Extensive upgrading of roads and footpaths is under way in Limpopo and Technicrete’s Polokwane manufacturing plants are ready to meet the continuing demand for concrete paving and kerbing. 

As this year’s upgrading projects proceed, one common feature is the repeated specification by engineers of Technicrete’s Double Zig-Zag interlocking concrete paving block. The Double Zig-Zag block has won a reputation as one of the best-performing paving blocks in applications ranging from pedestrian routes to heavy-duty main roads.

A number of projects in the province are currently focused on resurfacing existing gravel walkways in townships with long-lasting concrete block paving. 

At Alldays in the Blouberg municipality, the construction of two kilometres of walkways using the Double Zig-Zag pavers is nearing completion. The work involves the laying of 4 000m² of 60mm pavers as well as 4 000m² of Technicrete concrete kerbing and the contract is being undertaken by Nkotheleni Business Enterprises. 

The Alldays project follows similar upgrading work at Bochum where Nkotheleni last year completed the resurfacing of 1.2km of footpaths – also using the Double Zig-Zag pavers. According to Rodney Tshivhandekano, managing director of Nkotheleni, more upgrades are planned in the Bochum area using the Technicrete paving blocks and kerbing. 

“The interlocking paver is very robust, long-lasting and ideal for this purpose,” he said. “2012 is going to keep us busy upgrading roads in the Polokwane area too. We currently have contracts lined up into November and we plan to use the same paving block on these projects.” 

Technicrete’s Double Zig-Zag blocks are also being used in other upgrading projects in urban areas of Limpopo. At Seshego Hospital near Polokwane, work is under way to lay some 4 000m² of the paving blocks for a parking area and the entrance road leading to the hospital’s rehabilitation wing. Another 3 000m² of paving is being laid in the new parking area at the premises of Lepelle Water in the city. 

Andre Halgreen, owner of the contracting company, Rockcotta Crete, says, “The Double Zig-Zag paver is excellent. It boils down to this – a top quality product, top quality service backup and ready availability of the pavers when we need them.”