Government initiatives result in more road lighting projects

28th October 2016

By: Nadine James

Features Deputy Editor

  

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The South African government’s drive to implement energy efficiency practices and maximise energy savings, along with its work with municipalities and State-owned power utility Eskom in the electrification of informal settlements and rural areas, has ensured that there are more opportunities for road-lighting projects, says lighting solutions provider BEKA Schréder.

BEKA Schréder product development manager Daniel Kasper notes that the company’s light- emitting diode (LED) products are popular with municipalities and the Department of Public Works, as they have been proven to reduce energy consumption, resulting in energy savings of between 50% and 70%, compared with conventional street lights. Further, he notes that the company’s LED streetlights typically require less maintenance and last longer.

BEKA Schréder marketing manager Sibusiso Skosana notes that the company has been involved in several road-lighting projects for municipalities across South Africa. This includes a contract for the supply and installation of streetlight poles and luminaires for a residential area in Port Elizabeth, which is expected to be concluded in the fourth quarter of this year, as well as the high-mast retrofit project for Buffalo City, also in the Eastern Cape.

Skosana explains that the Buffalo City project called for a cost- effective, energy efficient retrofit solution to replace the existing high-mast high pressure sodium floodlights in the informal settlements of Mdantsane, Dimbaza and Duncan Village, which form part of the Buffalo City municipality.

The contract, awarded by the municipality in November last year and completed in May, called for the supply of 900 OMNIstar LED luminaires for 150 high masts, with six luminaires for each mast.

Kasper adds that, aside from achieving energy savings of 50% per mast, the implementation of an LED solution will result in improved visibility, as a result of the white light emitted by the LED luminaires.

“There should also be reduced maintenance costs, as the luminaires and masts were specifically designed for Eastern Cape conditions, ensuring longevity. The new LED solution will allow for between 60 000 and 100 000 hours of operation – almost three times longer than that of the conventional high-pressure sodium luminaires.

The company is also finalising the details of a road-lighting contract for Ekurhuleni’s Harambee bus rapid transit (BRT) route between Tembisa and Springs. This project will be realised in the first quarter of next year.

Kasper notes that, aside from improving energy efficiency in the city, one of the main requirements for the BRT project is to provide the capacity for remote access to the lighting system for city officials, which will allow for dimming and maintenance-monitoring applications, as well as asset management. This remote access is possible with BEKA Schréder’s Owlet range of control solutions and the Owlet remote management system.

Skosana also notes that the company recently completed lighting retrofit projects for four of the N3 toll plazas, situated between Durban and Johannesburg. Retrofitting for the De Hoek, Wilge, Tugela and Mooi River plazas was completed before September this year, with retrofitting for Mariannhill Plaza expected to be completed before the end of the year.

The project objective was to ensure energy conservation while reducing maintenance requirements. This was addressed by ensuring that the lighting components of the plazas were retrofitted with LED technology.

OMNIstar floodlights were used in the plaza area, with BEKA Schréder’s LEDlume-midi streetlight luminaires used for the adaptation lighting along the roadway, leading up to the toll plazas, as well as the bullnoses at the plazas.

Economic Factors
Skosana states that currency volatility caused by the unrelenting strength of the dollar, besides other economic factors, is one of the major concerns for the company. He notes that, while the company can secure consistent work in South Africa and the rest of Africa, the currency conversion rates can be problematic.

Additionally, while the company manufactures all of its products, it may have to import some materials, which will be affected by changes in the rand:dollar exchange rate.

Kasper notes that, while it has not necessarily been the case for BEKA Schréder, election years often result in less public works projects. This is owing to the inherent expectation that elections result in changes within government and/or municipal departments, regardless of the outcome. This often results in an adjustment phase, which results in some projects being put on hold.

BEKA Schréder’s diversified client base has enabled it to weather challenging financial conditions, says Skosana. He notes that, while street and urban lighting projects account for a large percentage of the company’s work, private- sector clients ensure that it maintains positive profit margins.

Edited by Zandile Mavuso
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor: Features

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