Construction World July 2015

MARKETPLACE

Pictured at the 28 th Corobrik Architectural Student of the year event: Back row (from left): Dirk Meyer, Corobrik managing director; Graeme Noeth – Tshwane University of Technology; Simon Henstra –University of Cape Town; Walter Raubenheimer – University of Pretoria; the winner Harold Johnson – University of Johannesburg and Musa Shangase – Corobrik commercial director. Front row: Bridget Stevens – University of KwaZulu-Natal; Marius du Plessis – University of the Free State; Alexandra Wilmot Nelson – Mandela Metropolitan University and Sarah de Villiers – University of Witwatersrand.

INSURING AGAINST FAULTY CONCRETE A specialist indemnity insurance policy has recently been introduced to insure readymix concrete suppliers against claims arising by clients or third parties in the event of concrete failures.

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Removing and replacing concrete that has already cured or partially cured, is a risk facing any concrete supplier who

to provide specialist indemnity insurance that provides both parties with peace of mind in the event of concrete failure. The policy is only available to Sarma members and is offered by construction insurance specialists, CivilSure. Unforeseen failures Although concrete failures can occur as a result of unforeseen circumstances, underwriters of the policy are satisfied that strict quality standards applied to Sarma members which are audited annually, and the generally high standard of Sarma compliance is sufficient reason to provide this type of insurance to Sarma members only. “If for example a person orders concrete suitable for building a swimming pool, but when it cures is found to be unsuitable, then the insurance will kick in and pay for the repair or removal of the failed concrete and pay for the replacement of a new structure if required. The policy therefore provides recourse for the user, who will have their pool structure repaired or replaced, as well as providing the supplier with a means of guaranteeing their work “The policy will pay out up to R10-million in the event that the professional member of Sarma undertook their duties in accordance with the prescribed best practices as outlined by Sarma. Claims for injury or damage will also be covered and additional extensions may bemade to cover the readymix plant’s actual equipment against breakdowns, as well as certain legal defences and consequential loss etc,” says CivilSure’s Dan Payton.

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through one mistake may lose millions of rands or even their business depending on the size of the pour and resilience of the company. In a progressive move to protect both the customer and readymix supplier, the Southern Africa Readymix Association (Sarma), has recently worked with insurance role players

Dan Payton of CivilSure.

More cover Additional fleet insurance packages are also being made available to Sarma members. “These are specialised readymix concrete related insurance products that are made possible through the high standards upheld by Sarma members, as well as economies of scale as a result of Sarma’s large membership. “This type of cover has been very difficult to obtain and not affordable, however the insurance company has seen that the codes of conduct of Sarma warrant that this cover can be provided at a reasonable premium due.” Johan van Wyk, general manager of Sarma, concludes the insurance policies should provide suppliers and buyers alike with peace of mind to know that they are covered in the event of something going wrong between the stages of procurement, delivery and curing of the concrete. It is another reason why users should specify concrete only from Sarma accredited members.

CONSTRUCTION WORLD JULY 2015