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to shoddy materials . Increased knowledge will ensure that structures will last longer and no reconstruction will have to be done . This combination will make more money available for future projects , as it will not be used for repairs .
At our strategic planning meeting held in mid-September last year , the management committee deliberated on the status of our industry . We concluded that Sarma currently represents approximately twothirds of the industry , and we will need to embrace an even greater majority in future to avoid losing our identity and also to make a more meaningful contribution to the overall construction industry .
Knowledge is the key to prosperity . Sarma , in association with the other concrete associations , will bring this concrete knowledge to those that need it most . We will also strive to derive a greater benefit from the consolidation of the concrete industry bodies .
RG : You mentioned the consolidation of concrete industry bodies . Could you give us more information on this ? JvW : This process is currently under discussion and we do not have specific target dates on the final consolidation or on what this new ‘ body ’ is going to look like . One thing is clear , though : the various concrete industry associations are striving to bring a better service to the industry as a whole and especially to our members .
RG : Does the ready-mix industry currently have any form of standardisation ? JvW : One of our objectives as Sarma is to develop industry standards that promote the use of ready-mix concrete . The manufacture of high-quality concrete at the proper consistency is a process that requires the right mix proportions of quality materials . To achieve this , the batching plants have to be of a specific standard and regularly maintained .
All Sarma members must adhere to stringent policies and members are audited regularly . The plant audits ensure compliance with the Sarma Health and Safety , Quality and Environmental Standards . These audits are based on SANS 878 , the ISO 9001-2000 quality management system , OHSAS 18001-safety management , and the ISO 14000 environment management system , among others .
RG : How important do you think is standardisation and regulation of the industry ? JvW : Concrete is the most used construction material globally , and I am passionate about it being done right the first time . Education and training are two of my passions and I live to transfer skills to everybody that has quality concrete in mind . Ready-mix provides a more structured way to achieve quality concrete , and that ’ s why I think regulation of the ready-mix industry will give us better , more affordable concrete and structures in future .
RG : What , in your opinion , are the prospects for infrastructure and building development for 2017 ? JvW : According to Dr Roelof Botha , an economist and the managing director of GOPA Group Southern Africa , who spoke at the recent Readymix Conference organised by Sarma , the South African economy is poised to grow by 2 – 3 % in real terms in 2017 . He says this will have a knock-on effect in the building and construction sectors , and will lead the way out of the protracted downturn the market has experienced .
On the building front , the number of building plans being passed is on the rise , and this will lead to increased activity in future when these plans are converted to actual building projects . Another indication of improvement is that hardware sales are increasing . This is an inherently stable market and the slightest bit of improvement in the economy should translate to growth in the sector .
With the advent of new players in the cement market , the increased competition has pushed cement prices down . Similarly , more competition in the ready-mix market , coupled with lower cement prices , has pushed concrete prices down . Unfortunately , the barrier to entry for ready-mix producers is relatively low , which has opened the market to unscrupulous producers that do not produce the right quality of ready-mix concrete .
In a recent market size survey , Sarma found 344 ready-mix plants around the country , representing 139 companies — and this is still growing . It is important that specifiers insist on quality ready-mix concrete , to ensure that all producers have a level playing field when tendering . The market size survey also showed an increase in the use of ready-mix concrete by 390 000m 3 from 2014 to 2015 , and this increase is projected to continue .
RG : Do you have any specific plans or goals for the association in 2017 / 18 ? JvW : Our Members Value Proposition stands as our guide for the next few years . The ultimate goal is still to grow quality ready-mix concrete usage to 30 % of total cement consumption by 2020 and to grow our membership of accredited producer members to 95 % of the market by 2020 . n
Sarma
Sarma ’ s purpose is to set standards and guidelines for ready-mix concrete with regard to environmental , safety , and quality issues .
Sarma
A recent market size survey showed an increase in the use of ready-mix concrete by 390 000m 3 from 2014 to 2015 .
QUARRY SA | march 2017 _ 35