SA Affordable Housing November - December 2019 // ISSUE: 79 | Page 26

PROJECT
Low-cost development in
Polokwane nears completion
Polokwane-based MarTek Roofing recently completed the roofing
on a development consisting of 450 low cost government developed
homes in Seshego Ext 78 in Polokwane, for Ixplore, who was the main
contractor.
By Eamonn Ryan | All images by MarTek Roofing
M
arTek Roofing specialises in the design,
cost-effective manufacturing, and erection
of pre-fabricated timber and Ultra-Span
roof trusses. The roofing component
of the project remained on track for its planned
mid-September completion. The project is a fully
government funded low cost housing project for the
below average income group – there is no financing for
home buyers.
Managing partner Sakkie Maritz describes the ‘new
low-cost spec’ as being light gauge steel trusses with
timber no longer being used. “Being a MiTek licensed
fabricator we quote on ULTRA SPAN trusses with
sundries and consumables. The only timber we still use
is 38 x 38mm Biligom treated wall plate.
“The trusses as well as sundries are ordered ‘cut-to-
size’. We do the truss assembly in the factory with
templates for accuracy. Then the roof kit with sundries
is delivered to site. MarTek also does the erection on
site, because of the complexity and intricate tools you
need to execute the fit.”
Maritz explains that the Limpopo National Home
Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) wanted full
technical design reports on the steel as well as the
design and software testing and approval, even
though the NHBRC head office had approved the
product in 2008. The NHBRC oversees the project.
“However, we said, ‘you know, what let’s comply’,”
says Maritz. “Transport and storage are additional
challenges, but after the first few houses, we got the
Houses under construction.
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NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2019
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