In another first, NURCHA has become involved in financing the construction of the TB reference laboratory in Sandringham, for the National Health Laboratory Services, which provides laboratory and diagnostic services to the South African Public Health Care System.

The TB reference laboratory will play an important role in maintaining standards in the treatment of drug resistant Tuberculosis, and will serve as a centre of excellence for laboratory training, research and quality assurance in combating one of South Africa’s worst health care problems.

The project is being managed by Tusk, a NURCHA intermediary, who was approached by up-and-coming construction company Redinare Construction Pty Ltd for a bridging finance loan of some R3.9 million for the R 19.4 million project.

The project was approved in October 2007 and construction began immediately. The expected completion date is June 2008 and all indications are that this deadline will be met.
 

The variety of projects financed by NURCHA is increasing. The latest infrastructure/ community facilities project brought to NURCHA by Tusk is a pedestrian bridge in the Vosloorus/ Spruitview area over the N3 highway.

The project began in September 2007 by Redinare Construction and the total project and loan value are R3.3 million and R1.32 million respectively. Tusk, as NURCHA’s intermediary will manage the financing of the project and provide valuable construction support services.

The bridge will be built in sections. Three supporting columns have been erected – two leaning in from the ends, and a centre upright column. These have been cast in situ and closer to completion ramps will be added to allow for pedestrian access. The two spans that join the leaning columns to the centre column have been cast separately on site and will be lifted into place when they have “cured”. This curing takes 28 days and each span is then engineer approved before it can be moved into place. Each span weighs 70 tons and will be placed across the columns by a 90 tone crane! The tolerance allowed is only 10 mm so absolute precision is needed in all aspects of the construction of the bridge.
   

Hillside security village in Mamelodi is a first for South Africa. After extensive research, Cosmopolitan Projects Tshwane has developed this unique concept to meet the evolving needs of rapidly growing middle class.

Hillside security village is a proclaimed township with electricity capacity already secured. It is situated in Mahube Valley, east of Pretoria and is in close proximity to major road links to Pretoria and Witbank, Vista University, and Mahube shopping centre.

Rapid economic growth, new commercial and industrial expansion and growing BEE companies have all increased the earning capacity of ordinary South Africans. The emigration of professionals, managers and skilled labourers from major cities in South Africa to Gauteng has led to this rapid growth of the middle class, who are influenced by social trends in lifestyle and security, with housing a top priority. This in turn has increased demand for affordable security developments and Cosmopolitan has responded with this unique project.

The project consists of full title units, including lifestyle facilities like a community centre and park with play area as well as a crèche. Ranging from 55 sq metres to 75 sq metres, each unit consists of 2 or 3 bedrooms with a secured carport or garage. Quality finishes include ceramic tiles and carpets, 4 plate stove, oven and built-in cupboards.
The security aspects include an electrified perimeter fence, guard patrols, an alarm system in each house with panic buttons linked to a 24 hour armed response, controlled access, burglar bars and security gates.