Building Archives - Page 5 of 8 - Leads 2 Business Blog

16 Mar 2021

Construction Highlights from 2020

by Nazeema Sishi | posted in: Did You Know | 0

Where do I even start? 2020 was a year like no other, caused by a global pandemic that claimed many lives, spiked retrenchment, closure of businesses, projects paused, increased food prices, and the list goes on. But today we focus on Construction Highlights from 2020. With Covid-19 construction had to adapt to new trends and technology. This coming with both disadvantages as well as advantages, communication between tenderers and clients became easier, but connectivity was sometimes an issue, systems required constant updates. IT was and continues to be the biggest contributor to communication during these times.

The construction industry was knocked with the Level 5 lockdown as all work came to a standstill for roughly 3 months, impacting on completion time, as well as other projects that were in the pipeline.

Commercial construction stats are expected to fall by 16% in 2020, with retail stats projected to be down by 33% and hotel/motel stats by 31%. Apart from the bad, there was also a good side to construction in 2020, please see projects below.

1. Calgro M3 breaks ground on student housing projects in South Africa (Linked to PPA 25970 which is Underway)

To be located within the Belhar CBD development, a mixed-use residential project, the accommodation will be built in three parcels of land located next to one another.

The 44 000m² site will border the southern boundary of the University of the Western Cape campus and is situated close to the Unibell train station and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

Comprising of six buildings with nearly 2,720 beds, the accommodation will have different types of sleeping quarters for students including single and double rooms and double room apartments.

Additionally, there will be suitable accommodation and ablution facilities designed specifically for disabled students.

The accommodation is expected to have several communal facilities within the residences such as bathrooms, lounges, study and dining areas, kitchens, laundries, and tuckshops, along with gym areas and residence manager apartments.

2. World Bank approves $131m financing to upgrade roads in Uganda (Linked to DTA 818876 which closed on 03 July 2020)

The Uganda Roads and Bridges in the Refugee Hosting Districts Project will involve upgrading 105km Koboko-Yumbe-Moyo road, and upgrade road infrastructure in areas hosting refugees in the country’s West Nile sub-region.

Additionally, the bank is financing the rehabilitation of the 340km Tororo-Mbale-Soroti-Lira-Kamdini road under the Uganda North Eastern Road-corridor Asset Management Project as well as the construction of the 100km of the Kyenjonjo-Kabwoya road under the Albertine Region Sustainable Development Project.

3. Maire Tecnimont wins $400m contract for two oil and gas projects in Algeria (The contract, worth $400m, was secured by Maire Tecnimont’s subsidiary Tecnimont)

The project will be implemented in the BirSeba and Mouiat Outlad Messaoud oil fields, located in the Touggourt area, about 130km northeast of Hassi Messaoud.

The scope of the contract includes full engineering, procurement, and construction activities such as the expansion of the existing oil central processing facility, by installing a new oil separation train to double the total capacity up to 40,000 barrels of oil per day.

It also includes installing two additional remote gathering stations and over 400km of pipelines connecting the new oil production wells, along with implementing gas lift and water injection facilities.

Sources
World Construction Network
Epic Flow
BDC Network

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About Nazeema Sishi

I am a content researcher who just started with Leads 2 Business in February this year, I work in the Daily Tenders South Africa department. I am a young vibrant lady who enjoys meeting new people and doing new things. I welcome challenges and always find new ways of doing things. I am a mum and I love spending time with my not so little, very talkative son.

19 Nov 2020

5 Historical Buildings in Bloemfontein

by Sheila Davies | posted in: General | 0

To the seasoned traveller, Bloemfontein holds a whole array of history and exciting facts. Being known as “The City of Roses” attests to the beauty the city holds as well as holding a little fame for being the birthplace of J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit. But to the unseasoned traveller, little may be known about this city except perhaps that it is the Capital of the Free State and that it borders on the semi-arid region of the Karoo. If you’re looking for some historical insight and a city that will not disappoint, Bloemfontein is not to be missed on your next road trip. Listed below are 5 historical buildings that are an absolute must on your next South African adventure!

1. Supreme Court of Appeal

Bloemfontein is the judicial capital of South Africa. The Court of Appeal building was built in 1929 and is the highest court. The Court of Appeal is also known as the Supreme Court of Appeal where the final decisions are made. Except for the Constitutional Court, no other court rules over it.
The original building was designed in a free Renaissance style by J S Cleland, the Chief Government Architect, who was also responsible for many other major public buildings in South Africa. The oldest part was built with sandstone from Ladybrand, the newer western wing with sandstone from Ficksburg, and the latest extension with sandstone from Mookgophong in Limpopo. On each occasion, the extensions were constructed to preserve the style and appearance of the building as far as possible.

2. National Afrikaans Literary Museum

The National Afrikaans Literary Museum and Research Centre is a central archive for material and information on the history, development, and scope of literature, music, and drama in the Afrikaans language. The NALN was founded in 1973 by the Free State provincial government and is based in Bloemfontein, South Africa. NALN is located in the Old Free State Government Building. The building housed the various government departments of the Orange Free State government. The first story’s front facade was designed by Richard Wocke and the keystone was laid by President Brand on May 31, 1875. In 1895, the second story was built, designed by Johannes Egbertus Vixseboxse. The remainder of the building was designed by Sir Herbert Baker, an architect of the Union Buildings in Pretoria, and was completed in 1906.
On October 28, 1908, the original building was destroyed in a fire. From 1909 to 1911, it was largely restored based on Baker’s blueprint. Improvements were the work of the government architect F. Taylor. The tower was, among other things, narrower and 10.5 m higher than the original one, and was fitted with a rounded crown.
From 1877 to 1902, the Old Government Building was the headquarters of the Government of the Orange Free State. The Free State Volksraad met in the Third Council Chamber from 1877 to 1893. Afterwards, it remained the seat of the Government of the Orange River Colony, and in 1911 became the provincial headquarters of the Orange Free State. In 1972, the building was declared a national heritage site.
The Human Sciences Research Council began mounting exhibits in the building and using it as an archive for documents on language and literature in 1970. The document archive developed into the Literary Museum of Bloemfontein. On October 9, 1972, the Administrator of Free State, announced the establishment of the NALN. On March 24, 1973, the NALN was officially opened by Johannes Petrus van der Spuy, at the time Minister of National Education.

3. City Hall

Bloemfontein City Hall is a building in Bloemfontein which houses the local city council. The building was completed in 1936 and burned by vandals in 2017. The building lies on President Brand Street downtown next to the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa and facing Hertzog Square. The building is a sandstone structure designed by Gordon Leith. The city hall has a large room, the council meeting room, behind its eastern entrance. The entrance on President Brand Street is designed symmetrically with two towers. Pillars give the east entrance neoclassical elements. Over the symmetrical entrance hang signs indicating Stadhuis and City Hall. Above these lie the former city coat of arms.
During the 1980s, new municipal offices were opened alongside the building. Even after municipal government changes in 2000 and its 2011 reclassification, the local government has continued to use the town hall.
On June 21, 2017, vandals set the building on fire. The fire was lit during a protest by the South African Municipal Workers’ Union held at the building earlier during the day. The municipal archives in the building were lost in the fire.

4. Twin-Spire Church

Established on 13 November 1848, The Dutch Reformed congregation, also known as the Tweetoring Kerk, held its services initially in the Raadsaal, a humble thatched building in St George’s Street. On 6 January 1849 Major Henry Warden, the British Resident Administrator, laid the foundation stone for a new church and, at the same time, presented a bell to the congregation.
The building was only completed on 29 May 1852. By 1862, it had grown too small for Bloemfontein’s needs and the construction of a new hall was proposed. The project was only undertaken in 1874 when architect AW Wocker was commissioned to design a church. The old building was demolished whilst services continued to be held in a warehouse, owned by the firm of GA Fitchardt, immediately across the road.
President Brand laid the foundation stone for the new church on 10 May 1878, and on 7 May 1880, the new building was consecrated. The structure was notable for its twin spires and is commonly known amongst citizens of Bloemfontein as the Tweetoring Kerk. Unfortunately in April 1935 the western spire, including its clock, collapsed. Following fears that the second spire could also fall, both towers were shortened at the height of the church roof and given shorter pointed steeples. Following extensive structural restoration, by the end of 1942, both spires had been restored to their former height. A subsequent fire in 1952, set by an arsonist, fortunately, caused little structural damage, and the building was declared a National Monument under old NMC legislation on 15 February 1963.

5. The Fourth Raadsaal

The Fourth Raadsaal is a historic building in Bloemfontein, South Africa, which serves as the meeting place of the Free State Provincial Legislature, the legislature of the Free State. It is located opposite the Supreme Court of Appeal in President Brand Street. In the early 1880s, it was resolved to build a new presidency office and chamber council. The designs for both buildings were awarded to Johannesburg-based Lennox Canning. The new presidency office was completed in 1886, yet work on the chamber council had not begun until 1889 by another Johannesburg-based architect, TR Robertson. President Francis William Reitz laid the foundation stone on 27 June 1890. Due to construction issues, another tender was awarded to JJ Kirkness. The new building was formally inaugurated on 5 June 1893 when the members walked from the old chamber to the new one.
In March 1900, British forces occupied Bloemfontein and the building became a military hospital. Most of the furnishing were acquired and are now in private homes. The Orange River Colony became the legitimate government in 1907. The colony had a two-chamber legislature consisting of a council and a legislative assembly. The lower council continued to meet in the Raadsaal, while a separate building facing Aliwal Street housed the upper house. In 1910, the Union of South Africa was formed and the Raadsaal housed the provincial council. The chamber and its rooms were occupied by the Appeal Court until its own premises was ultimately built in 1929. After the first non-racial elections in 1994, a decision was taken to house the newly-established provincial legislature in the building.

As one can see, just from the 5 historical buildings mentioned here, Bloemfontein is a city teeming with culture and is immensely rich in heritage. The buildings and museums reflect a historical journey and make Bloemfontein one of the most important cities to visit in the history of South Africa.

About Sheila Davies

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13 Aug 2020

6 Beautiful Buildings in Durban

by Michelle Ngubo | posted in: General | 0

6 Beautiful Buildings in Durban

Often my colleagues and I would talk about a road trip to Durban as they would say….” Take us to your Mommas house”. But that has not happened due to the Pandemic. For now though, perhaps this 20-minute read will help you with a glimpse of what to expect?

Durban (Zulu: Ethekwini, from Itheku meaning “city”) is the third most populous city in South Africa (after Johannesburg and Cape Town) and is the largest city in the South African Province of KwaZulu Natal.

So whether you are in the City for Business or Pleasure be prepared to be blown away by some of its Structures and Buildings (in no particular order).

1: Durban ICC – also known as Inkosi Albert Luthuli

The Durban ICC is constructed on the site od the old Durban Central Prison, and today the centre stands as a symbolic reminder of the transformation the country has undergone. It’s hard to believe that this site was once a place of darkness and incarceration has turned into a place of enlightenment and a venue of the global dialogue. Personally, I also call this an all-in-one Building, as it can host the following events:

Conferences
Exhibitions
Sports and Events
Weddings / Banquets and private functions
Concerts

2. Durban City Hall

Known for its authentic structures as its construction is historical, landmark finished in 1910. In 1903 architects were invited to submit designs when it was found that the original Town Hall (now the Durban Post Office) was no longer large enough. The exterior now has sculptures representing the Arts, Music, Literature, Commerce Industry. The Durban City Hall is home to a Public Library, the Natural Science Museum and the Durban Art Gallery. The entrance along Dr Pixlsy Kaseme Street takes you to the Municipal Offices and Meeting Rooms.

3. Durban Hilton Hotel

An award-winning business hotel located next to the Durban ICC within 5 munites of the beachfront, Hilton Hotel is a 5-star property featuring 3 restaurants and a business lounge. Hilton Durban first opened in 1997 and celebrates its 20 years having transformed all 327 bedrooms into contemporary spaces. The overall design is inspired by Durban’s rich, diverse cultural heritage and captivating history with the breathtaking stretch of golden shorelines and the warmth and hospitality of its people which fulfil the needs of the modern traveller.

4. Moses Mabhida Stadium

Moses Mabhida has been voted the most popular stadium in South Africa via an online poll, hosted 7 FIFA World Cup matches (including a semi-final attended by the likes of Paris Hilton, Leonardo DiCaprio and John Travolta) in 2010.

The success of this stadium is well documented, not only via the 27 awards received to date but more importantly, in just two years the highest level of utilisation for the new stadia in South Africa can be claimed by Durban’s stadium. Named after a giant of a man, Moses Mbheki Mncane Mabhida, who was one of those who helped to forge and maintain the powerful United Front that eventually saw the creation of a democratic and non-racial South Africa. The design allows for natural ventilation and creates an incredible sense of space every bit as striking as the famous arch inspired by the “Y shape” on the South African flag.

5. uShaka Marine World

An 18 Hectare theme park which was opened on 30 April 2004 in Durban, KwaZulu Natal is located on the strip of land between the Beachfront and the Harbour. Comprised of 8 Sections, Seaworld, Wet ‘n Wild, Sea Animal Encounters Island, Beach, Village Walk, Moyo Pier, Dangerous Creatures and Chimp and Zee. It is know known for its safe, secure, clean environment that resonates the sound of fun, laughter and the spirit of togetherness.

6. Sibaya Casino – Umhlanga

Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom is a top holiday destination and casino in Durban, located just a few minutes’ drive away from King Shaka International Airport. Set in the green hills of KwaZulu-Natal, overlooking the Indian Ocean, Sibaya invites you in with a royal welcome.

A taste of what to look forward to when visiting Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom:

Luxury hotel suites and comfortable lodge rooms overlooking the swimming pools and ocean.
A selection of slot machines and tables for gaming in style at the main casino.
Durban’s top restaurants, serving the local flavour and international cuisine.
A variety of entertainment options from theatre, shows, movies and special events.
State-of-the-art conference and function facilities.
Personalised treatments at the in-house Mangwanani Spa.

As the City Slogan goes…Welcome to Durban, The warmest place to be – Which can also be translated as…Durban Rocks!

Sources:
Buildings Pier and Ocean
Durban ICC
Durban City Hall
Durban Hilton Hotel
Moses Mabhida Stadium
uShaka Marine World
SunShades emoji

About Michelle Ngubo

I have been working at L2B since March 2014 and my current position is Tenders Africa Deputy HOD and Classy is the best word that describes me.

2 Mar 2020

Industry Events: March 2020

by Sasha Anderson | posted in: Construction Events | 2

Industry Events: March 2020

If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit Leads 2 Business.
To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit Leads 2 Business Wiki.
To view more Events, please visit our Leads 2 Business Blog.

About Sasha Anderson

Millennial Mom + wife living the hash-tag life. Remember: If You Fail - Fail Forward

31 Oct 2019

Building Relationships: One Construction Project at a Time

by Nirasha Rampersad | posted in: Construction Chat, General | 2

More importantly, is that everyone can build strong relationships no matter what industry you’re in or what your title may be. It’s important to build the right relationships with the right people. Strong relationships between general contractors and subcontractors are important for a successful project. These relationships don’t mature overnight, and it takes time and effort from both parties to build a level of trust that evolves into a strong working partnership.

Main contractors
When a client hires a contractor to build or renovate a property, the company is legally responsible for completing all of the required work. Main contractors are thinkers. They work with you through the entire project, from the idea phase to the finished product. By contrast, subcontractors come and go. They specialize in certain areas of the construction process, like large equipment operation, concrete formulation, plumbing, electricity and carpentry. They enter a project to do a particular task and leave when that task is finished.

Subcontractors
If you’re bidding to a general contractor for the first time this is your opportunity to make a strong first impression.
Communicate! Keep in contact with the site supervisor and project manager with updates on your progress and advise them immediately of any issues or potential delays that might impact other subcontractors on the job or the overall project timeline.
Choose the right team for the job. Make sure your workers act and perform their duties safely and professionally. Be organized. Practice good housekeeping and clean up after every workday, picking up tools and equipment and disposing of any construction waste as you go.
Show up to the job site every day with the tools, equipment, materials, and workers you need to get the day’s work done. Subcontractors may be tempted to take on a job that is outside the scope of their capabilities allowing the subcontractors a window of time at either end of the project will ensure all their work will be finished within the project time frame. Preparing for delays will prevent the project from running overtime and therefore going over budget. Following these suggestions will lower the chances for disappointment and maintain a positive relationship between you and your subcontractor. Partnerships between contractors and subcontractors are vital for any business. In fact, this relationship is beneficial to both parties involved.
A subcontractor agreement usually exists between a contractor and a subcontractor. It outlines information similar to the conditions detailed in a contractor agreement. In most instances, the contractor will be responsible for compensating the subcontractor and the subcontractor is required to complete certain tasks for the contractor. Both a contractor and subcontractor work together to complete specified duties for a company or an individual.

Vendor/Suppliers
Main contractors and subcontractors often tend to ignore one thing: supplier relationship management. Effective supplier relationship management increases profitability and drives efficiencies for businesses.
Leads 2 Business has a service called Leads 2 Quotes and Open Quotes. (www.L2B.co.za) Vendor/Suppliers receives RFQ from main /sub-contractors as a preferred vendor via email, submit your RFQ’s (request for quotes) online. Easy access to vendor/suppliers within the area of work. You will be able to view which contractors prefer your business and interact directly with you regarding your service and product offerings.
This is a professional platform to enable anyone to build a solid relationship between Contractors and Suppliers.
As much as company culture is important to your business, it should also manifest in your supplier. Values such as speed, quality, excellence, innovation, and reliability are existent in trustworthy companies and you want to be sure that the same can be said about your own suppliers

Available Cash
You have payments due to subs, employees, vendors, materials suppliers, and equipment renters but you don’t get paid until the project is complete. If you want to have a solid relationship with your subbies, treat them how you would want to be treated, and pay them on time, every time
Nothing will ever run a 100% smoothly in construction at any given time. When there is a bump in the road, fingers start pointing. If you have a positive attitude and are working with subcontractors you trust; it will be easy to establish a good working relationship
Good business relationship management can lead to loyalty, which is important in terms of finding suppliers and subcontractors that can be trusted. This applies to tender bids as well as project delivery. Professionalism should be demonstrated at all times, as well as open and honest communication, efficiency and consideration when dealing with their needs and requirements

There are plenty of tools and online resources out there to help keep you and your business organized

Whether you are a “leader” or a follower, you can build a community of friends, colleagues, associates, allies, partners, and buddies around you. Together, there is no telling what you can do. Building Relationships: One Construction Project at a Time

Sources:
ProjectSmart
GenieBelt

About Nirasha Rampersad

I started working for Leads to Business June 2017 as Support Assistance in L2Q.

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3 Oct 2019

Tallest Buildings in South Africa

by Candice Van Aswegen | posted in: Did You Know, General | 0

Tall, Taller, Tallest… The 5 tallest buildings in South Africa.

South Africa is one of the most structurally and economically developed nations on the African continent.

Let’s have a look at the top 5 tallest buildings in South Africa.

Interesting Facts:

1. The Leonardo is a 55 Floor mixed-use property development reaching 234m.

Its completion in 2019 has made it South Africa’s tallest building, taking over from the Carlton Centre which was the tallest building since 1973. The development will include street-level shops as well as an above-ground podium, where a swimming pool, restaurant and several other facilities will be located. The tower portion of the development will be built above this 4 level podium. An alternative name for the development was 75 on Maude. However, it will only hold that title for a short duration, as Kenya has plans to build the tallest building in Africa within the next three years.

2. The Carlton Centre is a skyscraper and shopping centre located in downtown Johannesburg and reaches 223m and 50 floors.

The Carlton Centre was designed by the US architectural firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. Anglo American Properties began construction in the late 1960s by demolishing the old Carlton Hotel and the closing roads to form a city superblock. Excavations for the Carlton began in January 1967 and took two years to complete. Although occupation of the Centre began in 1971, construction was not finally completed until 1974. The building officially opened in 1973 at a total cost of over R88 million

3. The Ponte City Apartments is a skyscraper in Berea, Johannesburg.

It was built in 1975 and is 173m and 55m, making it the tallest residential skyscraper in Africa. The 55-story building is cylindrical, with an open centre allowing additional light into the apartments. The centre space is known as “the core” and rises above an uneven rock floor. When built, Ponte City was seen as an extremely desirable address due to its views over all of Johannesburg and its surroundings. The neon sign on top of the building is the largest sign in the southern hemisphere and advertised for the Coca-Cola Company prior to 2000. It currently advertises the South African mobile phone company Vodacom.

4. The Marble Towers is a skyscraper in the CBD of Johannesburg.

Built-in 1973 and is 152m and 32 storeys tall. The structure is made out of a mixture of concrete and marble and has an eight-storey parking garage attached. The building was originally known as the Sanlam Centre. It is located on the corner of Jeppe and Von Wielligh Streets.

5. The South African Reserve Bank Building is a 38 storey skyscraper in Pretoria.

It was built in 1988 and is 38 storeys tall. The structure is made of concrete and glass and was the first flush glazed glass tower block in the Southern Hemisphere.

Sources:
Wikipedia
BusinessTech
Commons.
Flickr

About Candice Van Aswegen

I started working for Leads 2 Business in May 2012 as an Account Co ordinator and more recently the Deputy Head of Department for the Telesales team. I schedule appointments for the Account Executives with potential clients.

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14 Mar 2019

Industry Events: Africa April & May 2019

by Sasha Anderson | posted in: Construction Events | 0

Millennial Mom + wife living the hash-tag life. Remember: If You Fail - Fail Forward

18 Feb 2019

Industry Events in Africa March 2019

by Sasha Anderson | posted in: Construction Events | 2

Industry Events in Africa March 2019

Construction Events

Event Description:

The Regional Energy Co-operation Summit: East will take place from 27-29 March 2019 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The meeting will unite regional governments from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Ethiopia, leading utility and regulatory companies from the region as well as international financiers, donor organisations, power developers to focus on what is needed to unlock investment in energy and infrastructure for regional growth and development. Co-locating with the 3rd Off the Grid Summit, the meeting’s agenda will provide networking opportunities and open discussions exploring practical solutions geared at increasing investor appetite in East Africa.

Contact Details:

Tel: +44 207 384 8048
Email: marketing@energynet.co.uk

Event Details:

Website