The Civil Engineering Contractor February 2018 | Page 33

PROFILE
the world. For ongoing success, the
corporate sector requires an enabling
institutional framework, consistent
government policies, and political
dedication. The greatest challenge is
to educate the public to understand
the concept of benefits exceeding total
costs (including toll) of a concession
toll road.
The use of e-tags as a payment method
had been very successful in increasing
plaza capacity and reducing delays,
particularly in urban areas, but has been
negatively impacted by the resistance to
Gauteng Open Road Tolling, resulting
in lower e-tag uptake.
As some sections of the N1 reach
capacity north-east of Pretoria with
no opportunity to expand, there is a
need to invest in additional highways
to address the increasing congestion
in Gauteng.
What is the pipeline looking like
for 2018?
36 months and at an estimated cost
of R600-million. The project will
include the extension of structures
to accommodate the second
carriageway and the realignment of
interchange ramps to tie in with the
new carriageway. The upgrade to dual
carriageway will vastly improve road
safety and traffic capacity.
How would you describe
your management style?
I surround myself with a highly
competent team of people, whom I trust
to manage the day-to-day operations of
the company. I like to touch base with
my team members on a regular basis and
keep the lines of communication open
for troubleshooting and ideas sharing. I
see myself as a fair and flexible manager
who is open to new ideas and I reward
commitment and innovation. nn
For ongoing success, the
corporate sector requires an
enabling institutional framework,
consistent government policies,
and political dedication.
Bakwena will conduct several
maintenance and construction projects
along the N1N4 routes in 2018. The
upgrades are required to ensure that
the N1N4 route continues to meet the
highest international standards for the
toll-paying motorists.
Projects worth an estimated R273-
million commenced in July 2017 in
Groot Marico between Vaalkop and
the Swartruggens boundary on the N4
and will take 20 months to complete,
with an anticipated completion date of
February 2019.
The N4 westbound carriageway
between the R512 and the Buffelspoort
interchange will be resurfaced. The
project entails overlaying the existing
surface with a 40mm-thick new asphalt
surface. Base layer repairs and gravel
reconstruction are also included in
this project. The project is worth an
estimated R100-million and is expected
to take seven months to complete,
commencing in February 2018.
Another 10-month project to upgrade
the R512 interchange, which includes
the provision of west-facing ramps, is
commencing now in January 2018, at
an estimated cost of R55-million.
Construction of a second carriageway
on the N4 between the M17 and
the R512 (Brits Interchange) is also
commencing in January 2018, with
an estimated construction period of
Bakwena is responsible for all operations along the route, including routine road maintenance, the collection of tolls,
maintenance of roadside infrastructure, vegetation management, and the upkeep of the storm water drainage system.
CEC February 2018 - 31