Theron tables motion for quartz road pilot project

Lüderitz could pioneer an innovative and financially sustainable approach to municipal road construction by using locally available blasted quartz.

Councillor Ockert Theron has tabled a motion proposing a pilot road construction project using blasted quartz, which he says is readily available in the harbour town. "A pilot project would provide valuable technical and financial information before any wider implementation is considered. The project aims to reduce road construction and maintenance costs by making greater use of locally available materials, improve infrastructure sustainability and provide evidence to guide future investment decisions," Theron explained.

According to Theron, the alternative construction method, which uses compacted blasted quartz, has already been successfully demonstrated by Africa Global Logistics at a project site in Lüderitz.

Through the motion tabled at the fourth ordinary council meeting on Tuesday, Theron called on the Lüderitz Town Council to identify and approve a suitable municipal road for a pilot project using locally sourced blasted quartz as an alternative road-building material. "This is a unique opportunity for our town. Lüderitz is well positioned because of its abundant supply of blasted quartz generated through local mining and construction activities. Equipment used to crush the material is also readily available," Theron said.

He noted that conventional road construction methods, including asphalt surfacing and interlocking paving, require significant capital investment and ongoing maintenance, placing increasing financial pressure on the council. “The proposed construction method has the potential to reduce construction and maintenance costs, improve drainage, provide greater durability under Lüderitz's environmental conditions and create an attractive natural road surface,” he said.

Theron said that the envisioned project would also support the council's commitment to developing innovative, cost-effective and sustainable infrastructure solutions. He further proposed that the council instruct the administration to engage with Africa Global Logistics and relevant technical specialists to obtain the engineering specifications required for the project.

Theron also recommended that the administration conduct a feasibility study comparing the proposed method with conventional road construction. "The assessment should examine construction and maintenance costs, expected lifespan, environmental impact and overall life-cycle costs. The feasibility report, together with recommendations and a preliminary budget estimate, should be submitted to the council within 60 days," he said.