Aurecon has been awarded the “Transportation Engineering Award” for 2017 by the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE).for its role in the construction of the Siphofaneni Bridge.
The SAICE Awards on 20 October 2017 recognised the Siphofaneni Bridge project but also the Aurecon employees who scooped “Project Manager of the Year” and “Young Civil Engineer of the Year”.
The Siphofaneni Bridge
Unaugurating the Siphofaneni Bridge, King Mswati III of Swaziland said it would help set the standard for infrastructure projects in the country, describing it as innovative and world-class.
Suspended over Swaziland’s Usutu River, the 375-m-long incrementally launched bridge forms part of the 23-km St Phillips Road upgrade project. The bridge will help reduce transportation costs for local sugar cane farmers, and transform the community by providing safer and easier access to schools, clinics, etc.
“The design team used a design thinking approach which resulted in cost savings and a simpler construction method. That creative thinking is evident,” says Ferdi Nell, Aurecon MD – Africa.
Aurecon carried out the preliminary and detailed design, assistance with tender evaluation and construction supervision for the project, which formed part of a larger agreement between Swaziland and the European Union, to develop the transportation infrastructure for the sugar industry. It included the development of approximately 11105 ha of smallholder sugar cane farms.
Project Manager of the Year Award
Program Advisory Principal Denzel Maduray’s diverse skillset led to his being awarded the “Project Manager of the Year Award”.
Speaking of the instrumental role each member of a team plays in this process, Maduray says the win is “one for the team”.
Young Engineer of the Year
Aurecon Senior Structural Engineer, Pierre van der Spuy secured the “Young Civil Engineer of the Year Award”.
A structural engineer who specialises in bridge design, Van der Spuy’s expertise extends to the design of wind turbine foundations and coastal structures. Since joining Aurecon, he’s worked on projects across Africa, in the United Arab Emirates and in Australia.
Aurecon Associate, Catherine Blersch, received a commendation in the same category. Blersch specialises in the civil design of wastewater treatment works (WWTW) for municipalities.
Nell said: “By combining hard technical skills with our design thinking approach, we’re innovating cutting-edge solutions for our clients and the end-user.”
More information from Danielle Bond, Tel: +61 3 9975 3138 Mobile: +61 412 870 987
