Leading consulting engineering and infrastructure advisory firm Zutari was appointed to conduct the economic feasibility, environmental and social impact assessments, and design of the Tebellong bridge across the Senqu River in Thabana-Ts’oana (White-Hill) in Qacha’s Nek. This bridge would create access to the Tebellong Hospital for neighbouring communities and allow seamless transfers of patients and vital medical equipment between hospitals, explains Marco Steenkamp, Senior Transport Economist.
Tebellong Hospital is a mountainside facility built in 1965. At present most patients, workers, and visitors need to cross the Senqu or Orange River, which can take place by boat or 4×4 only, depending on the river current.
Following the team’s initial economic feasibility and socio-economic impact assessment, results indicated that the proposed improvements were not economically feasible despite the evident positive wider socioeconomic impact. In response, the project team reconsidered the proposed improvements by analysing additional bridge options in conjunction with a more detailed traffic and economic analysis and ultimately presented economically feasible results.
With a technically and economically feasible project, the client is now able to access finance for constructing the Tebellong Bridge, creating much needed (and in some instances lifesaving) access to the hospital, numerous schools in the area, and general economic activity.
“Development finance institutions and the NGOs they fund are increasingly requiring economic feasibility studies to accompany technical feasibilities,” explains Steenkamp. This is as socioeconomic and environmental impact become more significant metrics for development than infrastructure provision alone.
Whether it is roads impacted by climate-related events, transportation of commodities, or pipelines moving gas, economic feasibilities support appropriate economic development through prioritising projects and present a strong case for accessing finance. “By becoming involved in the various stages of the project lifecycle, and more so in the early stages, the Zutari economics team enables impact derived from the infrastructure of today and tomorrow,” concludes Steenkamp.
Ends
Notes to the Editor
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About Zutari
As an infrastructure engineering and advisory practice, we believe infrastructure has unparalleled potential to create enduring impact. Never more relevant, this potential can be realised only if we plan, design, deliver and manage infrastructure in ways that maximise its value. Our work in water, transport, energy, resources, and built-environment infrastructure does just this – helping to nurture thriving communities, growing economies, and healthy environments. At Zutari we understand that radical impact doesn’t just happen; it requires more of us to connect differently, work smarter, and stay rooted.
We connect differently. Our broad collective of in-house experts connects across traditional disciplines to provide integrated results. We collaborate with clients, partners, and end-users, leaning into diverse perspectives to create superior solutions – together.
We work smarter. Our people lead the industry. We draw from deep technical skills, accrued over decades, and embrace the transformative power of digital technology to find simpler, better, and more innovative ways to deliver value.
We stay rooted. Few can rival our local capacity and understanding. Building on solid foundations, now 90 years in the making, we are trusted to shape locally relevant solutions through our extensive footprint in Africa and the Middle East.
At Zutari our people connect differently, work smarter, and stay rooted. Working in this way, we reliably deliver impact through infrastructure, making the world a better place – one project at a time.
Zutari Contact
Charmaine Achour
Senior Consultant: Digital Communications
Email: charmaine.achour@zutari.com
Web: www.zutari.com
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NGAGE Public Relations
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At present most patients, workers, and visitors need to cross the Senqu or Orange River, which can take place by boat or 4x4 only
Marco Steenkamp, Senior Transport Economist, Zutari
Most patients, workers, and visitors need to cross the Senqu or Orange River by boat or 4x4 only
The Senqu River bridge will give neighbouring communities access to the Tebellong Hospital - Bridging the gap between community infrastructure and economic viability_approved
Bridging the gap between community infrastructure and economic viability_approved
