Teamwork commended as construction activity at the new site strides ahead

Significant teamwork between contractors and stakeholders involved in the development of The Innovation Hub has enabled the delivery of high quality workmanship within stipulated deadlines to keep this complex project on schedule.

Speaking at the recent roof-wetting event for the two core buildings - the Innovation Centre and the Enterprise Building - The Innovation Hub CEO Dr Neville Comins lauded the effort and commitment of those involved in the construction activities. The roof-wetting and the commissioning of the Phase 1 streetlights, which shone brightly for the first time during the event, marked "an important milestone" for the project, in the words of Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Affairs Paul Mashatile at the event.

The rapid progress at the new site should be clearly visible to motorists travelling in a northerly direction on the N1 highway in the vicinity of the CSIR. The kerbs and street lighting for the Phase 1 roads has been completed and final surfacing is in progress. Bulk earthworks for the Phase 2 and 3 roads are well under way. The bulk water and sewer reticulation has been tested and signed off by the City of Tshwane. The installation of electrical cables is nearing completion with commissioning planned for the end of September this year.

The construction of the bridge deck for the widening of the bridge across the N4 highway in the vicinity of the Botanical Gardens is in progress. The accommodation of traffic has hampered progress somewhat, but the difficult bits are now behind us. The construction of the western embankment is nearing completion. Progress on the eastern embankment has been hampered by the relocation of services. All pre-cast beams have now been placed and the bridge deck can now be poured to complete the structure.

At the Innovation Centre, one of the two core buildings, the brickwork and the installation of services are well underway, while the work on the façade of the building is progressing rapidly. The finishing trades will commence in September as well.

Evidence that The Innovation Hub management Company takes health and safety very seriously is that to date, we have had no serious injuries on site, notwithstanding the tight timeframes. All contractors are fully inducted before allowed on site and monthly audits are performed to ensure contractors are working safely.

Eksklusiewe Tuine is busy with general landscaping maintenance activities. All the plants have been procured and inspected off-site. The installation of irrigation pipes is in progress and landscaping activities are planned to commence in October this year.

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