In recent years, the Zimbabwean sporting infrastructure has had a huge boost, putting the country into the international spotlight. Currently, Bitumen World is constructing an international standard astroturf field at a new site between Newlands and Borrowdale, for Hellenic Academy.
The project, valued at just under US$1 million, is a four-month undertaking that began on August 1st and is slated for completion on December 5th. This new facility, which will span under 8,000 square meters, promises to elevate the standards of sports in the country, with its construction adhering to international specifications.
Earthworks and drainage
Nathanael Khanye, the project’s site engineer, provided a detailed look into the technical aspects of the construction. The site initially presented a significant challenge: it was waterlogged and close to swampy areas. The first week of the project was dedicated to mitigating this issue. The team carried out several trial holes and dug a cutoff trench to continuously manage water levels. This meticulous approach was crucial before proceeding with the main earthworks.
Once the drainage was under control, the crew began the topsoil removal and a series of cut-to-waste operations. A particularly swampy section required the removal of 300 millimetres of black cotton soil, which was then replaced with a 300-millimeter-thick rock fill. This foundational work ensured a stable and well-drained base for the subsequent layers.
Pavement layers and asphalt application
The project’s layering process is a critical part of achieving an international standard playing surface. The first pavement layer applied was a G7 layer, 150 millimetres thick, which has already been completed. This was followed by the sub-base layer, also 150 millimetres thick. The next phase involved laying the base layer, which will utilize crushed stone from Pomona Stone Quarries.
Upon completion of the base layer, the field will be surfaced with a 35-millimeter-thick layer of asphalt. This will be applied in two passes: a 20-millimeter layer followed by a 15-millimeter top layer. To further address potential water issues, subsoil drains will be installed around the entire field, spanning the northern, eastern, and southern sides.
“The levels are the most critical aspect of this project,” said Khanye. “We need to make sure that the levels are within the specifications to produce a valuable product.” The Bitumen World team works closely with the design engineer, Consolve Engineering Solutions, and performs its own checks to ensure the surface is perfectly flat and meets all required standards.
Collaboration
Bitumen World’s scope of work extends up to the final asphalt layer. The official astroturf will then be laid by expert subcontractors who are based in South Africa. These specialists will verify that Bitumen World’s work meets the required acceptance criteria before proceeding with the final turf installation.
The project also includes the construction of paved walkways and concrete curbing to provide easy access for pedestrians. Other aspects of the project, such as fencing and lighting, will be handled by different subcontractors brought in by the client, ensuring a comprehensive and complete facility.
Progress
With approximately 65% of the project completed, Nathanael Khanye confirmed that the team is on track and potentially ahead of schedule. “We’re very much excited to be doing these turfs,” he said, highlighting that this isn’t their first such project, with a recent successful completion at Falcon College.
Bitumen World’s initiative to partner with schools like Hellenic is part of a broader mission to improve the sports industry in Zimbabwe. The renowned firm is constructing facilities that meet international standards, and aims to ensure that hockey players have access to the same quality of playing surfaces as their counterparts in countries like the United Kingdom and other first world countries.
This project demonstrates the commitment of companies like Bitumen World to invest in and uplift the nation’s sporting future.
Images and video by Caast Media Group
Text by Martin Chemhere
From S&D Issue 79
