Chairman's Invitation

CAPSA'04 is not far away and it is time to think about attending one of the premier events on the road industry calendar in southern Africa.  As Chairman of the CAPSA'04 Steering Committee, it is with great pleasure that I invite you to register to attend the Eighth Conference on Asphalt Pavements for Southern Africa, CAPSA'04, to be held at Sun City, North West Province, South Africa from 12 to 16 September 2004.

The conference theme of "Roads - the Arteries of Africa" is addressed by over 130 papers and bulletins which will concentrate on the following theme areas:

·        Efficient road provision and maintenance

o Institutional arrangements and procedures for efficient and effective delivery (Roads agencies, public-private partnerships, concessions)

o Equitable sharing of risk through performance contracts 

·        Human capital development

o  Current and envisaged education and training schemes and research and development programmes

o Broadening the base of participation in the roads industry

·        Best Practice in flexible pavement design, construction and maintenance

o Studies on the performance of pavements components or systems

o Innovations through the application and implementation of research

o Pavement surveillance and evaluation

o Worker health and safety and environmental conservation

The programme of the conference has been structured to provide ample opportunity for interaction and the sharing of latest best-practice and experience, both local and international.  All professionals within the roads industry should not miss this opportunity to share their knowledge and bring themselves up-to-date with the latest developments and innovations impacting on the provision of road infrastructure leading to improved access for all within the southern African region and beyond.

Following on from the success of CAPSA'99 in Victoria Falls, we have chosen another stunning venue that will ensure that the conference is enjoyable as well as meaningful.  In addition to the technical programme we have arranged a social programme that will give real meaning to South African hospitality.  The programme begins with an icebreaker cocktail in the amphitheatre followed by numerous other events during the course of the conference.  Those of you who are keen golfers are welcome to book for the golf on Wednesday afternoon on a first come first served basis. 

So I invite you to join us all at Sun City for a practice based conference that promises to be the best yet of all the CAPSA conferences.

Arthur Taute

Chairman