Expertise

Vela VKE’s expertise in municipal services in the water field has been expanding over a period of more than 50 years and now includes experience in providing hydraulic and hydrological analysis for a broad spectrum of water supply projects, private water and sewer (sanitation) services for urban and rural developments, GIS development and asset management services to the private and public sectors. Vela VKE also has substantial experience in municipal roads and stormwater including upgrading and rehabilitation of township roads, major arterials, BRT and public transport, and non motorized transport.

This service is provided by an expert team of 88 Engineers, Technologists and Technicians located in 10 offices scattered around South Africa including all the major centers and Provinces. Vela VKE has developed in-house asset management software hosted on the internet for our Local Government clients. Vela VKE is also the leading South African company in terms of pipe conditional assessment, rehabilitation, renovation and upgrading, being the recipient of the 2007 Southern African Society of Trenchless Technology Award of Excellence.

Detailed Capabilities:

• Community water supply for townships 
• Asset management of large and small enterprises
• Urban development, revitalisation, rehabilitation and upgrades
• Water demand and leakage management, including bulk meter and pressure reducing valve sizing, site positioning and installation.
• Pump stations, pipelines, reservoirs and water towers including water and wastewater treatment works and process design
• Pipe condition assessment, renovation and upgrading
• Institutional and social development specialising in BEE projects
• Training and capacity building
• Roads and stormwater drainage
• Buildings and services (mainly focused on housing developments , community facilities i.e. clinics, community halls etc)
• Public lighting

Bernhard Heyns has  B Eng, BSc (Hon) (Hydrology) and M. Eng qualifications from various universities. He has 27 years of experience of road design and supervision, transportation studies, management systems, safety audits, water projects and road network management. Bernhard was the office manager of the Bloemfontein office from 2000 to 2008 and is currently the Division Head of the Development Division. Bernhard is also on the EXCO and a trustee of the Vela VKE Trust. Bernhard is a registered professional Engineer.  He is a keen outdoor enthusiast and enjoys fishing, walking and outdoor activities.

Email :  heynsb@velavke.co.za