NEWS
University of Fort Hare construction resumes
Following two months of hard lockdown , the
development of a 2 047-bed student village at the University of Fort Hare ( UFH ) has resumed .
Covid-19 has had a severe impact on the construction industry in South Africa , including material shortages , loss of income and the delay of key infrastructure projects , such as student housing . With the sector resuming operations under lockdown Level 3 , the country can begin working towards economic recovery .
“ This is the largest student accommodation development ever undertaken by a university in South Africa . Its completion is critical to easing the housing crisis at the University of Fort Hare and giving students access to resources necessary for academic success ,” says Sean Kenealy , director at STAG African , the student accommodation group responsible for developing the project .
Lack of accommodation is one of the biggest challenges faced at UFH . Currently , residences at the university ’ s Alice campus are barely able to accommodate 50 % of the student population . With this project , the university aims to house 65 % of students on campus , as well as provide a new student centre and a dedicated postgraduate accommodation block .
Kenealy believes that the reopening of the construction sector will also play a major role in cushioning the impact of lockdown-related unemployment ; “ The construction and property development industries are major economic contributors – they have the potential to employ large numbers of workers very quickly . Given the current state of our economy , this is something that government and business should prioritise moving forward .”
“ Following weeks of preparation and the implementation of strict health and safety measures in accordance with Level 3 regulations , the UFH construction site has been declared Covid-19 protocol compliant . Physical distancing , the use of face masks , and continued education are among the measures being taken to prevent the spread of the virus , and ensure the safety of construction workers ,” says Nangamso Cetywayo , UFH Project Manager at STAG African .
Work resumes Covid-style on Cape Town high-rise
CONCOR
The highest residential block in Cape Town ’ s city centre – 16 On Bree – has resumed construction , but under demanding new Covid-19 conditions .
The project is being developed by FWJK Developments . This makes Concor Western Cape , the contractor on the project , a pioneer in the application of Covid-19 health protocols in a building of this height and complexity , says senior contracts manager Collin Morilly . “ With the large number of people on a site where space is severely restricted , we have introduced a range of new health and safety measures aligned with post lockdown Covid-19 regulations ,” Morilly says . “ These are in addition to Concor ’ s standard stringent health , safety policies and environmental
The highest residential block in Cape Town ’ s city centre – 16 On Bree – has resumed construction . procedures that have been fine-tuned over decades of experience .”
At the project ’ s peak , about 800 staff , labourers and subcontractors were active on site . The carefully phased onboarding process in lockdown Level 3 will see 300 of the overall workforce allowed back in the initial intake , in compliance with regulations . New processes will include screening and close monitoring of all workers by monitoring staff . Office space for construction management has been reconfigured , and rooms set up for screening , isolation and induction .
The project began in May 2018 and had progressed well until South Africa ’ s national Level 5 lockdown in March 2020 . Construction is ramping up again in June 2020 under the Level 3 State of Disaster regulations .
“ The main structure topped out in early March this year , just days before the Covid-19 lockdown ,” Morilly says . “ The apartments on levels 12 to 19 are complete , with only snagging work underway . The fitting out of levels 20 to 27 is returning to full swing including electricals , water infrastructure , fireproofing and air conditioning systems .”
The 120m high , mixed-use development has two floors of retail at ground level , followed by nine parking levels . The living area comprises 25 storeys of apartments with 380 units in all . There are also two floors for plant and equipment .
Located on a busy city block , the project has had to deal with a restricted laydown area , demanding out-of-the-box thinking . Morilly says this has required upgraded safety plans including safety fans around the building , and required additional flagmen and banksmen to ensure compliance .
6 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020 SAAffordHousing saaffordablehousingmag SA Affordable Housing www . saaffordablehousing . co . za