Public sector infrastructure spend in South Africa is budgeted at approximately R865.4 billion over the next three years, with much of it focused on infrastructure for schools, healthcare facilities, roads and  transport developments or upgrades,  energy, water and sanitation provisions. Rocla, part of the IS Group of companies, has played an important role in the supply of quality infrastructural products as well as the development of new self-build sanitation units for rural communities during 2016.
 
During 2016 Rocla launched the Rocla Thuthukisa Sanitation Initiative (TSI) ‘Community Cast’ system. “The communities that urgently require toilet units are often found in rural and outlying areas of the country. Accessing these areas is difficult and many areas have no infrastructure or access to electricity; therefore we at Rocla developed this unique TSI in order to overcome these obstacles while at the same time creating community empowerment” said Andre Labuschagne, Product Development Manager at Rocla.
 
Thuthukisa means ‘to share’, and during 2016 Rocla’s focus was on developing the ‘Community Cast’ toilet unit that can be simply manufactured by local community entrepreneurs or SMME’s and be ready for use within  two weeks. The resulting waste material can be recycled into practical items for everyday use. “Rocla believes that the ‘Community Cast’ toilet system meets the needs for clean sanitation facilities across the country, while providing skills and employment to local communities at the same time” said Group Communications and Marketing Manager, Guinevere Thomas.
 
Rocla is one of South Africa’s leading manufacturers of precast concrete products for infrastructure projects. All of Rocla’s products are ISO 9001/2008 certified and have the applicable SANS recognition.
 
The supply of high quality culverts, manholes, bus shelters, piping, stormwater pipes, poles and related products coupled with the Rocla technical team support on site made the company a logical choice for projects such as: Diepkloof Extension 5 and 6 (new sewer line), interlocking joint pipes for the Great North Plaza in Limpopo, the Westonaria Borwa project, chose Rocla’s spigot and socket storm water pipes and 1.8m cover slabs with lockable lids, jacking pipes for the Palmiet Pumping Station to Signal Hill Reservoir, concrete cabins for PV farms and concrete vehicle restraint barriers in Bloemfontein.
 
“These projects are but a few of those that chose the Rocla product offering during 2016. Our manufacturing facilities in Roodepoort (Johannesburg) and our network across South Africa, Namibia and Botswana enables us to not only supply standard sized products, but also to manufacture to customer specifications and deliver on deadline to site” said Thomas.
 
“Our technical engineers are able to assess project requirements and offer an informed solution that meets the requirements of the project, particularly in terms of safety, durability and longevity, all critical factors on municipal water and sewage developments and upgrades where health issues are paramount.”
 
“Rocla’s all-round innovative product and technical solutions and competitive pricing is why Rocla turned in a good and solid performance during 2016, and why they are a preferred supplier to many contractors and developers” concluded Thomas.
 
Rocla is part of the IS Group of companies which includes Technicrete ISG and Ocon Brick.