manguang bnr (1)
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  4. Improving roads and training local contractors in Mangaung Metro Municipality

Improving roads and training local contractors in Mangaung Metro Municipality

As part of the Vuk’uphile training programme, we mentored and developed learner contractors on road upgrade projects – delivering long-term benefits for the community.

Location

  • Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa

On this project for the Manguang Metro Municipality in conjunction with Department of Public Works and Nedbank we had three aims: to upgrade gravel roads to improve connectivity for local communities; to train local contractors to CE4 level, so they can tender for projects up to R6 million; and to provide employment for local people during construction.

The basic gravel roads connecting local communities in Batho Township, Rocklands, Turflaagte, Bochabela, Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu were far from ideal. Muddy in the rainy season and dusty in the dry season, the low-quality roads didn’t connect with public transport and taxis – which often came only as far as pickup points on the edges of these areas, leaving people to walk the rest of the way. The new block-paving and asphalt roads we designed, along with stormwater drainage, provide a surface that the communities can drive, walk and play on.

roads upgraded
11,089m 11,089m
contractor registration level learners guided to
1 - 4 1 - 4
days employment created
39,084 39,084
bulk stormwater infrastructure upgraded
7,925m 7,925m
paid to community members working on site
R5,241,300 R5,241,300

While the upgrade will improve connectivity and quality of life for residents, this project – as part of the Vuk’uphile training programme – had much wider aims. To help build long-term skills and capacity in the construction industry, we mentored ten  learner contractors through the project.

To do this, our engineers had to work much more closely with the contractors day-to-day than they normally would. We had to familiarise the learners with tender documentation and specifications, and show them how to read tender drawings. We also helped them with procuring materials and, on site, getting the levels and setting-out correct.

The relationship is very personal – we had to ensure we supported them while they learned as well communicating clearly and ensuring the overall quality of the project was the same as it would be with an experienced contractor.
Pieta Pretorius Technical Director: Civil Infrastructure, WSP

With the project also aiming to create jobs for the community, we wanted to ensure we maximised opportunities for local people. So our design focussed on labour-intensive methods of construction – choosing block paving for the majority of the roads and bricks for the stormwater structures. 

The programme will leave a lasting legacy: while the communities enjoy the benefits of their upgraded roads, the contractors we trained are going on to tender for bigger projects. 

Other challenges that we have overcome