The Civil Engineering Contractor July 2019 | Page 21

A magnificent bridge over the Okavango River in the Mohembo
Village area, which is being piled by Keller’s Franki Africa for
main contractor Itinera/Cimolai JV, is a shining example of
South Africa’s diverse strengths. The bridge, which connects
villages on the east of the river with the rest of the country,
straddles the Mohembo East (Kauxwi) Ferry landing site with
the Mohembo West (Shakawe) Ferry landing site.
According to Devendra Lalbasanth, Franki senior contracts
manager, the 1.2km bridge, which consists of two towers for
the Cable Stayed portion and 18 piers, requires 189 no. 1200
diameter, permanently cased auger piles at an average of
35m below platform level. Some of the piles required are
being installed to a depth of 50m.
Errol Braithwaite, Franki MD, says that he is proud of the
quality projects that Franki is currently involved in, especially
in this very challenging economic climate. “There is no doubt
that the construction industry in Southern Africa is facing
one of the most pressured periods in its history — many
companies are having to reinvent their business models,
some will close, foreign companies are entering the market,
skills are exiting the market and confidence is down.”
www.civilsonline.co.za
nn
CEC July 2019 | 19