Architect and Builder Nov/Dec 2022 | Page 6

NEWSWORTHY
LEGRAND YSALIS NOW IN BLACK
Legrand ’ s range of chic Ysalis switches and sockets - known for stylish aesthetics and pristine quality - is now available in black . Ysalis wiring devices were launched locally in 2017 , to meet growing demand for sophisticated , yet affordable fittings , with modern , safe and reliable control features . These trendy fittings were previously available in white and champagne , but to keep abreast with current trends , Legrand has just launched Ysalis devices in black . These carefully designed slim , curvy shaped 9mm profile plates and large rockers provide easy and convenient control of functions like lighting , fans and the television . These plates can also be fitted with fluorescent indictors on the switches for improved comfort and safety in the dark . Users can choose different kinds of functionalities , including power sockets ( RSA current standard and new standard ), data , television and USB . The Ysalis range can be also perfectly adapted to Legrand trunking system . Ysalis is suitable for new and existing installations . The modular design allows any configuration to be easily adapted , simply by changing a connection function or the colour of the plate , at any time . With this system , there is no damage to the wall to increase , remove or change the number of lighting points or connections – the same box and support frames are used to accommodate all modifications . www . legrand . co . za
INFRASTRUCTURE DATABASE FOR SOUTH AFRICA
A major project to assess the state of infrastructure across South Africa is being undertaken by DBI Consulting . “ We are determining the exact location of the infrastructure , its current state and then the replacement cost and all potential funding sources available ,” explains MD Monty Ditibane , Pr Eng ( Tech ), B Eng ( Civil ), MBL . Ditibane is an entrepreneur in the infrastructure , engineering services , energy , finance and technology sectors and founder of a range of engineering and technology businesses .
The project encompasses all nine provinces and consists of dashboards and a detailed database , all based on DBI Consulting ’ s in-house GIS model . “ This gives us a major advantage in terms of infrastructure planning for our clients ,” adds Ditibane . “ It is both a value-add and a distinct in-house capability we have developed .”
Another key differentiator for the company is its strength in appraising projects for infrastructure financing . “ This is something we are highly specialised in and makes us a unique business in the market . We support investors to attain alpha returns on their investments in infrastructure projects by keeping an eye out for opportunities and returns ,” notes Ditibane .
“ We strive to be a highly integrated business by virtue of linking investment and corporate finance specialists and bankers with our infrastructure mandate . We believe the only way that this country is going to grow and shave off unemployment is when all stakeholders are at the table . Hence you need infrastructure practitioners such as us who
Monty Ditibane MD , DBI Consulting can translate that mandate into a practical and feasible reality ,” explains Ditibane .
“ We confidently inform corporate financiers and investment bankers as to the returns they can expect by investing in such projects . We write those appraisal stories from an engineering perspective but translated into financial language .” Ditibane adds that DBI Consulting is sufficiently flexible and adaptable to partake in the 360 ° ecosystem of infrastructure , running the gamut from energy supply to transportation and water , all integrated into a single delivery model .
Ditibane argues that social infrastructure is essential for local community development and for the South African economy to expand . “ Such growth requires security of water and energy , sectors we are quite strong in . Additional requirements are land availability and streamlined bureaucratic processes ,” he notes .
“ Our mantra is that South Africa presents a lot of opportunities for companies such as us . However , there is a misalignment between this vision at national level vis-à-vis the role of local authorities in terms of authorisations , town planning , land use applications and other approvals . At a policy level there is no problem as we have some of the best policies ever committed to paper , but there are serious weaknesses at an implementation level ,” argues Ditibane .
He points to the protracted period from advertising a tender to when it is finally awarded , during which time many a business has gone under due to the lack of a sustainable pipeline of projects . This is where a company like DBI Consulting stands to play a key role . “ We do believe that as businesses we have some level of accountability and responsibility in being able to unblock these kinds of challenges .”
“ Due to our capabilities , we take a holistic approach to project management and engineering design by mapping out workable processes that are cost-effective and can ensure a single point of accountability or interface ,” stresses Ditibane . Both the public and private sectors can even collaborate on Project Management Offices to oversee holistic infrastructure development throughout the country , he concludes . www . dbiconsulting . co . za
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