Company Announcement - Hundreds of guests were escorted to safe areas as more than 150 dynamite charges blasted through tons of dolomite rock deposits at the main entrance to the internationally renowned Velmore Hotel Estate in Erasmia. Reconstruction of the 35km stretch of road between Erasmia and the R511 began 18 months ago and it included an improved access and the widening of the new entry and exit road at Velmore Hotel Estate. Last Thursday, September 24, blasting professionals were called in as huge dolomite deposits at the main entry way of the hotel halted construction work. Heavy duty construction vehicles stood no chance against the 300 meter long dolomite deposit said Quinton  Porter from Mantle Brothers. “These Dolomite Deposits are hundreds of thousands of years old. Dolomite is absolutely solid and the only way to get through them is by blasting,” he said.

The rocks had to be drilled about 1.5 metres deep for each dynamite charge. To ensure safety during the blasting, more than 50 tons of soil had to be packed over the dynamite charges. According to Quinton, the blasts could spread rock and stones over a 500 metre radius and because the blasting was done between buildings, every safety measure had to be strictly followed. Guests were treated to a bird’s-eye-view of the blasting from a safe distance coordinated by Brother’s demolition.

General Manger of the Hotel, Hennie Van Nasvelt said even though his establishment had suffered huge financial losses over the 18 month period, he was ecstatic that the roads were close to completion. “We expect the project to be complete by November and we are very excited as this has affected our business drastically. Guests who have visited us also complain about the noise, dust and the inaccessibility. We can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. On behalf of all the businesses in the area as well as the residents, I would like to thank the MEC of Transport Mr Vadi, the Gauteng Provincial Government and the team at Stefanutti Stocks for their brilliant work thus far. I would also like to apologise to all our guests for bearing with us and I would like to further thank them for their continued support,” he said.

Alternative entry and exit points have been arranged at Velmore Hotel Estate and management would like to inform all guests that the establishment is fully functional despite the construction work.