Operations at the non-profit organisation Orion recently came to a halt as excited residents and staff watched in awe as four pre-manufactured container structures were delivered to their premises.
In a two-day operation, a crane had to transport the units – one at a time – from the Eskom Ankerlig Power Station in Atlantis’ industrial area to the Orion site.
“The donation, including transport, is estimated at around R1,15 million,” explains Piet Steyn from Sulzer, the main sponsor. All transport from the power station to Orion was sponsored by its subcontractor Babcock as part of its CSI contribution.
These modular structures are fully air-conditioned, insulated, with laminate flooring and aluminium windows, and have been used on site in Atlantis for the last 24 months, as Sulzer also completed an installation at the Ankerlig Power Station.
Some of the units were also fully kitted with tables, chairs, lockers, showers, water and electrical connections.
“The four structures will be used as an art class for residents as well as a training centre, store room and cafeteria for the workers.
Steyn furthermore explains he went to the local police station in search of an organisation in need of a building and Captain Cyril Dicks referred him to Orion.
Within a week the structures were on their way to the organisation with the help of the City of Cape Town, which waived the costs of the permits required to transport the structures and provided traffic officials to assist with traffic control.
Orion CEO Hannl Cronjé says the organisation depends on the goodwill, love and care of people in the community.
“When we have the buy-in of the community,” she says, “we can create a better environment and more secure futures for people with disabilities.”
