ROADS
resulting in a substantial cost saving over traditionally bagged asphalt. This is further supported by an analysis that was done as part of the feasibility study, which included a life-cycle cost and economic benefits analysis. A comparison of the different surfacing options, including hotmix asphalt, paving blocks and Cape Seal, proved conclusive. The study found that “both the labour-based surfacing technology and Cape Seal options can be considered the most economically feasible” over a 25-year period. A team of 14 people was used for the manufacturing of approximately 15 t of asphalt premix per day.
4
Simplicity
All equipment required on-site for the mixing of the asphalt components was deliberately kept as basic as possible. All containers were purposely cut out or marked to hold the correct volumes, eliminating complicated measuring and ensuring a consistent mix.
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IMIESA May 2017
5
Training and technical support
A three-step training programme introduced by the appointed skills development company provided a fresh approach to SAQA-accredited courses, covering both technical and entrepreneurial training. The comprehensive training programme was designed to transfer the following skills: • ‘Sustainable Skills for Life’ – modules included leadership, personal finance, goalsetting and eco-construction practices. • The ability to manufacture four different eco-friendly cold-asphalt- or asphalt-related products for road surfacing, repair and maintenance; to apply and surface the four different eco-friendly mixes and to maintain and repair potholes using CSIR technical guidelines. • As part of the exit strategy, labourers were capacitated to become small contractors where they would be taught to establish and operate a construction business and execute construction projects.
The labour-based surfacing technology employed was modelled in accordance with the Expanded Public Works Programme operational level guidelines. The inclusion of these accredited training courses will, therefore, allow the municipality to benefit from the associated incentive grants.
6
Sustainability (exit strategy)
The Mooiwater project is unique because it’s the first time local communities have been taught to manufacture a quality cold asphalt product, which can subsequently be supplied to municipalities for their ongoing road repair and maintenance programmes. Going forward, our hope is that communitybased repair teams can be incubated through a mentorship programme and developed into structured business units or cooperatives. Since the LBS asphalt solution can be applied just about anywhere, even the remotest of communities with no prior skills can enter the roads business.