With the construction boom continuing unabated in southern Africa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cargo Carriers, J&G Transport, said yesterday it had entered into a contract with  Holcim to transport cement for the group.  
 
J&G said the deal, which is expected to span a number of years, was a result of frenzied activity in that part of the transport industry that serviced construction and cement companies.  
 
Johan Kruger, MD of Cargo Carriers’ chemicals, fuels and steel division, said: "We initially did work for  Holcim in Maseru only but because of our good service and relationship with the group, we have now extended our services into  Holcim’s Bloemfontein operations as well."  
 
He said that with the government dedicating R416bn to the refurbishment of the electricity and transportation industries over the next three years, "a 9,9% rise in cement demand in 2006 and leading international cement companies earning 40% of their sales from emerging economies, Cargo Carriers and J&G are set to claim a competitive advantage by providing smart logistics to the cement market".  
 
The groups would not disclose how much the contract was worth.  
 
J&G’s Ficksburg operation runs a fleet of 10 flat-deck and bulk tanker vehicles that deliver  Holcim cement in Lesotho.  
 
According to J&G, the Free State’s construction needs would benefit from the services of six aluminium bulk tankers supplied by the company on behalf of  HolcimCement.  
 
The tankers have mounted air blowers, which create the pressure necessary to transfer bulk cement into vertical storage tanks on the customer’s premises.  
 
J&G said that with the 2010 Soccer World Cup and economic and social development driving the building industry in SA, Lesotho was making significant investments in its infrastructure in a bid to support a growing tourism industry and increased demand for energy.  
 
Kruger said a new road was being built to the central town of Thaba-Tseka and the construction of the Metolong Dam in the Lesotho Lowlands was continuing.  
 
"Many of Lesotho’s scenic routes have been hard to get to for tourists using ordinary vehicles.  
 
The new road to Thaba- Tseka will provide a circular tourist route taking in Maseru, Leribe and Berea as well as lending easier access to the world-renowned Katse Dam and Sani Pass," Kruger said.