Athlone towers to be demolished for R6m

jet demolition has beaten seven other bidders to the contrat to demolish two cooling towers at the former athlone power station at a cost of r6 million to the city.

clive justus, the city of cape town's mayoral committee member for utility services, said that yesterday the eight bids ranged from r4.79m to r23.46m.

"following an evaluation and a check for compliance with the tender requirements, the lowest offer that complied with the specification - r6.496m - was (that) submitted by jet demolition (pty) ltd," justus said.

in terms of the bid specification and an agreed working programme, the winning contractor will be responsible for ensuring safe access to the towers and their implosion. thereafter, the contractor must clean up, level the site and prepare it for subsequent operations.

three months ago, reinforced concrete stabilising rings on one of the towers collapsed.

"these stabilising rings were added more than two decades ago and their collapse raised safety concerns," justus said.

"two consulting engineering companies have confirmed that the towers may collapse, particularly in strong north-westerly winds, and a decision was taken to proceed with demolition.

"(jet demolition's) track record indicates that it will be able to complete the contract successfully."

joe brinkmann, managing director of the johannesburg company, could not be reached for comment as he was meeting city officials and inspecting the site.

the company learnt of its appointment last week and is inspecting the site before putting together a demolition plan.

its website says brinkmann has published 40 technical papers on explosives, blasting and demolition, and has been the south african representative on international committees on controlled explosives engineering.