SAICE’s History and Heritage Panel chairperson and SAICE vice president, says SAICE has come a long way since its inception 120 years ago to become the leading voice in the field of civil engineering in South Africa, promoting excellence in engineering and advocating for the advancement of the profession.

DIVERSIFICATION

Mnisi concurs, adding that one significant change SAICE has undergone is diversification.

“This has brought new perspectives, ideas and approaches to the profession, resulting in innovative solutions to some of the country’s most pressing infrastructure challenges. For example, now more than ever, we see a major drive in the development of initiatives and platforms to grow and promote engineering as a career and to support young engineers in becoming seasoned professionals.”

FOCUSED ON DEVELOPING AND MAINTAINING INFRASTRUCTURE

One of the greatest tools that has become available to the country is the SAICE Infrastructure Report Card (IRC), which measures and grades South Africa’s infrastructure. The IRC plays an increasingly important role in ensuring that the country’s infrastructure is monitored for recommendations on areas of maintenance and improvement.

“SAICE has been a driving force in shaping the development of the country’s infrastructure and supporting the professionals that have worked on all major and minor infrastructure projects, from the building of the first major hydroelectric power station to the construction of world-class transport systems and innovative water management solutions,” Mnisi says.“Looking to the future, SAICE, with its diverse membership, is placing emphasis on sustainability, embracing technology and the implementation of the Growing Forward Together strategy. This strategy aims to tackle the complex challenges of the 21st century and the infrastructure space, thus delivering solutions that will benefit all South Africans.”

For more information: marketing@saice.org.za www.saice.org.za

SEVEN WAYS SMART PUMP SYSTEMS REDUCE COSTS AND MAXIMISE BUDGETS

Your choice of pumps and managing them can significantly impact operational cost and long-term return on value, writes CHETAN MISTRY, strategy and marketing manager at Xylem Africa

In recent years, pump technologies have flourished, delivering a new generation of smart pumps and smart controllers that can enhance existing sites. Powering the Wastewater Renaissance, a research report commissioned by Xylem, states that adopting energy-efficient wastewater management technologies can reduce electricity-related greenhouse gas emissions by almost half. This type of advantage is very timely for pump operations that are under pressure.

As the market faces pressure from rising energy costs and growing urbanisation, pump sites need to make the most of what they’ve got, as well as invest smartly in new pump innovations.

Pump

They need to improve ageing infrastructure with retrofitted improvements and new designs that take up less space at existing sites. The savings come from improved operations, reduced maintenance and fewer breakdowns due to dry running and clogging. Then there is the massive leap provided by variable-speed motors that adapt to changing conditions. This is a fantastic time to leverage smart pump innovations.

BENEFITS OF SMART PUMP SYSTEMS

Smart pump systems can reduce costs, maximise savings and improve operations with both new and existing infrastructure.

1. Retro t existing infrastructure.

Replacing older pumps is a daunting expense and a primary reason sites avoid upgrades. Yet innovations in control systems bring new life to established pumping infrastructure. Sites can retrofit modern control systems to existing pumps, opening the door to features such as performance monitoring, emergency shutdowns and variable speed controls.

2. Reduce energy consumption. Modern pumps offer energy saving by as much as 70 per cent (versus fixed-speed drives). New models of inverters and variable speed drives manage usage to ensure optimal performance. Unlike traditional pumps that operate on a set level regardless of the conditions, smart pumps adjust accordingly. Some pumps adapt along a kilowatt field rather than a static curve – thus, one pump can act in various capacities that formerly required several pumps.

3. Lower wear and tear. Variable conditions can radically reduce a pump’s lifespan or maintenance intervals. Snoring and dry running are two examples of how prolonged exposure damage a pump, taking years off its lifespan. Smart pumps manage their speed based on inflow conditions

technologies have flourished, delivering a new generation of smart pumps and smart controllers that can enhance existing sites.

NC150 – the Godwin NC150 is built for fibrous material, sewage and general dewatering applications.

using modern sensors. Sensors and controls can also be fitted onto established pumps to manage inflow conditions.

4. Improved maintenance. Smart pumps facilitate improved modular maintenance and repair conditions, reducing downtime and maintenance costs by as much as 50 per cent. New pump designs often require fewer components, further lessening the chance of parts failure and shrinking inventory requirements for spares.

5. Improved continued operations. Shutting down pumps can be very disruptive, and stop-start conditions can create unwanted pressure peaks and dreaded water hammers. New features such as adaptive modes enable smart pumps to run continuously as they adapt to factors such as inflow and variable particle sizes. Control systems and sensors enable smart pumps to turn off when not needed, but stay online when operations require it.

6. Integrated monitoring and planning. Smart pump infrastructure brings several benefits to operations planning while simplifying the environment. Smart motors can operate multipump environments,

negating the need for external control panels or programmable logic controllers. Sensor data can be integrated into existing operations centres or sent to tablet and mobile phones apps. Several smart pumps provide remote

LEADING THE SMART PUMP REVOLUTION

Xylem invests in the innovation of new smart pump technologies and control systems. Our family of brands include solutions that improve performance, reduce costs and expand control. These include:

• Xylem’s Hydrovar variable speed drive can be mounted on standard asynchronous motors. It automatically adjusts operating speeds to optimise pumping system efficiency.

• Xylem Smart Motor, an “ultra-premium” IE5 permanent magnet motor with built-in pump protection controls and monitoring, can optimise pump operations and increase energy savings by up to 70 per cent.

• Flygt Bibo dewatering pumps adapt automatically and only operate when needed, delivering energy savings of up to 60 per cent compared with traditional dewatering pumps.

• Godwin’s NC150S Dri-Prime dewatering pump features Xylem’s unique, self-cleaning, Flygt N-Technology nonclog impeller and Godwin’s Field Smart Technology for remote management even in rugged environments.

• Flygt’s Concertor wastewater pump combines IE4 motor efficiency, N-hydraulics, integrated control system and intelligent algorithms to deliver up to 70 per cent energy reduction, unprecedented flexibility and reduced cost of ownership. The Concertor can reduce customer inventory for pump stations <10kw by up to 80 per cent.

• Lowara’s Smart Pump range with best-in-class IE5 motors and embedded motor drives incorporates state-of-the-art technology to optimise performance and communicate with other building systems.

• Flygt’s 4320 mixer is a high-efficiency, low-speed, submersible wastewater mixer that can help reduce energy costs by as much as 50 per cent.

• Flygt’s Pareo is an external unit, which, when connected to a submersible dewatering pump, delivers a smarter drainage pump solution for tough mining and construction industries.

• Flygt’s SmartRun intelligent control combines the advanced functionality of a VFD/ drive with a simple and intuitive controller. SmartRun takes care of pump cleaning, pipe cleaning, sump cleaning, and water hammer reduction with intelligent soft starts and stops, taking you to a new level of reliability and efficiency. The integrated intelligence and variable speed control mean it is the perfect match for Flygt N-pumps, a combination that potentially realises energy savings of 50 per cent.

and automated management features, reducing the need for on-premise staff.

7. Lower space utilisation.

Traditional pumps are bulky and take up a lot of space. Modern smart pumps offer smaller profiles, taking up less space on a site, which means that space can be used for other equipment or additional pumps without needing to rebuild the site. Multipump controllers reduce the space required for control boxes while providing additional features to both new and traditional pumps. Smart pump technology delivers considerable savings, improves equipment lifespans, and makes better use of existing site infrastructure. Whether the goal is to acquire new equipment or increase the value of existing systems, study the choices available and make a smart investment today that will deliver value for decades.

For more information:

+27 11 966 9300

Xylem Water Solutions South Africa (Pty) Ltd

3A Spier Street, Plumbago Business Park, Glen Erasmia, Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa

Media Chetan Mistry

+27 11 966 9300

Chetan.Mistry@Xyleminc.com

Flygt 2600 – with its exclusive Spin-Out™ system.

Fixing it together

While Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) supports the efforts that government is making in respect of infrastructure, it is important to move away from the strong focus on golden shovels and ribbon cutting that comes with greenfield projects.

The concern is that we have a legacy of good infrastructure that has been allowed to slide into various states of disrepair. What we need is a strong focus on maintaining what we have, so that the maintenance of these assets ticks the boxes of reliability, availability and affordability.

This is a sensitive balance that, if not well managed, will only force us to the tipping point where we need to build afresh. In stating this, with our current infrastructure in such a state of dilapidation, a key question is: Where will the money will come from?

The latest Infrastructure Report Card (IRC) that was released by the South African Institution of Civil Engineers (SAICE) in November 2022, and which CESA was a contributor to, is the most reliable recent reference on the state of the country’s infrastructure. It includes an assessment of roads, water, sanitation, airports, rail, ports, ICT, schools, healthcare and electricity – all found to be in varying states of repair.

The overall grading of essential assets was D, meaning generally at risk of failure. A grade of E is described as “unfi t for purpose”. In the previous IRC published in 2017, a grading of D+ was assigned to the overall state of our infrastructure.

If we consider that we have a national election coming up in 2024, the seven months left in this year are far too short a period to effect any significant changes. Just as the current state of our infrastructure didn’t happen overnight, remediation will take years to implement.

It is clear we may hear lots of promises, but the reality of the situation is that we are in for a bumpy ride.

Meeting the challenges

In order for the country to get the ball rolling, among other steps we need to overcome the three most significant impediments:

• Restore the trust between public and private sector

• Ensure that there is the political will

• Ensure policy certainty

To achieve these essentials, government needs to commit to a compact with the private sector, so that as social partners we can act as fast as we did with the COVID-19 vaccine acquisition and roll-out during the pandemic period.

We must get all players in the private and political sphere to set aside specific interests, putting the nation and the interests of the people of South Africa first.

CESA has and will continue to rally behind the cause to partner with government in addressing these challenges. We have more than 580 member companies and networks across the construction sector with the expertise and capacity to deliver on all the infrastructure we need, just as we did in preparation for the 2010 World Cup.

There has also been an ongoing narrative around the lack of capacity for project delivery in government. It is pointless for us to harp on about the cause of this when we should instead be focusing on implementing solutions to these problems.

Private-sector project engineering management capacity is available to be utilised, either as the “owner’s engineer” where capacity is lacking, or as the “implementing agent” where such capacity exists. This process can be used to both bolster and develop future capacity requirements in the public sector, as well as to ensure that at least budgets are spent, maintenance is effected and service delivery levels improve.

I would like to conclude by stating that one of the major choke points is the lack of strategic focus on the procurement process related to the commissioning of such professional services as a start. At CESA, we continue to challenge government while at the same time inviting a partnership in this regard. By lobbying for positive change to procurement legislation in relation to the development of infrastructure, we believe we can help to reignite our country’s economic growth and recovery.

There is a strong argument that investment in the maintenance and development of the country’s infrastructure will benefit millions of citizens and kick-start economic recovery.

By CHRIS CAMPBELL , CEO of Consulting Engineers South Africa

Just as the current state of our infrastructure didn’t happen overnight, remediation will take years to implement.

Don’t relegate fire-safety design to the end of the construction phase

It is critical to incorporate fire-safety planning during the inception phase of an infrastructure project, so that important design aspects such as escape paths and the structural stability of any buildings can be established prior to critical design elements being locked in. Additional factors such as the intended use of the buildings, and the resultant fire load and associated fire risks must also be considered.

Automatic sprinkler protection and regulatory fire-safety requirements such as fire detection, smoke control ventilation, fire extinguishers, fire-hose reels and fire hydrants, together with on-site stored water supplies, must be included in the early design phase.

The construction phase of a building project is characterised by higher risks related to hot works that are not protected by fire equipment, as it is not functional at this stage. This also applies to building refurbishment or upgrade projects.

The post-construction phase of any infrastructure project must focus on training, inspection, testing and maintenance of all fire-safety equipment, from sprinklers and fire alarm systems to fire hose reels, extinguishers and fire hydrants.

A strong focus on ongoing training, inspection, testing and maintenance of all fire equipment must be in place, to ensure that life-safety systems are fully operational at all times, and that trained personnel are able

to carry out first aid and fire-fighting before trained professionals arrive on the scene and are able to intervene.

Buildings represent high-value assets that house large personnel populations, expensive equipment and/or critical services. The fire protection of these assets, people, equipment and services must be achieved at the lowest possible cost, while attaining the highest level of fire protection.

In the end, it is only by engaging the services of professional fire engineers at the concept development stage of a project that one is able to attain this balance of cost and benefit.

Leaving the fire-safety design of a building to the end of the construction phase results in a suboptimal design, which requires a great deal more funding and effort to implement effectively, warns

ASP Fire CEO MICHAEL VAN NIEKERK

Michael van Niekerk

The post-construction phase of any infrastructure project must focus on training, inspection, testing and maintenance of all fire-safety equipment.