20th Anniversary of the Power Group

Power-2

Power Construction, 19 years old this year, is the flagship of the Power Group of Companies, which includes, amongst others, a property development company and a blacktop road surfacing company.

Komatsu’s popular D65E-12 and D65EX-12 bulldozers, first introduced into the local market in 1998, have undergone periodic modifications recently.
The latest upgrades of the 20,5 t D65E-12 unit, equipped with wet multiple-disc steering clutches, and the 20,6 t D65EX-12, which incorporates hydrostatic steering, include improved productivity, easier maintenance, improved operating comfort and

reduced noise and vibration.

The productivity enhancements consist of a significantly increased blade raising speed, - from 3,0 cm/sec previously to 9,5 cm/sec in the latest model – and a reduced turning radius for improved manoeuvrability in confined areas.
Komatsu’s new decal design for all its latest model equipment – adopted since last year co-inciding with Komatsu Ltd’s celebration of its 80^th Anniversary – also applies to the latest versions of the D65E-12 and D65EX-12 dozers.
The D65E-12 dozer has a flywheel power of 135 kW, an operating weight of 20 465 kg and a blade capacity of 5,61 cu m. The D65EX-12 dozer has a flywheel power of 142 kW, an operating weight of 20 635 kg and a blade capacity of 5,61 cu m.
May 2002
POWER CONSTRUCTION COMPLETES THE FIRST TWO PHASES OF CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE AT PEARL VALLEY SIGNATURE GOLF ESTATE

Cape Town, May 2002: Power Construction West Cape has completed phases 1 and 2 of the bulk earthworks at the prestigious Pearl Valley Signature Golf Estate in the Franschhoek winelands, for Client Novelway Investments (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary company of MRCB, Malaysia.
Construction of phases 1 and 2 valued at R11 million, commenced in March 2001 with the excavation of dams and earthworks for the first nine fairways, was completed in January 2002. Bulk earthworks for phase 3, plus a one kilometer access road, together with the first phase of civil infrastructure, are currently under construction to the value of R40 million. After completion of phase 3, a total of 1 million m³ of material would have been moved. The expected date of completion for the current contract is set for 25 August 2002. Golf Data, a Golf Course Construction Specialist, will be completing the finishes to all 18 holes by May 2003. Weather permitting no delays will be expected and transfers of the properties of phase 1 should take place in September 2002.
Power Construction, who has become a leader in the field of providing bulk earthworks, roads and services for golf estate developments, is currently busy with services for Boschenmeer Golf and Country Estate in the Paarl Franschhoek valley. Its Southern Cape branch has completed the construction of bulk earthworks, roads and services at Sparrebosch Golf Estate in Knysna.

More about the Power Group of Companies

Power Construction West Cape is a division of the Cape-based Power Group of Companies, a dynamic conglomerate providing a comprehensive range of civil engineering, blacktop paving, manufacturing and township development services.
Launched in 1983 by Executive Chairman of the Group, Graham Power, the Power Group now employs more than 1500 people and spans the Western, Southern and Eastern Cape. Civil engineering arms include Power Construction (West), based in Cape Town; Power Construction (East), operating from Port Elizabeth; and Power Construction (South), with offices in Knysna. Hughmic Construction (Pty) Ltd and Sibakhulu Construction (Pty) Ltd, operates as empowerment joint ventures to Power Construction West Cape and Power Construction East Cape respectively. Other divisions within the Power Group include Power Developments; Blitz Asphalt, A.V. Mouldings and Derby Materials, suppliers of quarry products, operating in Knysna.
The Power Group’s achievements have been acknowledged in several prestigious national and international awards, including the Professional Marketing Review’s Golden Arrow Award as the highest rated construction company in the Western Cape (September 2000). Another is the Steel Construction Award in the category for Bridges to Power Construction West Cape (August 2001).
Other accolades to the Group include the International Africa Award in Tunis in 1997. Power Developments received the Institute of Housing for South Africa (IHSA) award as South Africa’s Developer of the Year for 1998 and in 2001. In 1993, Graham Power was also rewarded the SA Institution of Civil Engineers Presidents Award for Meritous Service for assistance rendered to small and emerging contractors in their efforts to build financial and management independence as well as the Johannesburg Afrikaanse Sakekamer Junior Businessman of the Year Award in 1989.
June 2002
More affordable stands at Brackenridge
Power Developments, the majority shareholder in the Brackenridge estate, Plettenberg Bay has given the go-ahead to release to the market a further 35 stands being phase 2.
Stands in Phase 2 are more affordable than those on the millionaires row which is now over 65% sold, a notable acceleration in sales since March. This exceptional development is set on just 40% of one of the last great unspoilt tracts of elevated land in Plettenberg Bay and is close to unspoilt Robberg beach.
Stands in phase 2 start from as little as R200 000 which represents great value when considering current plot prices in sought-after Pletten-berg Bay. When balanced against the bonus of being located in an high-end secure development such as Brackenridge the starting price represents exceptional value.
“Brackenridge offers the highest standards of security what with electrified fencing, on-site security personnel and 24-hour access control,” says project manager Roger Oakes.
“Couple that with exceptional service infrastructure, sensitive street lighting, a high-tech communications facility and the coastal fynbos, you’ve a winning investment in phase 2.”
Brackenridge estate affords impressive views over the Indian Ocean, the verdant fairways of the adjacent Plettenberg Bay Golf Club and the Outeniqua mountains beyond. Less than 40% of the 125 hectare ridge and the surrounding valley is being developed however, the remainder being retained in its pristine state as an increasingly rare example of endangered coastal fynbos.
This coastal habitat has over 8500 flowering plant species and Brackenridge’s policy is to be a development where active preservation of the fynbos and the indigenous bird and animal life is practiced, rather than relying on passive conservation. To this end an independent environmental consultant has been retained.
The recently launched one-stop plot and plan buiding service offered at Brackenridge is specifically designed to meet the needs of those purchasers who are at present resident far from Plettenberg Bay and cannot therefore stay in daily touch with the building process on the ground.
“This service has been provided to alleviate a plot-purchaser’s stress and hassles,” says Henrie Jonck, the operational director of Brackenridge Property (Pty) Ltd and a director of Power Developments.
An integral part of this service will be the presentation of several distinctive basic house styles and plans from which to choose and adapt to ones needs within the prescribed building guidelines.
“It gives the purchaser a basic idea from which to develop their own homes with the appointed architects, or their own architects.” The architectural guidelines are designed to build homes that reflect current styles and tastes whilst maximizing the ambience of the immediate surroundings. Building types, materials and construction methods have been carefully selected to reinforce the character of a development in harmony with its natural setting.

July 2002
Graham Power – “Don’t give up in the tough times”
Graham Power is a hands-on man. In the construction industry he loves working outdoors despite the sometimes adverse weather conditions and when he is not working he throws himself into rugby, squash and water-skiing, grasping life with both hands.
Graham is a man who doesn’t wait for other people to open doors for him. At 28, after working as a surveyor and contracts manager with Savage & Lovemore for nine and a half years, he started his own company, Power Construction and six years later in 1989 won the Johannesburg Afrikaanse Sakekamer Junior Businessman of the Year Award. Now at 47, he’s director or board member of 40 companies and has no doubt made his mentors Noel Shackleton (managing partner of Kantey & Templer Construction Engineering) and Geoff Woodland (director of Savage & Lovemore) proud.
He says, “Noel and Geoff taught me to be conscientious, diligent and dedicated in all I do and not to give up in the tough times. As Noel reminded me, there has never been a drought which has not been broken; for every up there is a down.” But Graham’s commitment to his work is not self-centred. Despite being in an industry where in the current climate, emerging contractors are often given preferential treatment of the “old names”, he was awarded the SA Institution of Civil Engineers Presidential Award for Meritotius Service in 1993 for assisting small and emerging contractors in their efforts to build financial and management independence.
He is also focused on hands-on-development in South Africa and the rest of the continent. “One of the roblems in South Africa today is unemployment and lack of skills. We need to improve the average level of education of our youth and give them encouragement and support to be innovative. I believe our future is positive with the infrastructure we have in place we can play a great role in development in Africa.” He says. This commitment is not purely lip service as evidenced by the Power Group’s receipt of the International Africa Award in 1997 and the Institute for Housing for South Africa Award as developer of the year in 1998.
But international awards, monetary success and the admiration of his peers, are not as important to Graham as the approval of God. He says, “My vision is to live a happy, fulfilled life on a personal as well as a business level, guided by Christ. I aim to do everything I can to help make the world a better place; to be the very best I can be abd ti use my God-given talents for Him.”

July 2002
Asphalt upgrade features French mix design
Several asphalt manufacturing innovations have been introduced to meet the specifications of a R42 million contract, now underway for the rehabilitation and resurfacing of 26kms of the N7 highway between Cape Town and Malmesbury.
“The asphalt mix design, developed in France is complex in both its aggregate and grading specifications and also demanded innovative treatment of the bitumen additive process,” according to Garth Miller, branch manager of the Much Asphalt plant at Contermanskloof.
In terms of the contract, Much Asphalt will supply 35 000 tons of asphalt and 329 000 m2 of ultra thin friction course (UTFC), which is being laid at a nomial thickness of 18mm. A further 28 000m3 of existing surface is being recycled in situ using foamed bitumen.
The UTFC specified for the contract is a proprietary thin layer asphalt product licenced to Murray and Roberts Civils and marketed under the name Novachip. The 14-month contract is a joint venture between Martin & East and Blitz Asphalt, with sub contractors Murray & Roberts Civils, Zebra Bituminous Surfacing and A&R Construction. The consulting engineers are Jeffares & Green and the client is the Provincial Administration Westerm Cape.
Miller said that the aggregate for the UTFC was graded through only four sieves, resulting in a uniquely uniform 9mm grading, which was also specified at a shape (square with rounded edges) and flakiness index of very specific tolerance. Of the total aggregate content 22 percent was a specific type of crusher dust which has to be imported from Worcester to meet the French specifications.
“Bonding between aggregate and binder is critical to the long-term performance of the UTFC,” Miller explained. “The polymine we have used to enhance adherence in the past has always been blended with the base bitumen, but for this contract we modified our plant with the addition of a fully automated injection system which sprays the polymine directly into the mixer.”

“This is a new concept for us and it is working perfectly, although we have found it is best to mix the total day’s requirements between 300 and 400 tons in one batch.

A further constraint is that the UTFC has a thickness of only 18mm and is being liad in the Cape winter over a total distance of 26km. This means temperature control of the asphalt has been critical to both the aesthetics and the narrow compaction window with which the contractors have had to work.”
Varying rehabilitation strategies are specified for different sections of the highway to achieve optimum cost-effectivess. For example a survey of the road surface found that deterioration was most afvanced closer to industrial areas such as Milerton and Montague Gardens. These areas required more radical rehabilitation work, including milling and replacement with emulsion treated base (ETB) than sections of the north bound carriageway, which required only a surface overlay.

July 2002

POWER DEVELOPMENTS RECOGNISED AS SA’S ‘BEST ESTABLISHED DEVELOPER’
Cape Town, July 2002: The National Minister of Housing, Ms Sankie Mthembi-Mahanyele recently presented the coveted “Best Established Developer Award” to Power Developments at the National Housing Awards ceremony, which was held in Johannesburg.
Power Developments was nominated for this prestigious award by the Western Cape Department of Housing, in recognition of its contribution to the mass delivery of houses to the poor. A panel consisting of various role players in the housing industry from each of the provinces, travelled throughout the country to visit each of the nominated companies and their developments.
To date, Power Developments had successfully delivered more than 25 000 subsidised houses in the Eastern and Western Cape. It has established itself as the leading developer of subsidized housing in the Western Cape, and acts as turnkey developers of various types of affordable housing, by providing an all inclusive package to local authorities, communities and first time home owners.
The Power Developments delivery model is based on a zero financial risk to local authorities; training and empowerment of the communities in which it works; establishment and support of small business enterprise; mass delivery of housing using only local labour and artisans; and providing quality/low maintenance houses.

Power Developments designed a low maintenance house with options to extend, and has become renowned for providing quality products which includes the design of holistic neighbourhoods with educational, recreational, business and other facilities.

It is the largest turnkey developer of affordable housing in the Western Cape and has the resources to deliver hundreds of quality houses in the shortest time possible, eg 450 houses per month at Tygerberg Administration’s 6320 house development at Delft.
It also provides an in-house project management service, which ensures that the various teams work closely together: from the professional team, to the sales and administration teams, and those responsible for the physical construction of services and houses.
Power Developments sources all labour and artisans from local communities in the form of subcontractors, and provides accredited training in various fields to emerging contractors and various civil and building trades, as well as Home Owners Responsibility for first time home owners.
It also involves itself in an all inclusive and thorough community liaison process before the start of any project, and provides workshops to obtain information and to communicate effectively with the beneficiary communities.
On completion, Power Developments provides ‘after-sales service’ by running a complaints office that rectifies any latent or patent defects.
The Power Group also has various social responsibility projects that support educational, community and welfare organizations. It believes in leaving behind a community facility on completion of each project, typically a large material store, which is changed and renovated into a community facility such as a clinic or crèche, at the end of the project. The company’s latest initiative is to donate a tree to all new homeowners to encourage the establishment of a garden and turning a new house into a home.
Graham Power, the Chairman of the Power Group said that Power Developments is honoured to be the recipient of the country’s top housing award. “I would like to thank the Western Cape Department of Housing who nominated Power Developments for this award, as well as the Power Construction Civils division who played an instrumental part in the delivery of our turnkey projects.”
The company also won the regional award from the South African Institute for Housing (IHSA) in 1998 and 2002, and in 1998 went on to win the national IHSA Award as recognition of its status as the market leader in affordable housing.
MORE ABOUT THE POWER GROUP
Power Developments is the property development division of the Power Group, a dynamic conglomerate providing a comprehensive range of civil engineering services, blacktop paving, manufacturing and township development services.
Through its unique synergy of complementary in-house services and a commitment of the Reconstruction and Development Program (RDP), the Group has achieved unequally cost efficiency in supplying South Africa’s most vital needs – potable water, paved roads and affordable housing in fully-serviced townships.

Launched in 1983 by Executive Chairman of the Group, Graham Power, the Power Group now employs more than 1700 people and spans the Western, Southern and Eastern Cape. Civil engineering arms include Power Construction (West), based in Cape Town; Power Construction (East), operating from Port Elizabeth; and Power Construction (South), with offices in Knysna. Power Roads, another division of the company, is also based at the Cape Town head office.

The Group also has equal partnerships with emerging companies such as Hughmic Construction and Sibakhulu Construction.

Power Developments initiates and manages multi-million turnkey developments – developing and building residential, industrial and commercial properties within a wide-ranging portfolio across the full spectrum: from affordable housing projects, to Thesen Islands in Knysna, the country’s top residential development:

September 2002
POWER DEVELOPMENTS HANDS OVER THE FIRST THOUSAND OF THE 6 320 HOUSES AT DELFT, CREATING JOBS FOR ± 3 000 PEOPLE
 

Cape Town, 17 September 2002: Power Developments have handed over the first thousand homes which are currently under construction at Delft. The project is set to uplift the community by not only providing homes to thousands of families, but also through the creation of jobs for ± 3 000 artisans and casual labourers.
 

The R116 million project consists of a total of 6 320 houses of 30m² each, and is the biggest single phased affordable housing project ever undertaken in the Western Cape.

 

The development commenced in December 2001 and is scheduled for completion in June 2003. Construction is taking place at a record-breaking pace, and 1500 houses have already been completed.

 
The project is a 50% joint venture with five local emerging contractors who formed Delft Integrated Builders: Amandla Construction, Delftcon Construction, Delft South Builders, Group 6 and African Construction.

 
Tygerberg Administration initiated the project early last year, calling for proposals for the development at Delft Central. One of the conditions of the proposals was that the successful developer had to make use of the local small builders in Delft.

 

Power Developments tendered successfully for the Delft project, and entered into a contract with the five emerging contractors in December 2001. The company has much experience in empowerment joint ventures of this kind, and the Power Group has held equal partnerships with prominent emerging companies such as Hughmic Construction and Sibakhulu Construction. It is the leader in affordable housing in the province and recently 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.

 

Prior to commencing work on site, Power Developments applied to the Department of Labour for training funding. The Delft Integrated Builders were trained in basic business principles, tendering etc, whilst ± 300 artisans were trained in the various trades, with those skills remaining in the Delft community after the completion of the project.

October 2002
Big Bay Contract
Rabcav, the Capw Town City Council development facilitators at the R2 billion Big Bay project, have signed a R50 million contract with Power Construction for the civils work on the first phase of Big Bay. Further work will be added to this contract later this year.
The contract covers the construction of bulk and linking services that will unlock approximately 40ha of developable land. This work includes the realignment of Otto du Plessis Drive which will be upgraded to two lanes in each direction, separated by a landscaped median island.
About 20% of the total workload is being handled by previously disadvantaged contractors. In addition, some 40 members of the labour force are previously unemployed people from Du Noon, Joe Slovo and Atlantis whoe being trained in basic construction skills while on the job.
The human scale in this large development will be preserved by subdividing the area into separate small village precincts and by ensuring that about 30% of the total area is kept under indigenous vegetation.
The key consultants during this phase of the project are Hawkins Hawkins Osborn, Arcus Gibb and Planning Partners.