Road construction company Raubex Group subsidiary Shisalanga Construction has managed to pave a road using recycled plastic.
Shisalanga last week completed a recycled plastic road paving trial in Cliffdale, KwaZulu-Natal. It used a binding agent with unique properties to blend recycled plastic compound into a road’s asphalt formula.
Representatives from the South African National Roads Agency, the Department of Transport and the eThekwini municipality witnessed the watershed occasion.
Shisalanga MD Donavan Deane Koekemoer said the company combined two of the country’s biggest challenges – an abundance of plastic waste and damaged roads – to produce the maiden recycled plastic paved road in Africa.
“The poor condition of many of our primary and secondary roads demands an immediate and long-lasting solution. Local communities who use these roads to get to work, clinics and school every day deserve roads that are safe and well-maintained.
“On the other end of the scale, there is a pressing need to recycle plastic waste in our country to minimise waste going to landfill sites and reduce other environmental threats.”
He added that the company would expand the use of this product throughout the country.