Armed with international qualifications and a mindset that prizes customer service and safety, the Boardwalk’s new maintenance manager, Luncedo Gadu, is determined to keep facilities at the hotel and casino in tip-top shape.
Born in East London, Gadu took his schooling at Buchule Technical High School in Mdantsane seriously, going on to earn an electrical engineering diploma from the Vaal University of Technology, and a Bachelor of Engineering in electrical and electronics from Universiti Teknologi Petronas in Malaysia, courtesy of a government scholarship.
“It was a positive, life-changing opportunity,” Gadu said of his three years in Malaysia.
The 45-year-old has “seen a couple of different sunrises”, having lived in several parts of SA
His previous position was as a maintenance manager in the construction and petrochemical industries in Mossel Bay, and his move to the Boardwalk is his first foray into the hospitality industry.
Gadu said he was finding the change of pace refreshing.
“In construction, you have times which are less quiet, and then times of emergency.
“Here, as long as we have guests, the pace is always on and consistent.
“When customers are involved, there is even more pressure to deliver good service,” Gadu said.
He and his team of 10, including maintenance supervisors, HVAC specialists and handymen, are responsible for ensuring that lights, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration are all functioning.
“We are also looking at energy-saving measures which are a priority across Sun International,” Gadu said.
“What this looks like for Boardwalk are things like motion sensors for the escalators so they don’t run 24 hours a day, and occupancy sensors for common areas.
“Our processes must be integrated into health and safety, so I aim to have more toolbox talks and hold regular meetings to ensure seamless handover on projects.”
Gadu’s arrival in Nelson Mandela Bay was brought on by his wife’s new job in the petrochemical industry.
“It’s great to be closer to home, just a few hours’ drive from East London,” he said.
In his spare time, Gadu enjoys reading current affairs, politics, engineering and science.
“Anything except novels,” he laughed.
HeraldLIVE
Boardwalk’s new maintenance manager builds on culture of reliability
Image: SUPPLIED
Armed with international qualifications and a mindset that prizes customer service and safety, the Boardwalk’s new maintenance manager, Luncedo Gadu, is determined to keep facilities at the hotel and casino in tip-top shape.
Born in East London, Gadu took his schooling at Buchule Technical High School in Mdantsane seriously, going on to earn an electrical engineering diploma from the Vaal University of Technology, and a Bachelor of Engineering in electrical and electronics from Universiti Teknologi Petronas in Malaysia, courtesy of a government scholarship.
“It was a positive, life-changing opportunity,” Gadu said of his three years in Malaysia.
The 45-year-old has “seen a couple of different sunrises”, having lived in several parts of SA
His previous position was as a maintenance manager in the construction and petrochemical industries in Mossel Bay, and his move to the Boardwalk is his first foray into the hospitality industry.
Gadu said he was finding the change of pace refreshing.
“In construction, you have times which are less quiet, and then times of emergency.
“Here, as long as we have guests, the pace is always on and consistent.
“When customers are involved, there is even more pressure to deliver good service,” Gadu said.
He and his team of 10, including maintenance supervisors, HVAC specialists and handymen, are responsible for ensuring that lights, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration are all functioning.
“We are also looking at energy-saving measures which are a priority across Sun International,” Gadu said.
“What this looks like for Boardwalk are things like motion sensors for the escalators so they don’t run 24 hours a day, and occupancy sensors for common areas.
“Our processes must be integrated into health and safety, so I aim to have more toolbox talks and hold regular meetings to ensure seamless handover on projects.”
Gadu’s arrival in Nelson Mandela Bay was brought on by his wife’s new job in the petrochemical industry.
“It’s great to be closer to home, just a few hours’ drive from East London,” he said.
In his spare time, Gadu enjoys reading current affairs, politics, engineering and science.
“Anything except novels,” he laughed.
HeraldLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Latest Videos
Most Read
Your Weekend
Your Weekend
Your Weekend
Your Weekend
Your Weekend