Pretoria – Uganda and two South African companies Roadsaver and BCE have embarked on a collaboration journey, to foster bilateral partnerships for socio-economic growth.
According to Ugandan High Commission in South Africa, successful delegation meetings spearheaded by Amb. Paul Amoru, Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa were held in Pretoria East on August 17, 2023.
Headquartered in Pretoria East, Roadsaver has garnered recognition for its pioneering pre-mixed pothole repair solution. This product, born out of a decade of comprehensive research and development both in South Africa and Europe combines a specialized chemical syrup, sand, and stone aggregates to facilitate rapid and enduring pothole fixes.
This method is reported to have a remarkable repair time of 15 minutes, and the task can be performed even by ordinary individuals with basic training. This presents a paradigm shift in road maintenance and the benefits extend beyond efficiency, as Roadsaver’s product translates to significant cost savings, notes a statement by the High Commission.
“This method can reduce road maintenance expenses up to $35 per square meter, a stark contrast to conventional methods that can exceed $100 per square meter. He adds that the durability of the solution promises a lifespan of 3 to 5 years and has already conducted successful trials in Uganda’s capital, Kampala,” reads part of the statement.
It also revealed that Roadsaver has submitted product samples to Uganda’s Ministry of Works and Transport for testing. Engagement with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) is underway, and that the company is committed to utilizing local raw materials which aligns with the objectives of the East African Community (EAC) to curtail road maintenance costs.
For its operations in Uganda, Roadsaver awaits the fulfillment of key prerequisites, including government contract signing, suitable premises availability, and incentive definition.
Once established, Roadsaver Uganda plans to train locals in the pothole repair process, ensuring minimal disruption to motorists.
Additionally, Roadsaver aims to present a detailed proposal highlighting the superiority of its solution compared to existing methods. Representatives will partake in the Uganda-South Africa Business Summit due next month in Kampala fostering continued engagement with key stakeholders.
Meanwhile, in another engagement, Amb. Amoru met with BCE, a prominent South African training company focusing on empowering women and youth.
This meeting aimed to explore the implementation of MOUs signed between Uganda and South Africa earlier this year. BCE’s proven success in training programs, such as rehabilitating former Boko Haram captives in Nigeria, resonates with Uganda’s youth-focused initiatives.
Both Roadsaver and BCE are eager to attend the Uganda-South Africa Business Summit, reflecting their commitment to fruitful collaborations. The potential alliances hold promise for socio-economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement.
The High Commission underscores the significance of robust cooperation between the two nations, particularly in road maintenance, skill development, and capacity-building. This juncture marks a compelling chapter in the shared journey of South African and Ugandan enterprises.
