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PMR Diamond Omgewingsorg Toekenning vir die Power Groep
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- April 2003
PMR Diamond Omgewingsorg Toekenning vir die Power GroepDie Power Groep het die gesogte PMR Diamond Omgewingsorg Toekenning ontvang as erkenning van die goeie praktyke wat die maatskappy handhaaf om omgewingsorg te bevorder op alle boupersele waar daar besig is met konstruksiewerk. Die Groep voorsien ‘n volledige spektrum dienste wat siviele ingenieurswese, teerplaveisel, vervaardiging en dorpsgebiedontwikkeling insluit, en is betrokke by groot kontrakte regoor die Wes-; Oos- en Suid-Kaap.
Belangrike omgewingsake sluit in die bewaring van Fauna and Flora gedurende konstruksieaktiwiteite en ‘n verbod op die verwydering van bome sonder toestemming van die Bou-Ingenieur of Omgewingsbeampte. Die bougrense word verder duidelik gemerk en spesiale sorg word toegepas om byvoorbeeld te verseker dat moerasareas gemerk en beskerm word. Die Power Groep se omgewingsbeleid bevat ook riglyne vir die veilige berging, en gebruik van gevaarlike materiale om stortings te voorkom, en gebeurlikheidsplanne is in plek gestel ingeval van moontlike ongelukke. ‘n Ander belangrike aspek in terme van afvalverwydering is die sortering van gevaarlike materiaal en algemene rommel. Gevaarlike afvalmateriaal soos petroleum produkte, verf, olielappies en chemikalieë word in spesiale houers geberg in ‘n gespesifiseerde area, en word van tyd tot tyd verwyder en by goedgekeurde stortingsareas afgelaai. Gewone rommel word op so ‘n manier geberg dat die wind dit nie op die bouperseel kan rondwaai nie. Groot hoeveelhede sementsakke en plastiekvelle word bymekaar gemaak om te hersirkuleer, en rommel word nooit op die bouperseel begrawe nie. Daar word verder ook gehou by ander riglyne soos byvoorbeeld noodprosedures, die beheer van konstrukiegeraas en stofkontrole, sowel as die beheer van vry-vloeiende water om erosie te voorkom. Graham Power, die Voorsitter van die Power Groep het gesê dat die maatskappy trots is op die toekenning. “Hierdie toekenning onderstreep ons goeie reputasie as omgewingsvriendelike ontwikkelaars en kontrakteurs, en ons is in ons noppies met hierdie pluimpie. Ons ondervinding strek oor twintig jaar waartydens ons voortdurende Alles in ons vermoë gedoen het om goeie boupraktyke te handhaaf in terme van ons omgewingsbestuursplan. Die bewaring van ons natuurlike hulpbronne is ‘n prioriteit en ons streef gedurig na die ontwikkeling van nuwe maniere waarop ons proaktief kan wees wat betref omgewingsake.” “Dit het ons baie gehelp met verskeie projekte, maar veral by Thesen Islands, die eksklusiewe marina ontwikkeling in die Knysnameer, wat bekend staan as Suid-Afrika se bes nagevorsde- en beplande residensiële projek. Na jare se omgewingstudies, werk ons spanne nou binne streng gekontroleerde parameters om te verseker dat die ontwikkeling in volkome harmonie bestaan met die Knysna Seemeer omgewing.” het hy gesê. April 2003Building roads to the future Cosntruction of the bulk external infrastructure commenced on site during May 2003 after several months of detailed planning, call of tenders, tender adjudication and contract award. The contract for the first stage of the external bulk infrastructure encompassing the construction of approximately 10km’s of major arterial roads which included the following:
Stripping of the busch and pushing aside the top soil for reuse, on the Harbour Arterial Road running East to west as well as the clearing of the road reserve along Chester Road is well progressed. The contractor has also commenced with the construction of the “culvert” for the river crossing over the Mvubukazi River, having already started to cast the concrete base. Reconstruction of Chester Road has also involved the temporary diversion of several Telkom cables as well as electrical overhead power cables alongside this road. Temporary road closures along the top end of Chester Road have been put in place to facilitate the reconstruction of this road, with traffic having been diverted through the lower end of Chester Road and through a temporary gravel road leading through Siyakha into Millard Road and back onto Sttlars Way. Alternate access to the site can also be gained via Potters Pass and travelling along the coastal road and turning up into Chester Road. Power Construction Roads (Pty) Ltd, who were awarded the contract for the first stage of the external bulk infrastructure, includes the roads, have completed the cut and fill and layer works for the new Leaches Bay; Eskom sub station, with construction of the electrical substation programmed to commence in July 2003. Completion of the sub station as well as the transmission lines is scheduled for April 2004. Planning of the deisng and execution of the perimeter walling and fencing has been tackled in such a way to allow substabtial involvement from SMME’s as well as Energing Building Contractors for the various projects to be let in the next few weeks. All systems are go on programme and ahead of programme in some areas, with the bulk external infrastructure now well underway and construction of the internal services to the Customs Secure Area programmed to commence during July / early August 2003. with completion to be tackled on a phased basis set for mid 2004. April 2003 Power Group celebrates 20 years As the Power Group reaches this important 20 year milestone, I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to our valued clients for their support during the past years. We look forward to many exciting new projects and to continuing our excellent working relationshipf or another 20 years and beyond. Rest assured that we shall always strive to go the extra mile and to exceed our clients’ expectations. We would not have been here today without the support of the various communities that we work in. I would like to pay tribute to the city councilors and other leaders, the professional teams we work with, our bankers and the many suppliers that have made it possible for us to deliver top quality services on time. It is also an honour for me to thank our directors, management and every single staff member, for their invaluable contribution to our organisation. Reflecting on the past 20 years, I am extremely thankful for the fantastic opportunities we have had as a group, which enabled us to grow to where the company is today. I am proud of our people who have, through hard work and dedication, helped us to achieve so much. This includes accolades such as Power Developments receiving the coveted Department of Housing award as South Africa’s Best Established Developer in 2002, which followed two Institute of Housing for South Africa (IHSA) awards – Developer of the Western Cape in 2001 and South Africa’s Developer of the Year in 1998. Power Construction reveived the Professional Marketing Review Golden Arrow Award as the highest rated construction company in the Western Cape in 2000, as well as the 1997 International Africa Award, presented to Power Construction in Tunis. And recently, towards the end of last year, the Power group received the PMR Diamond Environmental Care Award for the promotion of environmental care taken while engaging in construction activity on all projects. We came from operating in a stable that was converted into an office at Elandskloof in Sir Lowry’s Pass in April 1983, having just left Savage & Lovemore and all the infrastructure which one enjoys in a big company. We suddenly found ourselves all alone, having to tender for contracts, getting quotes from suppliers, and worrying about not having plant and equipment or back-up services. My wife, Lauren was in charge of the administration and looking after the salaries, wages and book work. Turnover for the first year of operation was R300 000. From 1983 to the mid-nineties, our industry suffered in a steadily declining market and during that period the total employment in this sector, countrywide, was reduced to half. During the same period, we were fortunate enough to grow steadily and many of our first management and other personnel who had worked with me previously, joined the Power Group within the first three to four years of operation. The foundation of our company was therefore based on strong personal bonds and friendships that have grown even stronger during the past 20 years. During this period, from zero-base, we managed to pick up sufficient market share in tough market conditions to survive and grow at a fairly rapid rate thanks to our team spirit, “familie-gees” (family spirit), dedication and the fact that our people treat the company as their own. Today we have in excess of 1400 employees, working in eight companies within the group and thankfully we have never needed to retrench staff. We are also extremely fortunate that our staff understand that if it goes well with the company, it will go well with everyone. I have been asked many times what makes our organisation different to other companies. The relationships in the organisation are very special. People love and care for wach other, which is undoubtedly the key to our success. I also believe our success hinges on the benchmarking of all operations, where we set goals for hourly or daily productivity. This process is transparent and our people know where the break-even point is. In whatever they do. This encourages the continuous improvement on yesterday’s productivity and keeps work life stimulating and exciting. We have devised the “Power Ways”, as guidelines for the way in which we conduct our business. This, together with our company values and mission, guides our people clearly and steadily in our quest to be the industry leader. Stemming from my involvement as chairman of the National Commission for Labour Intensive Construction (NCLIC) from 1990 tp 1997 and the negotiation of a framework agreement with labour organisations, job creation has always been a priority for the Power Group. We have strong labout initiatives in place and have directly provided jobs for tens of thousands of people, particularly as part of the many affordable housing projects. Another key to our ability to grow at such a rapid rate, is the fact that we have from our second or third year of operation, commenced with a student training programme. This initiative has always had an aggressive empowerment angle even long before it was expected by our communities or prescribed by government. Year on year, our students have been employed within the group and today more than 83% of our labour force is non white. We have recognised these initiatives as some of the other important factors that will determine our future and we are passionate about our Employment Equity goals as well as the exposure we offer these individuals to grow. Developing our future leaders is also a major challenge and we believe that we have the talent I our organisation to take the group to even greater heights. It gives me great satisfacation to witness the personal growth of so many of our staff members. Wherever possible we develop from within and in doing so create opportunities for our loyal workforce. We have numerous examples of people who started with us as labourers or junior clerks, who have grown and excelled to become stars in our company and who have developed and gone through all the defferent rankings and responsibilities to where they are today – in charge of teams and departments and even companies. One such an example if Glenville Cullum who is a director and shareholder of Sibkahulu Construction and who joined our group as a clerk straight after school. Our relationship with our clients have been an integral part of our ability to grow and in most cases when working with private clients, we strive to become their number one choice for repeat projects. In the 20 years we have only on one occasion found the need to go to court and on only five occasions needed to go to mediation, which clearly reflects the excellent relationship we have with our clients. We try to resolve problems through good communication and positive attitude rather than fight it out in the courtroom. We are highly conscious of our social responsibility and like to get involved in extremely disadvantaged areas. One of the ways in which we assist is the construction of a materials store on site wherever we are appointed as developer in affordable housing projects. This is donated to the community on completion of the project and together with some of the other programmes we have initiated, provides care and support to homeless people, Aids centres, schools and clinics. Another important aspect is our active involvement in Transformation Africa. Through a spiritual revival, I am convinced that Africam which is often refered to as the “dark continent”, with all the negative sentiments of poverty, unemployment, crime and corruption, prostitution, drug and alcohol abuse and HIV/AIDS, will see a major turnaround. I firmly believe God has a plan for Africa and that we have a role to play in the transformation of our continent. We have twice in the past – in 1995 and 2001 – gathered more than 400 people from all levels in our company to strategise and to agree on a mission, vision and values for our group. In 2001 we jointly committed to a 100-year vision for Power. We have all acknowledged that long after our time, this company must still exist and that it is our role to train, mentor and identify successors to lead this company into the future. We therefore see ourselves casting a strong foundation as a base for the next 80 or 100 years, during which we will strive to be recognized and respected as the first choice supplier of civil, development and building services and related products in Southern Africa. May God continue to bless this company and each of its stakeholders and employees. Congratulations and happy 20th birthday! Baie dankie en veels geluk met ons groot verjaardag! Siyabulela ngempumelelo yethu yokufikelela iminyaka engamashumi amabini! Warm regards Graham Power Chairman: The Power Group Infrastructure development the backbone of renowned civil engineering group The Power Group provides a comprehensive range of civil engineering, blacktop paving, manufacturing and township development services with major contracts that spread across the Western, Eastern and Southern Cape. The Power Group consists of eight companies:
Power Developments reaching new heights Power Developments focuses on various market segments including affordable housing, upmarket residential, middleincome, golf course as well as commercial and industrial developments.
A more recent focus for Power Developments is the construction of multi-storey buildings, which has resulted in projects such as the R5.5m Boa Esperanca project – the upmarket residential development in Mossel Bay; the R6m contract for an emergency call centre in Strand and the residential units of Cabernet in Stellenbosch, due to completion in June 2003. Power Developments also undertakes commercial and industrial projects, such as shopping centres and industrial parks and during 2001/2002 received a R30m contract for upgrades and extensions to five Medi-Clinic hospitals. Stefan Bothma, managing director of Power Developments says: We share a passion to be the best in whatever we do. We want to make a real difference in the lives of all people. We strive to understand and meet our clients’ needs from the most exclusive development to the most cost effective affordable housing project. “I believe we have a winning recipe and our unique company structure, which encompasses civil engineering, building and property development skills, provides us with the capacity to undertake large projects and to generate work across the various divisions. “This results in a win-win situation for our clients and for the Power Group and it is with this in mind that we look forward to the next 20 years.” Island living on the Garden Route Recently, the official opening of the new bridge to Thesen Islands in the Knysna Lagoon marked an important environmental achievement for Knysna. Power Construction built the attractive new arched bridge – which has replaced a 40m section of the causeway to the Islands – for the Thesen Islands Development Company. This has restored the natural tidal flow of the lafoon in the surrounding area and has had a positive impact on the natural environment, considerably improving the water quality and conditions for marine life. Contracted to execute the civil engineering of the project, Power Constructio is responsible for the construction of the waterways, roads, bridges, sidewalks, water and sewer systems. Accolades and achievements The Power Group’s achievements have been acknowledged in several prestigious national and international awards. In June 2002 Power Developments received the coveted Department of Housing award as South Africa’s Best Established Developer, following two Institute of Housing for South Africa (IHSA) awards: Developer of the Western Cape in 2001 and South Africa’s Developer of the year in 1998. Power Construction received the Professional Marketing Review Golden Arrow award as the highest rates construction company in the Western Cape in 2000 as well as the 1997 International Africa award, presented to Power Construction in Tunis. Graham Power received the Helderberg Afrikaanse Sakekamer award as Businessman of the Year in 2002. In 1989 he received the Johannesburg Afrikaanse Sakekamer award as Junior Businesman of the Year and in 1993 the SA Institution of Civil Engineers Presidents award for Meritorius Service – for assistance rendered to small and emerging contractors in their efforts to build financial and management independence. In 2002 the Power Group received the PMR Diamond Environmental Care award for the promotion of environmental care taken while engaged in construction activity on all projects. A Story of successful construction Since its small beginnings in 1983, Power Construction has experiences many highlights and milestones which have catapulted it into what it is today; one of the largest unlisted companies in the South African construction industry. The company has generally managed to beat the trend in a time when the industry had continually downscaled over the past 20 years. Andre du Preez, managing director of Power West Cape says:”Our passion towards the training and development of our people has been instrumental in creating an organization that is uncompromising in standards and that will always strive to deliver what it promises. Our corporate culture reinforces our absolute pride in what we do and our strength lies in the care and support of our people.” During the course of the past 20 years, various challenges presented themselves as opportunities to build the competencies needed in this industry. In 1987 Power Construction was awarded a number of contracts which, upon successful completion grew the company’s confidence and enabled it to become a player in the major league. Those projects included Platterkloof – which required a R2 million turnover in eight weeks – which at that time was thought to be almost an impossible task; N1 City roads and services; and Strandfontein Village roads and services. During the first five years turnover of the company – then known as Power Construction, but subsequently changed to Power West Cape – doubles every year.The company continued to grow steadily and in 1989 Power South Cape was established in George as the company’s first regional office. Since then Power Coastal as it is now known, has gone from strength to strength and together with Power developments, has been responsibe for generating a substantial portion of the Group’s turnover. Projects include Brackenridge Private Residential Estate in Plettenberg Bay, the servicing of 4 000 plots in Thembalethu township in George – both Power Development projects – as well as roads and services to Sparrebosch Golf Estate in Knysna. Power Developments is also part-ownder of the prestigious Thesen Islands marine development in the Knysna Lagoon. In 1995 the company opened another regaional office – Power Contruction East Cape. The economic climate in the Western Cape was bleak at the time and following the success of the South Cape decentralization, the intention was to provide the same opportunity to a number of key staff members. The firm’s first major project was to build 2 000 schools over the greater Eastern Cape and Transkei. It was a logistical challenge and the single largest project ever tackled by the company, but it was successfully completed within the contract period. In October 2000 the firm was awarded the roads and services contract for the Emfuleni Casino in Port Elizabeth. At R30m it was considered a major contract for the Port Elizabeth area.
Power Construction was also involved in the earthworks to the main project. At the same time Power’s first project commenced at Century City, a bulk earthworks contract together with the main access road, to the value of R6.5m. This paved the way to Century City contracts to the total value of R200m, which were successfully executed in less than two years, with turnover in a single month totaling R17m. Power Construction in consortium with Murray & Roberts, also completed the CD Road contract, the main access off the N1 into Canal Walk. All of these projects were completed under tremendous time contraints, where night shifts, continuous weekend work and many long hours were needed to meet deadlines. At the height of the project, Power had in excess of 100 major items of plant on site where 11 different contracts were being executed simultaneously. Hughmic Construction was established as a small, equal partnership company within the Power Group in 1997, and has become a success story as the first emerging company associated with the Power Group. The firm’s first major works was at the Ratanga Junction project in 1998, where their effort and dedication established the company’s reputation as a formidable outfit. In 1998 another emerging partnership was born, this tome in the Eastern Cape. Sibalhulu Construction was structures in the same way as Hughmic. Although the first three years were dedicated to the slow process of capacity buiding, the economic climate has shown signs of improving in the eastern Cape, providing the opportunities required for growth. Power East Cape was sold to Sibakhulu at the end of 2002. The current workload is phenomenal when one considers that in the past both companies could barely achieve a combined turnover of R30m and now boast an order book of R150m. Between 1990 and 2000, Power Construction became known in the industry as one of the largest providers of township infrastructure in the country. Projects included developments in Khayalitsha, Lwandle, Phillipi, Gugulethu, Crossroads and Wallacedene. Another milestone was achieved when Blitz Asphalt, which was initially started in 1986 as an internal paving company, grew to be one of the top specialsed surfacing contractors operating in the Cape. Blitz had completed some rehabilitation projects in rural areas such as Kokstad and various other local authority projects like Vissershok Road, the N7 rehabilitation for PAWC in Joint Venture and the N2 Sir Lowry’s Pass project. Local annual tenders still provide the company with important work in this market. In 2002 the management and plant resources were combined with the rural roads teams of Power West Cape – who had compelted Sable Road, Mossel Bay N2 rehabilitation and Hanover on the N1 for SANRAL – with the existing Blitz teams and the company underwent a name change to become Power Roads. The new company sets out to provide a focused service and to take advantage of the backlog of road rehabilitation work that is required to maintain the standard of road infrastructure in South Africa. The current workload includes two major rehabilitations at Richmond on the N1, as well as Butterworth on the N2, both for SANRAL, each to the value of R60m. “We are really positive regarding the economic outlookf or South Africa and the civil engineering industry and we feel that for the foreseeable future, there will be sufficient work to ensure growth, development and employment,” Du Preez concludes. A 20/20 visio for the future For 20 years the power Group of Companies has remained steadfastly committed to social and economic reconstruction of South Africa through investment in infrastructure, job creation and the development of human resources, empowering people wherever it developes and deliveres. Positive transformation Seeing the positive transformation made to the lives of individuals is confirmation enough: Its vision for the next 20 years must remain as clear and focused as it has been for the past 20 years. Directory: press releases press releases -> El Niño’s Effects May Be Limited This Winter press releases -> Contact: Jennifer Smith press releases -> Press Release Continental products are used extensively in the new vw golf model generation Download 1.04 Mb. Share with your friends:
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