Notable Projects

University of Pretoria

According to the Disability Unit of the University of Pretoria, they accommodate more than 800 visually impaired students and this figure does not include other students with special needs.

To assist these students in finding their classes, centres and refreshment areas, using restroom facilities in dignity and exiting gates, Gimi Access (Pty) Ltd and a Universal Access Consultant were contracted to construct a “Blind Path”, making use of Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSI’s). Feedback from students is overwhelmingly positive.

A trial section was completed for students to determine the most visible colour of TGSI’s, as some visually impaired people can distinguish between light and dark hues. A bright yellow colour was chosen.

Quite a number of obstacles and difficult situations were successfully handled, for instance:

 

  • The “Blind Path” leads over channels with concrete covers, where specialised frames had to be constructed to ensure the pattern continues for the visually impaired.
  • It was imperative to use stainless steel discreet bars with yellow polyurethane in certain areas, as the route leads over a channel with steel lids, concrete slabs that could not be removed, and over an area covered with tiles.
  • Phase 1 was completed in March 2018, and Phase 2 was completed mid-November 2018.

Bloemfontein / Manguang Municipality

When Mangaung Municipality started the upgrading of certain Non Motorized Transport Routes (NMT), Gimi Access supplied the TGSI’s and constructed a number of Pedestrian Ramps.

The walkways of Park Road, King Edward Road, Ella Road, and Victoria Road, which were upgraded, date from a time before provision was made for people with special needs.

Walkways as wide as 5 to 8 meters, as well as quite a number of obstacles in the walkway and on corners, would pose a challenge for the visually impaired.

Taking into account cost, time, and approval considerations, engineers decided to construct a “Blind Path” in both Park and Ella Roads to safely guide the visually impaired.

BRT Routes

With the aim to promote public transport and have less traffic in the city, Tshwane started a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service with feeder bus routes and Gimi Access (Pty) Ltd is part of this process in certain areas. The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) is also employing BRT routes. Gimi Access was involved at the Park Station Precinct where the Gautrain has a station and commuters climb over to the busses on their way to work or otherwise.

Atteridgeville / Ga-Rankuwa / Lotus Gardens / Tembisa

Gimi Access has been involved in the upgrading of sidewalks in different towns and cities, not only beautifying the area but especially making it easier for residents to move around.

TGSI’S assist the visually impaired in finding pedestrian ramps and warn about possible dangers/changes (i.e. crossings/edge of sidewalk), while pedestrian ramps constructed specifically to accommodate people with special needs (i.e. those using a wheelchair), also make it easier for frail people and residents using prams or grocery trolleys to scale the sidewalks.