Multidisciplinary construction and engineering group Grinaker-LTA, which is a subsidiary of the JSE-listed Aveng group, has been awarded the construction contract for a new R394-million 230-bed hospital in Mitchells Plain, in the Western Cape.

The contractor has moved on site and expects the project, which is located next to the Lentegeur hospital, to be completed by October 2012.

The four-level building would be a conventional reinforced concrete frame on piled foundations with a brick infill. Face brick would be used externally, with plaster and paint partitions used internally.

About 4,4-million bricks, 82 500 m² of plaster, 10 500 m³ of concrete and 28 000 m² of floor screeds would be used for the construction of the hospital.

The contract also included all external works and landscaping for the new hospital, the company said in a statement.

Grinaker-LTA Building Cape business development director Mark Belman noted that the project is situated in an ecologically sensitive area, with provision having been made for the fencing off of certain areas to protect the natural flora and fauna during construction.

“There will be the controlled protection and replacement of all the plants and animals within the confines of the building site prior to the commencement of any construction work,” he said.

Further, the project was also expected to provide employment for local labour, as well as for the purchase of materials and equipment from local businesses in the Mitchells Plain and Phillippi areas, the contractor stated.

“Our contract features stringent requirements in terms of the employment of historically disadvantaged service providers and women-owned enterprises, as well as other groups including youth, women, disabled persons, rehabilitated drug addicts and ex-convicts. These employment statistics will be monitored on a monthly basis,” Belman noted.

Also, the project would see a minimum of 150 suitable candidates from the local community being given training in traditional building skills, such as bricklaying, plastering and painting.

“In addition to the ongoing training, some of the candidates will be enrolled with an accredited training agent to undergo learnership training and will hopefully be utilised on the project once they have completed their training,” he added.

The project formed part of the Department of Public Works’ Expanded Public Works Programme, and would also offer HIV/Aids awareness and training programmes.

Stauch Vorster Architects has been appointed as project manager, with Magqwaka Associates appointed as lead architects and Munnik Visser Architects and New Era Architects as supporting architects.

South African consulting engineering firm Goba has been appointed as civil engineers for the project.