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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Construct paths/tracks and maintain road networks 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253963  Construct paths/tracks and maintain road networks 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Nature Conservation 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Nature Conservation 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
8369  Construct paths/tracks & maintain road networks  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is aimed at individuals involved in the planning and construction of paths/tracks and the maintaining of road networks in conservation areas. This competence will contribute to the effective management of a conservation area, thus being of considerable benefit to the Agriculture and Nature Conservation sub-fields.

Learners found competent against this unit standard will be able to:
  • Identify the legislative constraints that apply to the planning, construction and maintenance of tracks, paths and roads.
  • Plan the placement and construction of a track, path or road.
  • Explain the effect of soil type on the planning, placement, construction and maintenance of a track, path or road.
  • Apply basic principles of construction and maintenance applicable to tracks, paths and roads.
  • Maintain and operate basic road maintenance equipment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner is competent in Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify the legislative constraints that apply to the planning, construction and maintenance of tracks, paths and roads. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An outline is provided of the framework for environmental law established by the National Environmental Management Act (107 of 1998). 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Measures contained in the Act and the underlying principles that govern the planning, construction and maintenance of tracks, paths and roads.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Procedures are outlined for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) in the case of all listed activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The outlines of an appropriate Environmental Management Plan are sketched in case a non-listed activity is considered. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Plan the placement and construction of a track, path or road. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An outline is provided of the factors that influence the planning and placement of tracks, paths and roads, as a result of field and other research related to a "proposed" track, path or road in a specified area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    An explanation is given of the purposes and uses to which various types of tracks, paths and roads are put, with reference to existing examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Potentially problematic areas are identified with a view to introducing appropriate alternatives or mitigating measures, as a result of field and other research related to a "proposed" track, path or road in a specified area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A demonstration is given of skill in using and interpreting aerial photographs, topographical maps, basic stereoscopy and a Global Positioning System (GPS), as a result of field and other research related to a "proposed" track, path or road in a specified area. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The ability to plot the proposed route of a track or path, and to identify possible problematic areas and alternative routes.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain the effect of soil type on the planning, placement, construction and maintenance of a track, path or road. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An identification is made of the different horizons in a soil profile, as a result of participation in the construction of a track, path or road in a specified area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The impact of soil type on plans for construction of tracks, paths and roads are interpreted to ensure long-term viability and functionality, as a result of field and other research related to a "proposed" track, path or road in a specified area. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Apply basic principles of construction and maintenance applicable to tracks, paths and roads. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A distinction is made between tracks, paths and roads on the basis of the amount of construction (degree of intervention) required for each, with appropriate workplace demonstrations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Measures are implemented to minimize soil erosion, with appropriate workplace demonstrations or interpretations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Remedial steps are put in place to ensure long-term viability and functionality of tracks, paths and roads, with appropriate workplace demonstrations or interpretations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Correct corrugations; prevent and reduce the formation of ruts; keeping mitre drains functional; using appropriate road treatments or additives as needed; repairing potholes.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Maintain and operate basic road maintenance equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A demonstration is given of the competent use of basic road maintenance equipment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tractor drawn grader; grader mounted on the three-point lift of a tractor; hand-operated concrete vibrator and compactor; mechanical shovel mounted on the front or rear of a tractor.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The applicable road maintenance equipment is maintained competently, in compliance with manufacturers' specifications, to ensure long-term functionality and minimize mechanical failure. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing an individual against this unit standard must meet the assessor requirements of the relevant ETQA. In particular, such assessors must demonstrate that they assess in terms of the scope and context defined in all the range statements.
  • Any institution offering learning towards this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • External moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Basic soil science, as applied to the construction of tracks, paths or roads.
  • Basic surveying techniques, as applied to the construction of tracks, paths or roads.
  • Impact of roads on sensitive fauna and flora.
  • Thinning techniques (road verges).
  • Appropriate legislation (NEMA, 1998).
  • Maintenance of gravel surfaces.
  • Map reading, as applied to the construction of tracks, paths or roads.
  • Gravel pit placement, as applied to the construction of tracks, paths or roads.
  • Speed hump and ditch construction, as applied to the construction of tracks, paths or roads.
  • Repairing paths/tracks and roads.
  • Variety of drain placement, as applied to the construction of tracks, paths or roads.
  • Constructing concrete drifts and causeways.
  • Gabion construction.
  • Integrated Environmental Management as a process governing infrastructure development. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation and management:
  • Field rangers engaged in construction and maintenance must of necessity plan and work methodically and systematically. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information evaluation:
  • Information evaluation is applied within the context of the interpretation of potential problem areas and soil types. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication:
  • Planning, construction and maintenance activities are never carried on in isolation, but rather under the guidance of superiors, with the help of colleagues and with the support of subordinates in the workplace and thus supports effective communication skills in the operational environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use of science and technology:
  • Knowledge of construction requirements and the use of applicable tools and equipment support the use of science and technology. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter-relatedness of systems:
  • Ecological awareness is essential in the responsible construction of tracks, paths and roads and contributes to the understanding of the world as a set of inter-related systems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 8369, "Construct paths/tracks & maintain road networks", Level 5, 5 credits.

    Demonstration of the knowledge and skills outlined in this unit standard must be consistent with the principles of:
  • Maintaining essential ecological processes and life-support systems.
  • Maintaining genetic, species and ecosystem diversity.
  • Considering ecological and social rights and responsibilities, whilst ensuring sustainable utilization of species and ecosystems, thereby yielding the greatest sustainable and equitable benefit to present generations whilst maintaining the potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations.

    Simulations may be used for training and assessment against this unit standard simulations if participation in actual planning and construction activities is not feasible.

    Equipment utilised within the context of this unit standard does NOT include large motorised graders, compactors and front end loaders. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  59949   National Certificate: Natural Resource Management: Terrestrial  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CATHSSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.