Should Trenchless Technology need a separate class registered with the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb)? This is the questions the Southern African Society for Trenchless Technology (SASSTT) has posed to its members.

The advantage of Trenchless Technology is that services, rehabilitation and replacement of existing along with the construction of new water infrastructure can be accomplished without actually digging trenches.

Henk Aartsma, a member of the SASSTT board, says this is the first time they have requested members for their comments in this regard; though the matter has been discussed at board level.

“Currently, Trenchless Technology falls within the civil engineering works classification with the cidb, which is acceptable if it forms a small part of a bigger project. However, due to the specialist  nature of Trenchless Technology projects it may be preferred that these projects be classified under “specialist works” with the CIDB, especially as it is a growing industry within the construction sector.

“Our aim is not to eliminate contractors from tendering for projects involving Trenchless Technology, or to prevent them from entering into the Trenchless Technology industry, but because it is a specialised construction and rehabilitation technique we believe it may be preferred to be classified as such. A major concern is that when specialist type of construction work is not classified as a “specialist work”  in terms of the CIDB grading designations, and these projects are not completed successfully,  it will then give   the technology a tarnished image.”

SASTT members have until 20 February 2013 to submit their comments.