Residents in the North West town of Marikana, situated just east of Rustenburg, welcomed the donation of much needed housing earlier this year. Implemented by the North West Department of Local Government and Human Settlements in conjunction with Lonmin Mine, the Marikana Extension 2 Housing Project was initiated in July 2014 with the view to construct 544 houses for the local community using Corobrik’s high quality face brick range.
 
Contractors Malome Business Enterprise, Andisa Construction and Motheo Construction moved onto the site in February 2015 and began construction using two of Corobrik’s face brick products, with completion of the 542 units taking place at the start of 2016.
 
Malome Business Enterprise was contracted to build 292 low-income free-standing units using 1.1 million of Corobrik’s CoroJem classic brick range sourced from its Rietvlei factory. Each of the 45 m2 units consists of two bedrooms, a bathroom, a lounge and a kitchen and these have been handed over to 292 deserving families who are currently enjoying the facilities. A further 252 one and two-bedroom Community Residential Units were constructed by Motheo Construction and Andisa Construction, using 310 000 of Corobrik’s Montana Travertine FBS bricks from its Lawley factory.
 
The R700-million housing project will eventually yield an impressive 2 600 units upon completion while catering for Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme and bonded houses. North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo, handed over the completed houses to the local community earlier this year. “Face brick is really the perfect material for any government infrastructure project,” said Musa Shangase, Commercial Director for Corobrik. “We are always delighted to be supporting government initiatives such as these, providing excellent housing for worthwhile beneficiaries.”
 
Commenting on Corobrik’s range, Shangase said that, besides the advanced quality of their face bricks, the durability and strength of each individual brick will ensure any structure remains for years to come. “In addition, Cororik’s face brick range has the lowest lifecycle cost as no further maintenance in the form of plastering and painting is required once the bricks are laid,” said Shangase. “Brick wall construction also provides better acoustics and superior thermal comfort, negating the need for artificial heating and cooling which also reduces costs.”
 
Further to this, correctly laid brickwork has minimal cavities, making the structures impervious to vermin infestation while the face brick’s ability to absorb water slowly and then release it through evaporation prevents moisture build up thereby ensuring a healthy living environment. “We understand that developers don’t want to just provide houses for these families, but somewhere they feel proud to call home,” continued Shangase. “The aesthetic quality of all our face bricks immediately creates a welcoming structure which is evident in every unit constructed at the Marikana housing project.”