The Southern African Bitumen Association (Sabita) produces technical guidelines with regard to the use and application of bituminous material that are regularly updated with the most appropriate information available globally.

“The association also engages with all players in the industry on road related matters to enable the exchange of this information, with the objective of assisting all involved in the industry to provide the best roads possible for Southern Africa,” Sabita CEO Saied Solomons notes.

He explains that the condition of roads varies by province and area; certain road authorities have done sterling work to maintain networks in great condition, many have failed to do so.

Moreover, Solomons says funding and technical capacity are cited as the reason for this state of affairs. A turnaround of the situation is possible but will require additional funding and proper human resource capacitation.

He adds that matters such as improved durability in road pavements, road funding, appropriate standards for low volume roads and bitumen specifications feature regularly.

As a result of roads being used more intensively, particularly in the urban environment, solutions to these challenges are constantly evolving.

Capsa 2019

Solomons highlights that the Conference on Asphalt Pavements for Southern Africa (Capsa) brings together the best technical know-how available on road construction and maintenance using bituminous material.

This enables appropriate changes to the various standards and specifications that are used by road authorities and the roads industry at large. Pertinent issues are deliberated on in dedicated workshops resulting in actionable outputs.

Sabita plays an enabling role through facilitating the various planning sessions and manages all the commercial aspects required for Capsa.

“These roles are crucial to the smooth running of the conference and only cease when the last participant departs,” he says.

Further, Solomons notes that Capsa is recognised as an international conference comprising the highest technical standing, which is attained by ensuring that all papers finally presented are peer reviewed.

He mentions that this strong technical bias is well balanced as a complete package with evening entertainment.

“With a recipe that has stood the test of time over the last 50 years, we look forward to welcoming all the delegates to Capsa 2019 locally and from around the world,” Solomons concludes.