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Mariswe InTouch Magazine 2019:2020

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Published by Casual Day, 2020-07-31 08:19:57

InTouch Magazine 2020

Mariswe InTouch Magazine 2019:2020

INTOUCH 2020

Mariswe InTouch 2020 Mariswe (Pty) Ltd snapshot 2020

OPERATIONS

48 years 193People employed at Mariswe:
experience.

10 Number of active offices Lesotho, DRC,
in South Africa. Zambia, Tanzania,
Ghana and South Africa:
Countries in which Mariswe
was active on assignments

in 2019.

OWNERSHIP

Level 1 BEE Contribution level on the DTI’s
Construction Sector Codes of
Good Practice.

Improved performance in Financial
employment equity and preferential procurement. performance 2019

53% 24% 3RD HIGHEST REVENUE
achieved in company history in
BLACK SHAREHOLDING BLACK WOMEN SHAREHOLDING the 2019 financial year.

4TH HIGHEST PROFITS
achieved in company history
for the 2019 financial year.

R434, 348. 00 Spent on uplifting communities through
socio-economic development.

YEAR SPENDING ON STAFF DEVELOPMENT

Skills AMOUNT SPENT
development. ON TRAINING

R680, 500. 77

www.mariswe.com

Message from the CEOCONTENTS 02
Company structure Mariswe InTouch 202004
Strategic Projects Unit to diversify Mariswe’s client base 05
In-house systems support project delivery 05
Progress in difficult times 06
Improving Mariswe’s management systems 07
Keeping the HYPE alive 08
Training our future leaders 09
Mother Theresa Fund 10
Professional registrations 10
Mariswe appointed Transaction Advisor for uMhlathuze PPP 11
Emergency repairs for Soweto reservoir 12
Vaal River System under scrutiny 13
In pursuit of safe, sustainable water and sewage treatment 14
Updating Transnet’s “Pipeline Body of Knowledge” 16
New expanded water treatment works for Namibia’s Outapi 16
Rwanda OPBRC award follows Ghana and Lesotho successes 17
First steps to overhaul Lesotho’s gravel road network 18
Upgrade of Thaba-Tseka to Katse road 20
On the road 22
Mariswe wins a role in UAE’s new 1 200 km rail network 25
National Water and Sanitation Master Plan completed 26
New software app makes iCU contract more accessible 27
iCU beats training and budget challenges in DRC project 28
Improving lives 29
More accolades for Mariswe Toastmasters 29
Nurture a Girl enters its fourth year 30
A little help makes a big difference for Nomzamo 31
A winning effort from Mariswe’s Young Professionals 32

Mariswe InTouch 2020 Reorganising for
a different future

“ I believe the ability of our leadership team to make
tough calls has enabled Mariswe to react appropriately
not only to the challenging business environment but
also to Covid-19.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s SONA address on 13 February as Level 5). We continue to review the impact of lockdown
2020 and Minister Tito Mboweni’s Budget delivered on and make appropriate decisions in line with government
26 February brought us some new hope following a long announcements to facilitate effective and efficient delivery of
stagnation in the South African economy. services and manage the financial impact on the company.

Their positive messages added impetus to the renewed I am grateful to have potential access to relevant government
activity we saw in the roads sector in the last quarter of 2019 as and private sector aid packages which will doubtless make a
SANRAL moved ahead in putting out tenders. positive difference in our business. However I would be even
more grateful for new investments in the construction industry
However, all this seems a long time ago now. Covid-19 has which will help shield many companies including Mariswe from
changed everything, and we know that to survive the inevitable the economic impacts of Covid-19.
economic meltdown we must think and do things differently.
Technology
Responding to Covid-19
Mariswe has placed significant strategic focus on the
In the midst of a declining economy, Mariswe took critical development of modern and seamless ICT systems over the
decisions in 2019 that would reorganise and reposition our years to support efficient workflow between our nationwide
company to improve the value we provide to our clients with offices and with colleagues working on our projects in other
leaner but more focused resources. Little did we know how countries on the African continent. These systems have proven
timely those decisions and the actions we took would be. I so valuable in keeping us connected and making the working
believe the ability of our leadership team to make tough calls from home (WFH) experience much easier for each member of
has enabled Mariswe to react appropriately not only to the the team. From Day One of WFH we were all able to do our jobs
challenging business environment but also to Covid-19. with reasonable ease.

When Covid-19 reached our shores in March 2020, the Our leaner organisation has been balanced by investments in
company was already making courageous decisions based technology designed to improve our internal efficiencies and
on our concern for our employees and their families. We therefore to serve our clients better, and we will continue to
considered options to protect them and the company from this explore new technologies to improve further.
silent enemy and made preparations for everyone to work from
home. At its meeting on 19 March, the Mariswe Board decided We are also continuously investigating outward looking
to close our 10 offices in South Africa and send everyone to technologies to help us deliver new service offerings that will be
work from home. Our offices were all but empty on Monday 23 demanded in future infrastructure development across Africa.
March, almost a week before the national lockdown began on
27 March. Infrastructure shortcomings

In making this decision we put the client at the centre of Investment in public infrastructure such as water, roads, health
our business to ensure that Covid-19 did not affect our care and schools has been spoken about a great deal, yet the
commitments to our clients too negatively. We continue to keep actual delivery of this infrastructure has been painfully slow.
our clients and stakeholders informed and supported during With better public infrastructure we would still have experienced
these challenging times. challenges at this time, but necessities like access to clean
water for basic hygiene and the ability to self-isolate at home
Mariswe’s care for its employees is reflected in the decision that might have been a reality for the most vulnerable in our society.
those unable to work from home would stay home on full pay Covid-19 has not only highlighted these social ills, but also
for the duration of the highest level of lockdown (now known potentially put millions of lives in danger.

2 CEO FOREWORD

Covid-19 and the Moody’s downgrade on 27 March are now Kuben Govender was also appointed Regional Head of the Mariswe InTouch 2020
the biggest risks to infrastructure development and we hope Inland Provinces from 1 April 2020.
government will not renege on its promises of long-term
investment in public infrastructure. We have never needed this I am also delighted that Sandra Munnik, head of the
more than we need this now. Infrastructure Planning Division, was this year given additional
responsibility as a new member of the Mariswe Exco. Sandra
Changing strategic focus joins me and Tracy Naidoo, Head of Finance, as female
members of Exco. This is important in terms of the company
We believe limited investments in infrastructure will continue strategy to elevate more women to senior positions. Louis Uys
to be one of the greatest challenges to growth in Africa. So it is the fourth Exco member.
is clear to us that Mariswe needs to start providing services
throughout the infrastructure value chain, for example in the We are considering further changes in the course of 2020 and
delivery of water treatment technologies. will keep you informed.

Mariswe has an excellent reputation across the infrastructure Transformation
sphere but particularly in water, with major projects completed
in South Africa, Zambia and Tanzania among others. In 2019 Transformation initiatives taken over time continue to positively
we decided to leverage our expertise and reinvent our firm change the face of Mariswe. Our emphasis is on growing and
to become part of the solution rather than just a supplier exposing young talent to leadership positions.
in the water sector. Mariswe’s mantra is Improving Lives.
Engineering Solutions and we wanted to take this commitment Despite the challenges in our industry, our dedication to
to another level. assisting employees on their path to professional registration
has not wavered and I am particularly proud of and congratulate
Following much soul-searching, a strategic decision was the three women in our firm who have achieved this objective
made to establish a new business unit known as the Strategic in the past year. Please read about them on page 10.
Projects Unit (SPU) led by Rod Stewart, who also heads our
Management Services Division. The objective of the SPU is to Mariswe retained its B-BBEE Level 1 status for the third year in
broaden our current service offering to provide comprehensive a row at the end of 2019, but the shortage of work in our sector
lifecycle solutions, including securing funding, for infrastructure continues to threaten our future transformation progress. We
projects. To this end we are looking at 4IR technologies that will will do all we can to remain aligned with the B-BBEE imperatives
give us a unique edge in developing, running and maintaining and build on the excellent progress we have achieved.
infrastructure projects.
We also continue to invest in our communities and have
Our sustainability depends on staying disciplined and finding donated R200 000 towards food parcels and PPE to assist
new projects, and where we cannot find them we must create Covid-19 efforts. Many employees of Mariswe are also
them ourselves. individually helping those in need and I thank them sincerely
for their generosity.
We will explore opportunities across all aspects of water
infrastructure, as well as sectors such as energy, ICT, mining Great performance result
and agriculture that have potential for growth. You can read
more about this venture on page 5. I’m happy to end this message on a high note by saying how
proud I am of Mariswe’s solid performance in the 2019/2020
Internal restructure financial year despite harsh economic conditions. The firm
achieved great results for its shareholders from a good balance
Our internal restructuring process implemented in early 2020 of South African and international work. This success was due
retains focus on existing offerings while placing expertise within to payment by long outstanding debtors, dependable clients
the SPU and at the same time making us a leaner organisation who kept their word in paying us, quality projects, dedicated
overall. employees, good systems, management and oversight.

This has included some changes to our Board, as well as I thank Mariswe’s clients for your ongoing support and
our executive committee (Exco) and management committee commitment to investing in sustainable projects. A heartfelt
(Manco). thank you to all our staff for your undying loyalty and support
in reinventing our firm and keeping it running smoothly over
We have welcomed Danvir Maharaj and Kuben Govender to the lockdown. Strict protocols have been observed around
the Board as representatives of the Mariswe Black Employees our return to the workplace under Level 4 restrictions and the
Trust (MBET). Read more about this on page 6. They replace health and safety of our employees remains paramount.
Bashni Harry and Vuyo Booi, who stepped down as trustees of
MBET last year. Vuyo has subsequently left Mariswe, as has I am very confident in the skills, expertise and cohesion of the
Gareth Coleman, who was our COO and Manco chair. Mariswe family. I know that together we can and will play a
meaningful role in infrastructure-led economic growth in South
Both the Board and Manco have become leaner with younger, Africa and in Africa.
professionally registered members who add to the strategic and
technical quality of decisions made on behalf of the company Nonkululeko Sindane
and are well equipped to take on the added responsibility of CEO, Mariswe
the SPU.
12 June 2020

CEO FOREWORD 3

Company structure

Board of Directors

Top row: Nonkululeko Sindane, Zwe Msomi,
Yogambal (Tracy) Naidoo.

Bottom row:
Louis Uys, Kubendran Govender,
Adrian Skea, Danvir Maharaj.

Division Head: Division Head: Division Head: Division Head: Division Head:
INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING MANAGEMENT SERVICES / STRUCTURES TRANSPORTATION WATER & SANITATION
STRATEGIC PROJECTS UNIT
Sandra Munnik Kuben Govender Lucas Ebels Louis Uys
[email protected] Rod Stewart [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
[email protected]

4 COMPANY NEWS

Strategic Projects Unit to Mariswe InTouch 2020
diversify Mariswe’s client base

“ Mariswe has established a Strategic Projects Unit (SPU) to pursue
new opportunities for the firm from non-traditional sources. This
follows an executive decision to diversify the firm’s client base and
business offerings.

Rod Stewart, Division Head.

Innovative solutions are needed to drive Mariswe’s sustainability and the operation and maintenance phase all the way to project
success in an environment that is very constrained for traditional closure.”
consulting engineering offerings. A small high-level team has been
identified within the firm to develop the new unit and is already For example, Mariswe may acquire a financial interest in revenue
preparing to take its offerings to market. generating projects or source funding for water or power projects
and then sell these commodities to end users.
“The SPU aims to secure work for Mariswe from sources outside
our core client base,” says Rod Stewart, who is leading the new He adds that the SPU will focus on the private sector, public
venture. “This will include sectors such as energy, ICT, mining and private partnerships (PPPs) in the public infrastructure sector, and
agriculture where Mariswe has had relatively limited exposure in institutional finance organisations such as World Bank and others.
the past.
Mariswe will continue to tender for public sector consulting civil
“We aim to offer a leading role across the full project cycle from and structural engineering project work in South Africa and the
capital development (where Mariswe is currently active), through rest of Africa through current structures in the company.

In-house systems support project delivery

“The benefit to our clients is the assurance that all Mariswe’s
projects are executed, managed and audited in accordance
with international project management and accredited quality
standards.”

Since the launch of Mariswe’s intranet site and Project Management The PMOG complies strictly with the ISO 9001:2015 international
Online Guide (PMOG) in 2018 by Wendy Meyer, Senior Systems quality standard, adheres to Consulting Engineers South Africa
and Quality Compliance Officer, both have continued to evolve and (CESA)’s guidelines, and is based on Project Management Body
improve. Towards the end of 2019 we began automating various of Knowledge (PMBOK) international principles.
operations through PowerApps and Flow, apps in the Microsoft 365
suite that maximise SharePoint functionality. One external reviewer – an IT professional – commented that
Mariswe’s intranet site was one of the best he’d ever seen.
Mariswe’s company policies, processes and standard templates are He commended its modern design, logical layout, quality of
hosted in the ISO 9001:2015 compliant intranet site developed in- content, speed and user-friendliness, as well as
house using the SharePoint platform. Detailed workflows, guidelines many unique features that
and templates for each department (Human Resources, Corporate give it more advanced
Finance, Marketing, IT, Procurement, Projects and Administration) competencies than a
are organised under four main categories: Our People, Projects, standard SharePoint site.
Governance and Support. In July 2019 the external
auditor for Mariswe’s
The Projects category hosts Mariswe’s acclaimed PMOG, which quality system also
brings together a comprehensive set of processes, forms and had praise for our
guidelines to ensure the effective management of projects at “well-organised
Mariswe. “Much emphasis is placed on effective project planning intranet and internal
processes as well as risk management,” says Wendy. control systems”.

COMPANY NEWS 5

Mariswe InTouch 2020 Progress in difficult times

The past year has been challenging for most consultants and Four of the initial Trustees, Bashni Harry (former Chair),
for the economy. In spite of this, the Mariswe Black Employees Betterna Adams, Vuyo Booi and Luzuko Gwazela, stepped
Trust (MBET) has made progress in reducing its debt through down in 2019. Kim Dlamini (new Chair) and Danvir Maharaj
hard work and dedication by all employees of Mariswe, remain as Trustees and Valencia de Koker, Nkosi Mahlobo
particularly the Trust beneficiaries. and Jerry Lekalakala were voted in as new Trustees by the
beneficiaries. The Mariswe Board nominated Kuben Govender
The Mariswe Black Employees Trust (previously known as the as a further Trustee.
UWP Black Employees Trust) was formed in 2017 and owns
25% of the firm, with all South African black employees as its Danvir Maharaj and Kuben Govender
beneficiaries. MBET secured a loan to finance acquisition of the have been appointed Non-Executive
shares and the loan amount has reduced to 43% since then. Directors representing MBET on
the Mariswe Board.
The Trust changed its name in 2019 to coincide with the
rebranding of the firm from UWP to Mariswe.

Danvir Maharaj

Danvir is Lead Engineer: Pavement Design and Materials in the Transportation
Division in Bryanston, Johannesburg, and joined Mariswe in March 2016. He
earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees at the Universities of Cape Town and
Stellenbosch respectively and is registered as a Professional Engineer in both
South Africa and Zambia.

Danvir’s key experience is in planning, design and construction management
across all types of roads as well as township services, water and sewer
reticulation and stormwater management.

“S ince I have been with MBET from inception, I am aware of the challenges
that we face as a Trust and as a company,” he says. “My duty is to take care
of the interests of both the Trust beneficiaries and the company. I am proud to
be a Young Professional on the Board and hope to bring new ways of thinking
to the upper echelons of the company in this capacity.”

Kubendran Govender

Kuben obtained his National Diploma at the Durban University of Technology
in 2005, starting his career as a technician. He went on to achieve his B.Tech
degree, registered as a Professional Technologist with ECSA in 2014, and is
currently studying towards his MSc in Industrial Engineering at Wits University.

Following various positions in which he honed his engineering and management
skills, he joined Mariswe in 2018 as Business Unit Head / Executive Manager for
Water and Sanitation – Inland Provinces. He is now Regional Head of the Inland
Provinces.

Kuben has more than 16 years’ experience in the civil engineering industry and
specialises in project and contract management and detail design in water and
sanitation services. He also has strong business management experience that
includes exposure across operations, production and commercial aspects of
companies in the civil engineering sector.

6 COMPANY NEWS

Improving Mariswe’s Mariswe InTouch 2020
management systems

“ Early in 2020 the management team considered a comprehensive

report reviewing all elements of its management systems. The results

of the internal and external audits indicated that there was strong

quality awareness among all employees.

Lucas Ebels,
Head of the Transportation
Division and Senior Management
Representative for Quality.

At Mariswe we take quality seriously at all levels. Being ISO It was also decided to strengthen the quality management
9001:2015 certified requires the company leadership to regularly team by appointing Dr Lucas Ebels, Head of the Transportation
review the adequacy, suitability and effectiveness of our quality Division, as Senior Management Representative for Quality.
management systems and identify potential improvements.
He is supported by a corporate quality management
Early in 2020 the management team considered a comprehensive representative, who manages the quality system and
report reviewing all elements of its management systems. The ensures company-wide quality compliance, as well as
results of the internal and external audits indicated that there was branch representatives for quality in each of Mariswe’s five
strong quality awareness among all employees. certified offices.

The leadership team looked at more than 27 specific areas for improvement of the quality management
systems. The main areas identified included:

I mproving methods to assess client satisfaction by developing procedures that are more closely aligned to client needs
on a project by project basis;

Improving co-operation between different business units to facilitate better service to clients through project-based
management processes;

Improving the integration of risk management procedures into all company processes;

Improving the supplier evaluation process and integrating this more directly into the Mariswe Supplier Development
Programme.

COMPANY NEWS 7

Mariswe InTouch 2020 Keeping the HYPE alive

“ Mariswe HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Excel) is a platform both to help our Young
Professionals (YPs) develop professionally and personally and to make a positive difference in
our communities.

The Young Professionals at Mariswe continue to make the different aspects of professional registration for our
their voices heard within and outside the company, candidate engineers.
exuding optimism for the future despite the dire conditions
in our industry. “Financial awareness workshops for HYPE members were
a hit in 2019 and these will be built on in 2020,” she adds.
Mariswe HYPE was launched in 2014 as a platform both to “Mariswe’s YPs have also expressed interest in workshops
help our YPs develop professionally and personally and to around health, safety and security, as well as depression
make a positive difference in our communities. and anxiety awareness. Free health screening is another
possibility being explored.”
HYPE’s third executive committee, led by Chairperson
Ntsako Masangu and representing the firm’s four regional HYPE arranged and hosted the annual CESA Job
operations in South Africa, is entering the second half of its Shadowing initiative in 2019 and Mariswe went on to win the
two-year term with some exciting plans for 2020. Job Shadowing Initiative and Poster Competition (see p 32).

Ntsako reports that an internal “Road to Registration” The annual winter blanket drive and Mandela Day initiatives
month is in the pipeline. This will involve presentations around the country made a difference in several communities
by ECSA registered professionals at Mariswe explaining in 2019 and are already in the planning for 2020.

National HYPE Chairperson Ntsako Masangu.

Job Shadowing Initiative, Inland Provinces.

8 STAFF PROGCROAMMPMAENSY&NAECWHSIEVEMENTS

Training our MariswMearIisnTwoeuIcnhTo2u0c1h8/22002109
future leaders

“ The LDP aims to develop selected employees through internal and external training,
mentoring and coaching to fill leadership roles in the future.

In early 2019 Mariswe launched two programmes to prepare Occupational Levels Framework
employees for future leadership roles within the company.
These are Also in January 2019, we implemented an Occupational
Levels Framework (OLF). This has enabled Mariswe to
• A Leadership Development Programme (LDP) providing establish a structure with functional positions as the basis
structured learning for employees from middle management for staff promotions. The OLF also means that all employees
level up who are identified as having leadership potential; and now have job titles aligned to the Department of Labour’s
occupational levels.
• T raining for Succession, which provides additional training
for employees earmarked to grow into specific positions.

The LDP aims to develop selected employees through internal
and external training, mentoring and coaching to fill leadership
roles in the future. Up to 10 employees are selected annually
to join the three-year programme.

Nine Mariswe employees successfully completed Block 1 of
the internal training in May 2019 at the Bryanston office. “It
was a very informative and interactive session which required
participants to complete various assessments to ensure that
they have a good grip on the content covered,” says Bashni
Harry, Manager: Human Resources.

On completion of Block 2, the participants move on to the
year-long external training component.

STAFF PROGRAMMES & ACHIEVEMENTS 9

Mariswe InTouch 2020 Mother Theresa Fund

Bettie Shongwe. In 2008 Mariswe established an internal fund to assist the children of eligible employees
to complete their secondary school education. The Mother Theresa Fund was named
“This has made such a after Theresa Mtshwene, an employee in the Bryanston office who ensured that her
difference in our lives and it children received both secondary and tertiary education despite very limited resources.
has motivated my daughter
to excel in school. The scope of the Mother Theresa Fund has grown to include financial support for primary,
secondary and tertiary education depending on the needs of the family concerned. While
the size of the fund had to be reduced over the past year due to economic challenges
experienced across all sectors in South Africa, it remains part of Mariswe’s DNA and will
be re-evaluated and extended once economic conditions allow.

Meanwhile Bettie Shongwe, an employee of Mariswe Pretoria who is a single mother of
three and a current beneficiary, says the fund has made a great difference in her family.
Bettie joined the company in 2015 and learned about the Mother Theresa Fund in 2017.
“I applied for it and was extremely happy to be approved. I’m grateful that Mariswe takes
an interest in the well-being of its staff.

“The company assisted me with school supplies for my daughter including her uniform,
stationery and transport costs, to name a few. This has made such a difference in our
lives and it has motivated my daughter to excel in school as well as appreciate the
importance of education. She is happier and more confident in herself, and she does
well in her studies too.”

Since its inception in 2008, the Mother Theresa Fund has sponsored 18 learners with
assistance valued at a total of around R400 000.

Professional registrations

Congratulations to the following Mariswe employees who achieved ECSA professional registration in 2019
following a lot of hard work and dedication:

Montjiwa Shakung Mauren Tetsoane Mamakgowa Precious
Ntaopane
Montjiwa achieved registration as a Maureen was registered as a Profess-
Professional Engineer. Montjiwa is a ional Engineering Technologist. Maureen Precious has been registered as a
University of Pretoria (TUKS) class completed her Bachelor of Technology Professional Engineering Technician. She
of 2010 graduate who joined the at the Central University of Technology, joined Mariswe’s Bryanston Transportation
Transportation Division at Mariswe Free State, in 2011. She joined Mariswe Division in September 2012 and graduated
Bryanston on 1 August 2017. in 2008 and works as a Civil Engineer- from the Walter Sisulu University of
ing Technologist in the Transportation Technology in 2013.
Division, Cape Town office.

10 STAFF PROGRAMMES & ACHIEVEMENTS

Mariswe appointed Transaction MariswMearIinsTwoeu IcnhTo2u01ch8/22001290
Advisor for uMhlathuze PPP

City of uMhlathuze. Source: www.umhlathuze.gov.za.

“ Recognising the importance of water security, the City of uMhlathuze has prioritised
the treatment and reuse of wastewater which is readily available in large quantities.
The City of uMhlathuze is a key economic hub in KwaZulu-Natal “In essence the project entails the collection and treatment
with a population of about 400 000. Incorporating Richards Bay of domestic and industrial wastewater from the Richards Bay
and Empangeni among others, it is home to numerous large and Empangeni areas and distribution of the reuse water to
heavy industries and the Port of Richards Bay which has been industrial off-takers in and around Richards Bay. The plant
identified as “one of the world’s leading bulk ports, handling capacity envisaged is 75 Ml/d and it is expected to produce
approximately 60% of South Africa’s seaborne cargo”. 68 Ml/d when operated at 90% efficiency. This will bring
significant relief to the industry, particularly during drought
Recognising the importance of water security, the City periods which appear to occur on a five-year cycle.”
of uMhlathuze has prioritised the treatment and reuse of
wastewater which is readily available in large quantities. In Mariswe has appointed three sub-consultants - Genesis
collaboration with National Treasury, a decision was made to Analytics as Financial Specialist, Ledwaba Mazwai as Legal
appoint a Transaction Advisor to conduct a feasibility study and Specialist and Turner & Townsend as PPP Specialist. Mariswe
procure a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Agreement should is Team Leader, Project Manager and Technical Specialist.
this be selected as a viable solution.
The first stage of the procurement process involves issuing a
In May 2019 the UWP (now Mariswe) Consortium concluded the Request for Qualification to the market, which will enable the
feasibility study and the procurement of a PPP Agreement was Client to shortlist bidders suitably qualified and experienced to
approved. submit Requests for Proposal.

“Mariswe has now been appointed as the Transaction Advisor The entire procurement process is estimated to be concluded in
for the procurement of the PPP Agreement,” reports Project October 2022. The project is funded by the City of uMhlathuze
Manager Annalize Visser. and the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA).

PROJECTS \ WATER & SANITATION 11

Mariswe InTouch 2020 Emergency repairs for
Soweto reservoir

Site inspection.

Mariswe has started work on a project for
Johannesburg Water for emergency repairs to be
carried out on the Jabulani Reservoir Complex in
Soweto, Gauteng.

The appointment, awarded in September 2019, involves engi-
neering services and construction supervision. Construction
is expected to commence in 2020, with completion projected
for 2022.

The Jabulani Reservoir Complex comprises a 45 Ml square
ground reservoir, 900 mm diameter bypass pipeline and a
1,1 Ml water tower. It is suspected that the reservoir and
associated pipework are leaking, causing the area around
the reservoir to be saturated with water.

EXISTING PIPE LINE CHAMBER E Jabulani Reservoir Complex water tower.
CHAMBER D
CHAMBER A CHAMBER C The original bypass pipeline to the elevated water tower has
CHAMBER B1 also collapsed and requires replacement, according to Leon
CHAMBER B2 CHAMBER F de Jager, Lead Engineer: Water Resources at Mariswe. “All
REPLACE WITH NEW 457mm OD API EXISTING PIPE LINE valves along the pipeline will be replaced or rehabilitated.”
5L X42, 6mm WALL THICKNESS PIPE CHAMBER G
CHAMBER K
CHAMBER L CHAMBER N
CHAMBER W2 REPLACE WITH NEW 406MM OD API 5L X42,
CHAMBER W 6mm WALL THICKNESS PIPE
CHAMBER M
CHAMBER J CHAMBER P
CHAMBER H
CHAMBER U 45 ML JABULANI RESERVOIR
EXISTING
EXISTING PIPE LINE

CHAMBER Q He adds that Johannesburg Water has split the project

CHAMBER R into two phases, the first for replacement and repair of the
CHAMBER S

REPLACE WITH NEW 914mm OD API 5L ISO CHAMBER CHAMBERT bypass pipelines and the second for emptying and sealing
X42, 10mm WALL THICKNESS PIPE
EXISTING PIPE LINE of the reservoir. This can only take place once the pipework
EXISTING PIPE LINE
EXISTING PIPE LINE EXISTING PIPE LINE has been repaired to ensure uninterrupted water supply to

Site layout. communities in the reservoir supply zone.© 2019 Microsoft Corporation © 2019 DigitalGlobe ©CNES (2019) Distribution Airbus DS © 2019 HERE

12 PROJECTS \ WATER & SANITATION

Vaal River System Mariswe InTouch 2020
under scrutiny

Sustainable water supply to the inland provinces of South
Africa is a key focus in the Department of Water and Sanitation
(DWS)’s ongoing reconciliation study into the Integrated Vaal
River System (IVRS).

The study, now in its second phase, aims to reconcile current
and future water requirements with the available water in the
system. This involves implementing measures to increase
available water, conserve water through Water Conservation
and Water Demand Management (WCWDM) and improve
water quality in the river system.

DWS awarded a three-year study (2018 - 2020), titled “Contin- It has included
uation of the Vaal River System Reconciliation Strategy Study
(Phase 2)” to a joint venture between Mariswe, Batatise • Tracking water conservation and water demand manage-
Consulting Engineers and WRP Engineers. ment activities in the key demand centres (Gauteng, North
West, Mpumalanga and Free State provinces);
“The objective is to update the existing Reconciliation
Strategy of the Large Bulk Water Supply System for the VRS • Reviewing reconciliation interventions including
and ensure it remains relevant,” explains Leon de Jager, - Bloemhof Dam excess utilisation investigation
Lead Engineer: Water Resources at Mariswe. - Acid mine drainage management
- The eradication of unlawful irrigation water use;
“This includes technical assessments, engaging with relevant
authorities and institutions involved in the water cycle, and • Review and updating of the water balance;
ensuring that the strategy is technically, economically and
environmentally viable, as well as socially acceptable.” • Stakeholder engagement;

• Capacity building and training.

Application of 4.75 mm fine grade slurry on Willowvale access roads.

Study area geographical map, including the Vaal River catchment and all the adjacent water resource systems linked though conveyance systems.

PROJECTS \ WATER & SANITATION 13

Mariswe InTouch 2020 In pursuit of safe, sustainable
water and sewage treatment

“ Mariswe has built up a wealth of knowledge and experience in the
treatment of both waste and potable water, with projects ranging
from package plants to large municipal water and sewer treatment
works in various countries in the African continent.

Duncan Vause,
Lead Engineer: Water and

Sanitation Division.

Key international projects

Based on solid expertise in the water and sanitation sector,
Mariswe’s first major international breakthrough came in the
form of the Lower Ruvu Water Treatment Plant expansion in
Tanzania between 2011 and 2013. This plant supplies 75%
of the water requirements of Dar Es Salaam, a city with a
population of over 6 million.

Raw water pump station at Lower Ruvu Water Treatment Works. Mariswe was appointed as Engineer in terms of the FIDIC
Plant Design Build Contract and was responsible for review
of all designs and equipment, contract administration and site
supervision, witness testing and endorsement of equipment
supplied, as well as health and safety oversight. The plant
capacity was increased from 180 Ml/d to 270 Ml/d, with
provision for further expansion to 360 Ml/d.

Kaunda Square sewage waste stabilisation ponds, Lusaka.

14 PROJECTS \ WATER & SANITATION

Mariswe InTouch 2020

Shemula Water Treatment Works.

Two years later Mariswe was engaged as Construction (WTW). The first phase included the treatment works itself
Supervision Engineer for six large water infrastructure projects (40 Ml/d), a new raw water pump station and abstraction works
in Lusaka, Zambia. The Lusaka Water Supply, Sanitation on the Pongola River, clear water pump station, and 2 000 m
and Drainage (LWSSD) project was the largest award ever of 700 mm rising main to the existing command reservoir.
received by Mariswe, with the combined value of construction
works supervised by Mariswe exceeding US$220 million The next phase of the project is currently being designed and
(R316 billion). awaiting funding approval to proceed. It will include two new
10 Ml command reservoirs, a network of smaller reservoirs,
While the scope of Mariswe’s involvement was wider, the 155 km of bulk pipelines and two booster pump stations.
upgrading and expansion of the sewage treatment works
at Kaunda Square formed a significant aspect and further Other recent projects have included design and tender
cemented the firm’s reputation as an expert in the execution documentation for the construction of additional rapid sand
of large and complex treatment projects. filters with a capacity of 380 Ml/d at the Durban Heights WTW
for Umgeni Water; refurbishment of the Matatiele WWTW
The appointment is due to be completed in 2020. (4.5 Ml/d) and two sewage pump stations for the Eastern Cape
Department of Public Works; and refurbishment of water and
Building South African infrastructure wastewater treatment plants for Isilimela Hospital, also in
the Eastern Cape, including bulk conveyance and storage
Mariswe’s participation in these large projects in major African infrastructure.
cities adds to a history of successful water treatment projects
across South Africa. Two of the largest and most complex Mariswe is also the Technical Advisor for the City of
treatment projects are located in the Eastern Cape and uMhlathuze water reuse project (see p 11). This project entails
KwaZulu-Natal. decommissioning two existing WWTW, construction of various
effluent collection pump stations, sewer rising mains, new
Mariswe was involved in the upgrading and expansion of the WWTW (50 Ml/d), new WTW (20 Ml/d) and industrial WWTW
Mthatha Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) for several (35 Ml/d).
years. In the initial phase an existing 12 Ml/d bio-filter works
was refurbished. This was followed by the construction of Current projects
new 50 Ml/d intake works, 8 Ml/d waste stabilisation ponds
treatment module and 18 Ml/d chlorine contact tank. A recent appointment for the chlorination system at the Vaalkop
water treatment plant, operated by Magalies Water, caters for
Finally, the WWTW was expanded with the addition of a new expansion from 270 Ml/d to 360 Ml/d and ultimately 450 Ml/d.
12 Ml/d treatment module to cater for Mthatha’s medium- Another current project is the upgrading of the existing Outapi
term growth needs. Provision was made in all the designs for WTW near Oshakati in northern Namibia (see page 16).
ultimate expansion to 50 Ml/d.

Another high-profile project, this time in northern KwaZulu-
Natal, is the upgrading of the Shemula Water Treatment Works

PROJECTS \ WATER & SANITATION 15

Mariswe InTouch 2020 Updating Transnet’s “Pipeline
Body of Knowledge”

A joint venture between Mariswe These are:
and ETP continues its work to
update Transnet’s “Pipeline Body a) Long-term planning, strategy and alignment, which
of Knowledge” following a three- includes preparing a 30-year road map and aligning
year appointment in August 2018. it with other national, provincial and local development
The JV’S mandate is to provide plans and objectives;
long-term planning studies for
pipeline development for Transnet b) P ipeline development investment plan, including
Group Capital. scoping, estimating cost and programming pipeline
infrastructure projects at a concept stage for all
ETP, as a specialist in the industry, is Lead Consultant with proposed capacity expansions;
Mariswe providing technical support in collaboration with
AECOM as a sub-consultant. c) Pipeline operations, development and connectivity,
which involves verifying and updating the pipeline
The Pipeline Body of Knowledge, required for long term status quo and developing layouts for all new proposed
pipeline development planning, has to be continually updated routings and interfaces with existing infrastructure.
and expanded with the latest industry information, demand,
capacity requirements and investment plans. By the end of the study the Mariswe/ETP joint venture will
have provided a comprehensive database of 30-year
The services being provided by the JV are divided into demand, capacity and investment across the terminals and
three specialist planning studies, explains Kuben Govender, pipeline network.
Regional Head: Inland Provinces at Mariswe.

New expanded water treatment

works for Namibia’s Outapi

“ The estimated construction cost of the new project will be R57,7 million (N$58,7 million), including
an emergency storage system with a capacity of seven days at peak demand.

In February 2019 NamWater appointed Element Consulting
Engineers of Namibia, in association with Mariswe and CSV
Water of South Africa, to provide engineering services for
this project.

The development proposal provided by the consulting team
evaluated increasing the capacity of the existing package
plant with the addition of either another package plant or a
conventional concrete plant. “In the end NamWater decided
to decommission the existing package plant and build a
new conventional WTW with a capacity of 283 m3/h,” says
Mariswe Lead Engineer Frikkie van Zyl.

Outapi (or Uutapi) can be found 90 km northwest of Oshakati “The preliminary design report was submitted on 12 Decem-
near the Angolan border in northern Namibia. ber 2019 and detail design will commence as soon as
NamWater has signed this off.”
NamWater supplies bulk potable water to Outapi town and
surrounding areas. Raw water from the Calueque-Oshakati The estimated construction cost of the new project will be
canal is treated at the Outapi Water Treatment Works (WTW). R57,7 million (N$58,7 million), including an emergency storage
To meet projected demand by 2030, the WTW capacity of system with a capacity of seven days at peak demand.
105 m3/h must be increased to 283 m3/h.

16 PROJECTS \ WATER & SANITATION

Rwanda OPBRC award follows Mariswe InTouch 2020
Ghana and Lesotho successes

“ Both the Ghana and Lesotho assignments involved the concept design phase and preparation
of bidding documents for the Contracting Entity, while the Rwanda projects involve monitoring
during the construction and maintenance phases. This reinforces Mariswe’s capabilities across
the whole life cycle of the OPBRC methodology.

Mariswe started work in late 2019 on the design review and Mariswe, construction will include upgrading some roads
construction monitoring of two Output and Performance-Based from gravel to surfaced standard and improving existing
Road Contracts (OPBRC) in Rwanda. gravel roads.

The projects, awarded by the Rwanda Transport Development He adds that an international construction monitoring team
Agency and funded through the World Bank, involve the is being deployed on the projects, including engineers from
upgrade and improvement of two feeder road packages, each Tanzania and Malawi.
covering three districts in different parts of the country and
totalling about 50 km. Mariswe’s brief includes training and knowledge transfer
to the Client and other local stakeholders based on the
Under the OPBRC methodology, the Contracting Entity is respon- firm’s strong experience in OPBRC projects on the African
sible for the detail design and construction of the road works continent. Most recently, Mariswe’s Transportation team
and thereafter remains responsible for the road maintenance for completed assessment studies on the use of OPBRC to
a certain period. Each of the two consultancy contracts covers improve extensive road networks in Ghana and Lesotho.
multiple construction lots with different contractors and in total
Mariswe is monitoring 16 construction lots. “Both the Ghana and Lesotho assignments involved the
concept design phase and preparation of bidding documents
Mariswe is working in joint venture with local Rwandan for the Contracting Entity, while the Rwanda projects involve
consultancy Astrik International on the 37-month projects. The monitoring during the construction and maintenance phases,”
value of the consultancy contracts award to the Mariswe/Astrik says Danvir. “This reinforces Mariswe’s capabilities across
JV is about US$2.3 million per contract. According to Danvir the whole life cycle of the OPBRC methodology.”
Maharaj, Lead Engineer: Pavement Design and Materials at

Stock image of a road in Rwanda.

A further OPBRC monitoring project was signed recently between the Zambian Road Development
Agency and Mariswe. More news on this in our next issue.

PROJECTS \ TRANSPORTATION 17

Mariswe InTouch 2020

“ The roads were prioritised and ranked based on affordable, good quality minimum design
standards, taking socioeconomic and tourism activity along each road into account.
18 PROJECTS \ TRANSPORTATION

First steps to overhaul Mariswe InTouch 2020
Lesotho’s gravel road network

“ The brief was to carry out an Assessment Study to implement Output and Performance
Based Road Contracts (OPBRC) on Selected Secondary Road Networks in Lesotho.
Seeking to improve the management and maintenance of its
road network, the Lesotho Government appointed Mariswe the methodology and approach to be undertaken, while
in association with Senqu Engineering Environment and the Road Network Prioritisation Report outlined the data
Development Consultants (SEED Consult, Lesotho) in 2018 to gathered by Mariswe on the three zones.
assess the way forward.
The roads were prioritised and ranked based on affordable,
The brief was to carry out an Assessment Study to implement good quality minimum design standards, taking socio-
Output and Performance-Based Road Contracts (OPBRC) on economic and tourism activity along each road into account.
Selected Secondary Road Networks in Lesotho.
The Conceptual Design Reports address site and traffic
The project involves about 580 km of secondary gravel roads assessments, road pavement design, geometric upgrade
to be assessed and prioritised for three OPBRC contract concept design, assessment of existing bridges and major
packages across Lesotho. The OPBRC form of contracting culverts, construction costs, transport economics and road
is expected to minimise the deterioration of road assets safety.
and ensure that communities and road users benefit from a
sustained acceptable level of service at reasonable cost. The draft Final Assessment Reports, environmental safeguard
documentation and draft bidding documents for the three
The project is being implemented by the Roads Directorate, an zones have been submitted for comment. The final versions
agency of Lesotho’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport, of this documentation for each zone/package will be used by
and funded by the World Bank. the Roads Directorate to procure services for the five-year
contracting phase.
The three zones selected for OPBRC contract packages are
the Makoae Zone in the district of Quthing, the Lets’eng-la- Completion date for the Mariswe/SEED joint venture project
Terae Zone in the district of Mokhotlong, and the Malealea was mid-April 2020.
Zone in the districts of Maseru, Mafeteng and Mohale’s Hoek.

Thomas McEwen, Senior Engineer at Mariswe, reports that
the Mariswe/SEED joint venture has completed Inception and
Network Prioritisation Reports, as well as final conceptual
design for all three zones. The Inception Report described

Re-alignment of the roadway and alternative positioning of bridges Realignment of road to improve intersection angle.
was investigated at various locations to improve road user safety and

structure capacity.

PROJECTS \ TRANSPORTATION 19

Mariswe InTouch 2020 Upgrade of Thaba-Tseka
to Katse road

“ The development of an all-weather road between Katse and Thaba-Tseka will help to
improve living conditions as well as access to education and health in the mountainous
areas of Lesotho.
The Lesotho Roads Directorate appointed the Mafube- The development of an all-weather road between Katse and
Mariswe joint venture in January 2020 to undertake consulting Thaba-Tseka will help to improve living conditions as well as
services for the upgrading of the 54 km route from Thaba- access to education and health in the mountainous areas of
Tseka to Katse from a gravel to a surfaced road. Lesotho.

The work will include economic feasibility, environmental and This road forms part of the North Central Connector between
social impact assessment, engineering design and tender Leribe and Thaba-Tseka, with the section between Leribe
documentation. and Katse already surfaced. When completed, the project
will provide an alternative surfaced route from Maseru to the
Ikarabele Sello of Mafube Consulting in Lesotho is the Katse Dam, a major tourist destination, via Thaba-Tseka.
Project Team Leader and Shannon Souter, Lead Engineer:
Geometric Design at Mariswe, will perform the role of
Mariswe’s Project Manager.

20 PROJECTS \TRANSPORTATION

Mariswe InTouch 2020

At Mariswe we engineer
infrastructural solutions which
build communities because we are

passionate about
improving people’s lives.

PROJECTS \ TRANSPORTATION 21

Mariswe InTouch 2020 On the road

The following is a brief overview of some South
African road projects in progress by Mariswe’s

Transportation team.

SANRAL projects

N2 Sections 28 and 29: Mtunzini to Empangeni,
KwaZulu-Natal \ Project Leader - Ron Isaac

The contract for the upgrade of the N2 North Coast Toll Road R63 Section 16 prior to rehabilitation.
between Mtunzini and Empangeni was awarded to Concor
Infrastructure in February 2016, with monitoring by Mariswe on R63 Section 15: Bhisho to the N6 Bridge Intersection,
behalf of SANRAL. The project involved construction of a new Eastern Cape \ Project Leader - Adrian Skea
northbound carriageway over 33,7 km and rehabilitation of the
existing carriageway, as well as construction, widening and Detailed design of this 23.7 km rehabilitation project, valued
realignment of several bridges and other structures. at R500 million, will be completed by September 2020 and
construction is expected to begin in 2021 depending on
The project was functionally completed with minimal disruption SANRAL prioritisation.
to traffic by the end of 2019. Tidying up and snagging continued
into the first quarter of 2020.

N2 Section 19: Nqadu to Mzeke River, Eastern Cape \ R63 Section 16: N6 Bridge Intersection through Komga to
Project Leader - Adrian Skea N2, Eastern Cape \ Project Leader - Adrian Skea

The design of Phase 1 has been completed and the construction Detailed design has been completed for both phases of this
contract was awarded in May 2020. Work will involve rehabili- project. Phase 1, involving rehabilitation of the 21 km section
tation and widening of 17 km (km 21 to km 38) of the N2 between to the R63/N2 intersection, is expected to go to tender in 2021.
Mthatha and Qumbu to a 13.4 m wide Class 1 cross section Work is expected to commence in 2022 for 33 months. Phase 2
with reconstructed river bridges, major culverts and climbing will follow for a similar period. Each package is valued at about
lanes. Safety improvements will also be made on a 2 km section R500 million.
between km 17 and km 19 at Dan’s Place, a popular resort along
the route, and a taxi holding area at the Tsolo intersection with N2 Sections 14 and 15: Green River to Buffalo River
the N2. Bridge, Eastern Cape \ Project Leader - Adrian Skea

The 31-month contract is valued at about R816 million. Mariswe Mariswe has been appointed for the construction monitoring
is responsible for construction monitoring and administration. and contract administration of the two-phase project for
rehabilitation and realignment of the N2, which was designed by
Phase 2, between km 52 and km 56, covers improvements to Gibb. The construction contract for the first phase comprising
the N2 through the town of Qumbu which include upgrading the widening of 9 km of the N2 with three new bridges is currently
road to separate carriageways and construction of a new taxi out to tender and construction is expected to commence in late
rank. The design will be completed in 2020 and the 30-month 2020 with a duration of 33 months.
construction contract should begin in 2021.
Phase 2, comprising the construction of two new interchanges
The design of Phase 3, the middle section between km 38 on the N2 at Belstone and Breidbach, is being prepared for
and km 52, will also be completed in 2020 and construction is tender and the timing of construction is expected to partially
expected to commence once Phase 2 is completed. overlap Phase 1.

Existing agricultural overpass road bridge extended over the new N2 northbound carriageway, Mtunzini to Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal.

22 PROJECTS \ TRANSPORTATION

Mariswe InTouch 2020

New river bridge constructed parallel to existing to accommodate new N2 northbound carriageway, Mtunzini to Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal.

PROJECTS \ TRANSPORTATION 23

Mariswe InTouch 2020 Privately funded projects

R72 / MR501 interchange: Kidd’s Beach, Eastern Cape, Willowvale to Dwesa Phase 2, existing river crossing
Developer Altivex 103 \ Project Leader - Adrian Skea - bridge will be widened and rebuilt.

Preliminary design of the new grade-separated interchange De Doorns, existing bridge in unsafe condition.
on the R72 at the MR501 to Kidd’s Beach, near East London,
has been completed. This includes the upgrading of a short be completed in 2020 and the R60 million construction project
section of the MR501 towards Kidd’s Beach to four lane dual is expected to commence in 2021.
carriageway. Detailed design has started and construction is
expected to commence in 2021. Periodic maintenance of various divisional roads:
Stellenbosch, Western Cape Government \ Contracts
Provincial projects Engineer - Riaan Viviers
This periodic maintenance project included the pre-treatment
DR08046 and DR08044: Willowvale to Dwesa River, Eastern and resurfacing of four divisional roads in the Stellenbosch area
Cape Government \ Contracts Engineer - Riaan Viviers as well as the upgrading of a gravel road to surfaced standard.
The R100 million project commenced construction on October
The DR08046 and DR08044 form a portion of the Wild Coast 2018 and was completed in April 2020.
Meander tourism route from Kei Mouth to Port St Johns along Inspection of bridges, major culverts and other structures:
the coast. Mariswe was appointed to provide the consulting Laingsburg, Western Cape Government \ Bridge Engineer –
engineering services for the section from Willowvale to the Rugare Masendeke
Dwesa Nature Reserve. The four-phase project involves This five-year contract for annual inspections by a certified
upgrading 6.5 km of asphalt surfaced road through Willowvale, bridge inspector forms part of WCG’s bridge management
and upgrading, widening and asphalt surfacing some 47 km of system. The initial round of inspections of 81 bridges and major
gravel road including reconstruction of four bridges. culverts was completed in December 2019.

Phase 1 through Willowvale is now complete and Phase 2
between Willowvale and Msengeni Junction has been awarded
at a contract value of R280 million. Mariswe has also completed
the design work for Phases 3 and 4 up to Dwesa Nature Reserve,
which will follow Phase 2.

Periodic maintenance TR2/1 dual carriageway: Somerset
West, Western Cape Government \ Contracts Engineer -
Riaan Viviers

The project comprises light rehabilitation and resurfacing with
bitumen rubber modified asphalt of a 1 km section of TR2/1
which carries N2 traffic through Somerset West, as well as pre-
treatment and resurfacing of 11 km of TR2/1 arterial road which
runs parallel to the N2. Design and tender documentation for
this R120 million project are complete. The 12-month works
contract is expected to commence in October 2020.

Periodic maintenance of divisional roads: De Doorns,
Western Cape Government \ Project Engineer - Riyaaz
Nieftagodien

Portions of two divisional roads totalling 10 km in the picturesque
area of De Doorns in the Hex River Valley will undergo
maintenance over the project period including the rehabilitation
of major culverts and small bridges. The design of the works will

Periodic maintenance of divisional roads, Stellenbosch.

24 PROJECTS \ TRANSPORTATION

Mariswe wins a role in UAE’s Mariswe InTouch 2020
new 1 200 km rail network

“ Our technical competence and software knowledge are on par with our international
partners and Mariswe’s culture of continuously upgrading to the latest design and
drawing software has proved vital.

9986

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CW : CENTER LINE 2. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS & LEVELS JBL
MED : CARRIAGE WAY DMB JEBEL ALI BRANCH
TOR : MEDIAN ARE IN METER UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE. ABU DHABI
TYP : TOP OF RAIL DIMENSIONS SHALL NOT BE MEASURED FROM UNDER BRIDGE AT CH: 5+090
MSE WALL : TYPICAL THE DRAWING ONLY WRITTEN DIMENSION TO BE
: MECHANICALLY STABILIZED CONSIDERED. GENERAL ARRANGEMENT
EARTH WALL 3. SPAN LENGTHS SHOWN ARE ALONG THE
FINISHED GROUND LEVEL CENTER LINE OF ALIGNMENT. SHEET No SCALE ORIGINAL SIZE
DECK EXPANSION GAP 4. AT ANY EXISTING UTILITY CLASHES WITH
CONSTRUCTION JOINT STRUCTURE NEED TO BE DIVERTED. 03 OF 03 AS SHOWN A1
SHOULDER, FP : FOOT PATH 5. FOR CHAINAGE REFER TO ALIGNMENT
FGL : DRAWINGS. DUBAI PMC ENGINEER PROJECT STAGE DOCUMENT STATUS
EJ : AL AIN
CJ : P.O.Box. 7497 Dubai, U.A.E DCP2 FOR APPROVAL
SH : Tel: +971 4 350 5000 Fax: +971 4 350 5001
DRAWING No REVISION
www.wsp.com
C0306-JBL-ECB-DG-20003 AA

WSP has in turn appointed Mariswe for the production of
concrete and reinforcement drawings on two of the 11 railway-
over-road bridges included in this project. Negotiations are still
underway to procure bridge design work.

The two bridges allocated to Mariswe are B2 and B10, 900 m
and 250 m long prestressed box girder structures respectively.
The 900 m long B2 is Mariswe’s longest ever prestressed bridge
assignment.

JEBEL ALI PORT B C CH: 5+826.337 Working on an international project
CL / EJ 20003 20003 CH: 5+786.337 for a high-profile client has tested
CL ABUTMENT A / BEARING (TYP) CH: 5+746.337 Mariswe’s technical skills at all levels,
(CH: 5+986.337) CH: 5+946.337 40000 CH: 5+906.337 CH: 5+866.337 CH: 5+706.337CL PIER 6 says Rugare Masendeke, Lead
CH: 5+666.337 Engineer: Bridges & Transportation
5000 40000 Structures.
MATCH LINE A
FOR CONTINUATION “Our technical competence and
CL PIER 1 CL PIER 2 CL PIER 3 / EJ CL PIER 4 CL PIER 5 CL PIER 7 / EJ CL PIER 8 software knowledge are on par
with our international partners and
40000 40000 40000 40000 40000 40000 40004 Mariswe’s culture of continuously
upgrading to the latest design and
A CL TRACK 4500 12100 A drawing software has proved vital.
CL RAIL ALIGNMENT -
- CL TRACK The UAE and Etihad Rail drawing
standards were unfamiliar territory,
MSE WALL PLAN but our bridges team has proved
APPROACH SLAB SCALE 1:500 its ability to learn fast and adapt to
new requirements.”
CL EJ 2089 CL PIER 1 CH: 5+906.337 CL PIER 2 CH: 5+866.337 CL PIER 3 / EJ CH: 5+826.337 CL PIER 5 CH: 5+746.337 CL PIER 6 CH: 5+706.337 CL PIER 7 / EJ CH: 5+666.337 CL PIER 8
CL BEARING / ABUTMENT A 2650 TOR = 28.549 TOR = 28.809 TOR = 29.069 CH: 5+786.337 TOR = 29.589 TOR = 29.849 TOR = 30.109 TOR = 30.369
JEBEL ALI PORT (CH: 5+986.337) CH: 5+946.337 CL PIER 4
APPROACH SLAB 40000 40000 40000 40000 TOR = 29.329 40000 40000 40000 40000 40000
RAILING RAILING
TOR TOR = 28.289
EGL
4 EGL 2650
2 3 MATCH LINE A
FOR CONTINUATION
MSE WALL 1 RC BORED PILE
RC BORED PILE (TYP) (TYP)

SH A SECTIONAL ELEVATION
CW - SCALE 1:500
SH
EXISTING ROAD CH: 5+501.337CL PIER 12 CH: 5+436.337CL PIER 13
SH 63.842°
CW
SH

12680
CH: 5+586.337 CL PIER 11 / EJ CH: 5+393.337CL PIER 14 / EJ CH: 5+353.337
R600000 40000 CH: 5+320.675
45000 65000 CH: 5+280.S6FE7O5EMRDACTWOGNC:TIHCN0UL3IA0T6NI-JOEBNL-BECB-DG-20002
4500 EXISTING ELECTRIC
FMOARTCCONHTILNIUNATEIOAN CH: 5+546.337CL PIER 10 43000 LINE CL PIER 15
CH: 5+626.337 32662
1210040000

CL PIER 9 CL PIER 16
40000
40000

40004 CL RAIL ALIGNMENT CL TRACK EXISTING ROAD EXISTING DEWA WATER CL PIER 17
CL TRACK LINE
A A
- PLAN -
SCALE 1:500

FILENAME :Z:\ETIHAD RAIL BRIDGES\DRAWINGS\03_ISSUE\2020-01-21\BRIDGE B2\DWGS\C0306-JBL-ECB-DG-20001-AA.DWG CH: 5+626.337 CL PIER 9 CH: 5+586.337 CL PIER 10 CH: 5+546.337 CL PIER 11 / EJ CH: 5+501.337 CL PIER 12 CH: 5+436.337CL PIER 13 CL PIER 14 / EJ CL PIER 15 CL PIER 16
USER NAME :Karabo Mogoera TIMESTAMP : 1/21/2020 1:26:45 PM TOR = 30.629 TOR = 30.889 TOR = 31.149 TOR = 31.396 4150TOR = 31.600 TOR = 31.720 TOR = 31.924
40000 40000 40000 45000 65000 43000 40000 32662 40000
CH: 5+393.337
2650 TOR = 31.832

MATCH LINE A 2650 CH: 5+353.337 EGL FGL
FOR CONTINUATION CH: 5+320.675
4150 +18.71 2500 3700 3700 3700 3700 3000 +18.83 MATCH LINE B5
5 T T T T TT FOR CONTINUATION
SEE DWG :
EGL SH L L L L SH C0306-JBL-ECB-DG-20002

1800 ALLOWANCES FOR CONCRETE EXISTING DEWA WATER
CONSTRUCTION BARRIER LINE
(TYP)
EXISTING ELECTRIC
LINE NOTE:
FOR NOTES REFER TO GENERAL NOTES
A SECTIONAL ELEVATION DRAWING C0306-S02-ECB-DG-20021
- SCALE 1:500
0 5 10 15 20 25 M
1 : 500 SCALE BAR

LEGEND NOTES KEY PLAN SHARJAH REV DATE DESCRIPTION Drwn Chkd Appr CONTRACTOR'S JOINT VENTURE : SUB-CONSULTANT : PROJECT ETIHAD RAIL NETWORK DRAWING TITLE
CL 1. COORDINATES ARE IN WGS84 UTM 40 DMC AA 18/12/2019 ISSUED FOR ACCEPTANCE DG RM DI ETIHAD RAIL STAGE 2 PROJECT C0306-PACKAGE 2C
CW : CENTER LINE 2. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS & LEVELS JBL CLIENT
MED : CARRIAGE WAY DMB JEBEL ALI BRANCH
TOR : MEDIAN ARE IN METER UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE. ABU DHABI
TYP : TOP OF RAIL DIMENSIONS SHALL NOT BE MEASURED FROM UNDER BRIDGE AT CH: 5+090
MSE WALL : TYPICAL THE DRAWING ONLY WRITTEN DIMENSION TO BE
: MECHANICALLY STABILIZED CONSIDERED. GENERAL ARRANGEMENT
EARTH WALL 3. SPAN LENGTHS SHOWN ARE ALONG THE
FINISHED GROUND LEVEL CENTER LINE OF ALIGNMENT. SHEET No SCALE ORIGINAL SIZE
DECK EXPANSION GAP 4. AT ANY EXISTING UTILITY CLASHES WITH
CONSTRUCTION JOINT STRUCTURE NEED TO BE DIVERTED. 01 OF 03 AS SHOWN A1
SHOULDER, FP : FOOT PATH 5. FOR CHAINAGE REFER TO ALIGNMENT
FGL : DRAWINGS. DUBAI PMC ENGINEER PROJECT STAGE DOCUMENT STATUS
EJ : AL AIN
CJ : P.O.Box. 7497 Dubai, U.A.E DCP2 FOR APPROVAL
SH : Tel: +971 4 350 5000 Fax: +971 4 350 5001
DRAWING No REVISION
www.wsp.com
C0306-JBL-ECB-DG-20001 AA

Etihad Rail B10 bridge.

PROJECTS \ STRUCTURES 25

Mariswe InTouch 2020 National Water and Sanitation
Master Plan completed

“ It needs to be implemented by the entire South African
water sector to achieve the Government’s goals and
objectives for water and sanitation services.
The Infrastructure Planning Division at Mariswe was
appointed by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Volume 2: Plan to Action details the challenges facing the
in October 2017 to assist in developing the National Water water and sanitation sector and the need for specific actions
and Sanitation Master Plan (NW&SMP). and interventions;

“Mariswe is very proud to have been part of this process that Volume 3: Schedule of Actions is the core deliverable
was successfully completed in October 2019,” says Sandra of the NW&SMP, including detailed actions/interventions,
Munnik, Division Head: Infrastructure Planning. programmes and projects required to achieve the Plan’s
purpose down to provincial or catchment level. It also
“Guided by DWS Project Manager Mr Tendani Nditwani, provides the specific responsibilities of the relevant role-
the project was carried out by Mariswe in association with players and a breakdown of deliverables and cost per time
a team of industry experts including Pegasys Strategy and segment. This schedule will be used to monitor and evaluate
Development among others.” the achievement of the set targets.

The complete master plan is available on the DWS website
at www.dws.gov.za. It prioritises actions and investments
required in the next 10 years to overcome challenges
and ensure a water secure future supporting inclusive
development across the country.

“The NW&SMP is intended to be a living document so that its
content and the achievement of the set targets will continue to
be monitored and evaluated even after it has been finalised,”
Sandra points out.

“It needs to be implemented by the entire South African water
sector to achieve the government’s goals and objectives
for water and sanitation services. This includes ensuring
that South Africa has sufficient water supply reserves to
2030 and beyond, accelerating progress towards meeting
constitutional imperatives, and achieving service delivery
commitments.”

The NW&SMP consists of three volumes:

Volume 1: Call to Action serves as an executive summary
broadly outlining the current challenges and proposed
solutions;

26 PROJECTS \ INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING

New software app makes iCU Mariswe InTouch 2020
contract more accessible

“ In an exciting new development, the iCU document is now being converted into a web-based
software application for the total management of iCU contracts. Mariswe intends to license this
software app for use by project owners and their consultants / EPCM contractors.
Since its launch 35 years ago Mariswe’s Integrated Construction
Unit (iCU) contract system has been continually upgraded and “While iCU has been a very successful service offering, it has
enhanced, most recently through the update of its contract not achieved anything near its full potential. The web-based
platform from NEC3 to NEC4. app should meaningfully increase the profile of the product
as well as sales.”
In an exciting new development, the iCU document is now
being converted into a web-based software application for The new app should be available in early 2021.
the total management of iCU contracts. Mariswe intends to
license this software app for use by project owners and their
consultants / EPCM contractors.

Rod Stewart, Divisional Head: Management Services, says it
may also be attractive to construction companies wishing to
offer iCU as an alternative to enhance the competitiveness of
their tenders.

The iCU offering currently requires Mariswe to provide the
project manager and works supervisors on site, but the new
software app will relax this requirement. This is helpful for
project owners in Africa, who are often restricted in terms of
expat work permits and can now put local staff into these roles.

Rod adds that the increasing complexity of the iCU system
demands systemisation for consistent application of its
numerous construction risk and contract management features.

What is iCU?

Mariswe’s home-grown iCU contract methodology was
launched in 1985 as a cost-effective alternative to conventional
forms of contract.

iCU has been used successfully on many hundreds of African
infrastructure projects in the mining, agriculture, forestry
and civil sectors, typically yielding savings in excess of 20%
compared to conventional contracting methods.

The iCU approach is collaborative and team oriented rather
than adversarial, which encourages meaningful interaction
between the client, contractor and engineer to the benefit of the
project. It is well suited to dynamic project environments where
conditions may be conducive to change and uncertainty.

PROJECTS \ NICHE SERVICES 27

Mariswe InTouch 2020 iCU beats training and budget
challenges in DRC project

Mariswe’s iCU contract system has proved itself yet
again in the construction of an access road to the
new Kamoa Kakula Copper Mine near Kolwezi in the
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Kamoa Copper SA appointed Mariswe to manage construction
of the mine access road on the strength of its iCU contract.

The new road provides a link from the Kansoko mine, also part management duties. The chronic shortage of construction
of the Kamoa Project, and the new Kakula Mine. This includes equipment from DRC suppliers posed a risk to production that
two sections, the first about 19 km of provincial road from the had to be managed on a daily basis,” he says.
Kolwezi Mines turnoff to Kansoko, and the second a 7 km
section of private road from Kansoko Mine to Kakula Mine. The unique iCU methodology enables clients to appoint local
contractors and leave the management of associated risks to
The main objective was to provide access to the Kamoa Project Mariswe’s construction management specialists.
from Kolwezi’s airport and between Kansoko and Kakula.

Both sections have been built in accordance with EPCM
contractor DRA’s design specifications.

Jaco Heyl, Executive Manager: Management Services at In addition, design changes had to be made on site in
Mariswe, points out that the iCU system was the ideal solution consultation with DRA and the client and innovative construction
to two significant issues on site, the use of an inexperienced methods devised in order to remain within the budget.
contractor and budget constraints.
Construction commenced in January 2019 and the client was
“Mariswe’s construction supervisors and management played given beneficial occupation of Section 1 in December 2019
a major role in training the contractor’s staff and took on many and Section 2 in February 2020.
of the contractor’s contract administration and construction

28 PROJECTS \ NICHE SERVICES

Improving lives Mariswe InTouch 2020

Mariswe’s mantra is Improving Lives. Engineering Solutions. candlelight. He bought her a solar-powered lamp. When CEO
One could argue that Mark Etheridge fulfilled both requirements Nonkululeko Sindane and Project Director Rod Stewart heard
when he went in search of solar powered lamps recently. the story, the company followed suit and donated solar powered
lamps to all staff who needed them.
Mark was Mariswe’s Team Leader on the multi-year US$250
million water services expansion project in the Zambian Something small, but Mark’s solution and the company’s
capital of Lusaka where the firm is currently winding down as willingness to assist have improved the lives of employees.
Construction Supervision Engineer (see page 15).

The Lusaka Water Supply, Sanitation and Drainage (LWSSD)
project is providing access to clean and safe water supply and
adequate sanitation for more than a million residents of Lusaka,
as well as improving storm water drainage infrastructure for
the city.

But, as Mark points out, residents of Lusaka have had a tough
summer. “The rains have failed and the water level in Lake
Kariba, which feeds the mighty Kariba Dam, is at an historic low.
As a result, Lusaka is experiencing 15 hours of load shedding
every day while temperatures soar into the mid-40s.”

Speaking to an employee, Mark found that she was buying
candles and her daughter was doing her homework by

More accolades
for Mariswe

Toastmasters

Members of the Mariswe Toastmasters Club celebrate achieving • Two members earned the title of Distinguished Toastmaster
President’s Distinguished Club status in 2019. (DTM), the highest accolade that can be achieved at
Toastmasters.
Busisiwe Nteyi, Vice President: Membership, says the Mariswe
Toastmasters Club has successfully transitioned to its new • Two members won Founders Awards for helping to launch
name and is growing stronger each year. The Club has new clubs in Johannesburg.
notched up several notable achievements since the start of
the current Toastmasters year in July 2019: • The Mariswe club reached Select Distinguished Club
status within the first four months of the Toastmasters Year
• The Club won Treasurer’s Excellence Gold for renewing at for meeting 7/10 Toastmaster Goals.
least 20 memberships by cut-off date. Mariswe was one of
only 26 clubs to receive this award out of 226 active clubs • At the end of May 2020 the Mariswe club met all of the 10
in the district. Toastmaster Goals to become a President’s Distinguished
Club for the third year in a row.

“ In the future we hope to grow our membership to become a
stronger club, and specifically to get more Mariswe staff on
board.” says Busisiwe.

COMMUNITY PROJECTS 29

Mariswe InTouch 2020 Nurture a Girl
enters its fourth year

“ The relationships we have built with the schools we support have shown us how much more
can be done to help learners achieve their potential and grow into strong, productive and

happy adults.” - Nonkululeko Sindane, CEO of Mariswe.
Mariswe remains firmly committed to helping high school learners
through its Nurture A Girl project, reports Patience Mashala, co- Patience Mashala with beneficiaries from Thembinkosi School
ordinator of the programme. for Learners with Special Educational Needs in Tembisa.

Launched in 2017, Nurture a Girl currently supports selected
learners at secondary schools near its offices in Johannesburg,
Pretoria, Pietermaritzburg, East London and Cape Town.

Each beneficiary receives monthly personal hygiene kits and
exposure to life skills and career opportunities through workshops
and courses, career advice and counselling. “Our priority is to
make sure our beneficiaries are not absent from school due to a
lack of personal resources,” says Patience. “We believe access
to these items is a basic human right.”

Mariswe aims to support up to 70 girls every year and hopes to
sustain and expand the programme through sponsorships and
donations by other businesses and individuals.

In addition to the ongoing Nurture a Girl sponsorships, the staff of
Mariswe provided further support by donating funds to assist the
girls and their families in buying groceries and other necessities
during the Covid-19 crisis.

For more information visit http://www.mariswe.com/nurture-a-
girl/. You can also contact Patience Mashala at 011 709 8420 or
email [email protected].

Siphokazi Mhlobo of Mariswe’s East London office (left) with social workers and Nurture a Girl beneficiaries at a Teens Seminar in the King
William’s Town area. Topics discussed included teenage pregnancy, peer pressure and behavioural change.

30 COMMUNITY PROJECTS

A little help makes a big Mariswe InTouch 2020
difference for Nomzamo

Above: Mariswe’s Nurture a Girl programme at Sacred Heart Secondary
School in Verulam (from left): Kim Dlamini, Project Administrator at

Mariswe; learners Nolwazi Nyathi, Nomzamo Mzobe, Nolwazi Mthiyane,
Nombuso Mbanjwa and Nolwazi Ngcobo; Nqobile Goba, Acting Principal
of Sacred Heart; learner Zandiswa Nyuswa; Zandile Ndhlovu, Secretary at

Mariswe; and learners Sisanda Ngidi and Sindisiwe Mathenjwa.

Nomzamo Mzobe
– “A powerful nation is a nation that reads.”

Nomzamo Mzobe matriculated with eight distinctions from good time management and extra tuition made available by the
Sacred Heart Secondary School in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal, in school also helped.
2019. During her matric year, Nomzamo was one of 10 learners
at the school participating in Mariswe’s Nurture a Girl initiative. She says Nurture a Girl made a big difference in her life during
her final school years. “I really believe the programme is helpful
The 20 girls supported over a two-year period at Sacred Heart because it gave me the courage to go into the classroom without
is a drop in the ocean of over 500 learners at the school. But the having to worry about things such as toiletries. My mother lost
beneficiaries, chosen by their teachers, are those in greatest her job in 2014 and she often struggles to buy necessities.”
need. “Nomzamo has focused on her dream of becoming
a neurosurgeon through thick and thin and despite great Nomzamo would like to see schools get more extra tuition for
challenges. Young women like her who are real role models for subjects like maths, maths literacy, physical sciences and
their peers give us the inspiration to do more,” says Mariswe English, as well as computer studies. The Acting Principal of
CEO Nonkululeko Sindane. Sacred Heart, Nqobile Goba, echoes this, adding that extra
tuition for Grades 10 to 12 would significantly improve the
Nomzamo achieved distinctions in maths, physical and life results of matriculants.
sciences, geography, accounting, IsiZulu (home language)
and English (first additional language), as well as life orientation. Nomzamo has just started her Bachelor of Medicine and
“I love maths, life sciences and geography, they challenge my Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh) at the University of the
way of thinking,” she explains. Witwatersrand with the focus firmly on her chosen career as
a neurosurgeon. She has been accepted into the National
Her advice to those who wish to excel, and indeed to South Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
Africa, is simple: “A powerful nation is a nation that reads.
I believe that words and books are mightier than the sword.” The proverb that it takes a village to raise a child is so true.
Nomzamo has shown what one can do despite the odds, with
Nomzamo has had the support of an extended family including family support, a school that cares, and a little help with basic
her mother, grandmother, two sisters, an uncle and two aunts necessities that mean a lot when you don’t have them. And of
who live together in Ndwedwe and says her teachers were “not course, a lot of hard work!
only great but awesome” and kept her going. She adds that

COMMUNITY PROJECTS 31

Mariswe InTouch 2020 A winning effort from
Mariswe’s Young Professionals

“ “Engineering is tangible. One can see and touch its outputs. We use roads, drink
water and talk on the phone every day.” - Sipho Fongoqa, Executive Manager, East
London office.

Mariswe Eastern Cape
(East London and Mthatha offices)

East London and Mthatha hosted separate events on
19 July. In the East London office 20 grade 11 learners from
Port Rex Technical High School and Lumko High School
completed their first engineering project management
task when they were asked to plan, design and build a tall
but stable elevated reservoir. The major lessons revolved
around resource management and planning. A visit followed
to the Mercedes Benz factory construction site in the East
London Industrial Development Zone.

The Mthatha YPs hosted 42 learners from three rural
schools, Qingqolo and Hlabatshane High Schools, as well as
Manzolwandle Senior Secondary School. Here the learners
completed in a fun engineering quiz and also tested their
team skills in the reservoir construction challenge.

Mariswe wins first place in the 2019 CESA Job Shadowing
Initiative and Poster Competition.

With their usual enthusiasm, creativity and attention to detail,
Mariswe’s Young Professionals (YPs) focused on unlocking the
potential of 157 learners from 11 schools in their 12th annual Job
Shadowing programme in July 2019.

Mariswe was delighted to win the 2019 CESA Job Shadowing
Initiative and Poster Competition for the second time. Our
winning poster was based on the Job Shadow events in five
Mariswe offices.

Mariswe Inland Provinces (Bryanston office)

Mariswe’s Bryanston office hosted 45 maths and science
learners from Phomolong, Tembisa and iKusasa High Schools in
Tembisa on 19 July. A full day of events culminated in the much-
anticipated water tower challenge. This team project required
use of the engineering principles around concept, preliminary
and detailed design stages, followed by construction to build a
structure capable of carrying a stipulated load.

Mariswe KwaZulu-Natal
(Pietermaritzburg and Richards Bay offices)

The site of the N2 upgrade between Mtunzini and Empangeni
became the “office” for 30 prospective young engineers from
Matamzana Dube and Ziphozonke High Schools on 19 July.
The highlight of the day was a tour of the site and a challenge
to complete puzzles testing the learners’ understanding of
engineering and underscoring the importance of teamwork.

32 COMMUNITY PROJECTS

The team-driven water tower challenge Mariswe InTouch 2020
tested the learners’ understanding of

engineering principles.

Learning about what a future in civil
engineering could hold.

GAUTENG A day spent meeting the project
team on site, building puzzles and
The YPs of the Bryanston office hosted 45 understanding road construction.
maths and science learners from Phomolong,
Tembisa and iKusasa High Schools on 19 July, KWAZULU-NATAL
a day designed to illustrate the six stages of a
typical engineering project. The site of the N2 upgrade between Mtunzini
and Empangeni became the “office” for 30
Experiencing a day in the life of a budding engineers from Matamzana Dube and
consulting engineer. Ziphozonke High Schools on 19 July. The hosts
were the YPs of Mariswe’s Pietermarizburg and
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A Richards Bay offices.
CONSULTING ENGINEER
A brief by the YPs in the Cape Town office
YPs visited and were introduced to various In line with our ethos of engineering was followed by a team challenge to build a
aspects of engineering and reservoir infrastructural solutions that build
construction activity in Mthatha. communities and improves lives, tower with spaghetti and marshmallows.
Mariswe’s Job Shadow day aims to
unlock the potential of learners by WESTERN CAPE
providing a glimpse of our daily work.
Teamwork and communication were the
EASTERN CAPE CESA National themes of the Job Shadowing Initiative in
Job Shadow Initiative 2019 Mariswe’s Cape Town office, attended by
On 19 July the East London office welcomed 20 learners from 20 learners from Groenvlei High School.
Port Rex Technical High School and Lumko High School while
Mthatha hosted a group of 42 from Qingqolo and Hlabatshane
High Schools, as well as Manzolwandle Senior Secondary School.

Becoming a consulting engineer - in the
East London office and at the Mercedes
Benz factory Construction site for a day.

157 LEARNERS
11 SCHOOLS
in all regions

The learners took home a lot of
inspiration, together with Mariswe-

branded stationery and mugs.

Our winning poster.

“ I honestly enjoyed my entire time here and I am truly inspired. I have learned so
many things that I never knew. - Learner in Cape Town.
Mariswe Western Cape (Cape Town office) competed to build the tallest tower that could withstand the

greatest load within the allocated time.

Teamwork and communication were the themes of the A second challenge – to create a system powered by
Job Shadowing Initiative in Mariswe’s Cape Town office, gravity – tasked the learners to create a multiple level system
attended by 20 learners from Groenvlei High School on transporting buoyant spheres from the highest to the lowest
11 July. An unusual team task involved building a tower with level. The concepts of gravity, buoyancy, density and fraction
spaghetti and marshmallows. Following an explanation of came into play here.
some relevant structural engineering concepts, the teams

COMMUNITY PROJECTS 33

Mariswe InTouch 2020

www.mariswe.com

Transportation \ Water \ Structures \ Management Services \ Infrastructure Planning \ Strategic Projects Unit

Mariswe House, Eton Office Park West, Private Bag X66, Bryanston, Tel: +27 (0)11 709 8420 Mariswe (Pty) Ltd
Harrison Avenue, Bryanston, JHB, Gauteng, 2021, Fax: +27 (0)86 539 2880 Reg. No 1995/009872/07
2191, South Africa South Africa [email protected]


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