Recent News

Alan Parrock’s Retirement – February 2016

Alan’s retirement as one of the founder members of ARQ and 23 years of dedicated services came with feelings of sadness but also deep appreciation, admiration and best wishes. Alan will surely make use of his well-deserved time of relaxation but will still be active as Specialist Consultant for ARQ.  He also has other endeavours planned in his field of expertise. Please read Alan’s farewell letter to all of you as well appreciated colleagues, clients and friends…

29 February 2016

Dear All,

As some of you will know, I retire from ARQ on 29 February 2016 when I put my feet up and disappear into the sunset for a few weeks. I plan to spend March at Nature’s Valley and then proceed to Cape Town where I shall hire accommodation for some 6-8 months until finding something suitable to purchase as our permanent residence. This may change as we would also like to spend some time in Himeville Kwa Zulu-Natal.

While ARQ is very keen to maintain my continued support and involvement, the need for a change in my role from one of leadership to one of support, requires that a new dynamic be established in the company and in the geotechnical department in the short term. Accordingly, I will have minimal contact with my department for 3 months from 1 March 2016. Thereafter I will continue my involvement with ARQ, assisting in all matters Geotechnical in which I am needed, but with a view to an eventual role of specialist consultant.

In line with our succession plan my colleagues Louis du Plessis, Marie Basson, Vian van der Westhuizen and Thomas O’Brien will manage our geotechnical department from 1 March 2016. Since they are not directors at ARQ they will be assisted by fellow director David Cameron-Ellis from our dams and water department.

I would be much obliged if you could contact any of them for technical queries as I am confident that they and their team of 8 geotechnical engineers, 1 geologist, 1 engineering geologist, 1 draftsman and 1 administrative assistant will be able to handle most if not all queries and tasks. If you feel it necessary for my personal involvement, please advise Louis/Marie/Vian/Thomas or David and they will be in contact with me. If only email input is necessary that is easily managed, but in the event that my presence is necessary, I shall travel to the required destinations.

This arrangement could well then be in force for many years to come as I would like to stay actively involved in this fantastic profession of ours, but I fully expect ARQ geotechnical department to grow in strength to the point where my inputs will simply be a courtesy.

Your understanding in this matter is much appreciated and I am confident that you will receive the same, if not enhanced service from ARQ in coming years.

Alan Parrock Geotechnical Director ARQ (Pty) Ltd.