Construction and Civil Engineering Magazine by Construction and Civil Engineering

CONSTRUCTION March 2020

& CIVIL ENGINEERING The Journal for Africa’s Construction Industry

Facade and cladding There is much engineering that goes into making a façade.

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Disparities in renewable energy

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Africa’s renewable energy potential

frica’s vast potential for renewable energy could outstrip the continent’s projected electricity demand in 2030, according to new research. The paper, “Strategic siting and regional grid interconnections key to low-carbon futures in African countries” maps the potential for new wind and solar farms in 21 African countries. At present, Africa has the lowest per capita electricity consumption in the world. A report from the World Bank Group and the International Energy Agency (IEA) states that the speed of electrification in Africa is failing to keep pace with a rapidly rising population. The report details that of the 1.06 billion people across the world who still lack access to electricity, 45 per cent reside in Rural Africa – with a further 10 per cent spread across African cities. According to the Sustainable Energy For All Forum, just 37 per cent of Africa’s population had access to electricity in 2014. Africa has huge untapped resources for renewable energy – namely wind and solar power. Well-chosen sites coupled with interconnectors that allow resources to be shared within and between countries could enable Africa’s rapidly growing electricity demand to be met with renewables at a similar cost to conventional fossil fuel generation, according to the authors of the paper. Energy demand in Africa is expected to grow exponentially; the study forecasts that for an area encompassing 50 per cent of Africa’s population, the collective demand will exceed 1,000 terawatthours (TWh) by 2030 – almost triple the figure for 2010. The declining costs of wind and solar has already fuelled growth in renewable energy generation in a number of African countries. In Kenya and Ghana, the levelised cost of wind power is already roughly equal to hydropower. To expand the adoption of renewable energy throughout the continent, the paper’s authors developed a tool to map the best available new sites

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Managing Editor Richard Mukoma Editorial consultant Mike Long

Writers Robert Mutuku VeronicahMuthoni Ian Kiprono Graphic Design Felix Rurigi Nick Amanya

for solar and wind power in 21 different countries: Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Djibouti, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Libya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. According to the analysis, the maximum potential for wind and solar power across all 21 nations surpasses the estimated electricity demand in 2030 by at least a factor of two. The results indicate that Djibouti, Libya, Swaziland and Tanzania will be able to meet 30 per cent of their demand with accessible, low-impact, and cost-effective wind sites. Similarly, Botswana, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe could meet 30 per cent of their projected 2030 demand with domestically-produced solar photovoltaic (PV). However, for Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Libya, South Africa and Zambia meeting 2030 targets will “require investing in transmission extensions to access lower-cost PV resources or importing from neighbours”. The news follows the announcement of Facebook and Microsoft’s collaboration with investment firm Allotrope Partners and more than a dozen implementing partners and observers to develop an innovative facility to finance energy access projects in India, Indonesia and East Africa. The new Microgrid Investment Accelerator (MIA) seeks to mobilise around $50 million from 2018 to 2020 in order to reach those communities across the globe living without access to electricity. In North Africa, the Tunisian government has announced it plans to invest $1 billion towards the installation of 1,000 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy in 2017 – while in Algeria the government is set to launch a tender for the construction of large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) projects totalling 4 gigawatts (GW). In this issue we look at how various countries in Africa are leading in this front. Welcome! Editor

DISCLAIMER: The publisher does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or authenticity of advertisements or contributions contained in the journal. Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. © All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without prior permission from the publisher. Circulation Ken Kilozo Ben Ogola Marketing Executives George Otieno Liz Kyalo

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INSIDE

inside ... COVER STORY

Facade and Cladding

in South Africa, facade engineers are more and more being challenged to design bespoke systems, especially in terms of shading, as architects are incorporating external shade screening into the architecture as definitive features instead of addons. Nothing is left as an afterthought.

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6. Tanzania mulls

new Airport in Dodoma to meet expected demand

6. Construction

industry in Sub Saharan Africa set to grow

8. Meru County begins work on huge hybrid renewable energy project 10. Agency roots for more investments in clean energy

10.Cheap cement

influx hurting south Africa manufacturers

13. Veolia Water technologies 22. Chinese contractors dominance in Africa

35. The Water Show South Africa 42. Top 9 construction projects in East Africa by value

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INSIDE

FEATURE

The Enkang Apartments

Set on Ngong Road, Enkang Apartments present a rare opportunity to own property in one of Nairobi’s fastest developing neighbourhoods.

Making Concrete better When it comes ing industrial floor better, knows it better COSAN® a Danish

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How technology is transforming construction industry in India www.cceonlinenews.com

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Construction activity in Sub Saharan Africa set to grow

ace’s latest cost update for SubSaharan Africa reports that construction activity in the region will grow at an average rate of 7% over the next two years. According to the report, economic growth is set to continue and likely to support construction activity. However, the increasing domestic political uncertainty and government debt could cause headwinds for public sector investment in major infrastructure projects across Sub-Saharan nations. As a result, construction companies should be engaged early in the development process, to plan ahead and deliver successful project outcomes. South Africa faces weak private sector demand and rising construction costs. Construction output is forecast to grow by 0.9% in 2019, with the pace of growth expected to accelerate to 1.6% in 2020. Construction activity in Ethiopia and Ghana should benefit in the next two years from commitments to strategic infrastructure delivery. On the other hand, while Tanzania is projected to top the growth league table over the next few years as transport and power projects progress, political uncertainty could constrain the near-term outlook. “The central outlook for construction activity across SSA is cautiously positive but the overall conceals wide variation between nations,” said

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Kelvin Byres, Director for South and West Africa at Mace But Mr Byres also acknowledged that South Africa continues to face significant headwinds while the outlook for East and West Africa is brighter. In busier markets like Ethiopia, Rwanda and Ghana, there are big opportunities available for those willing to take risks, he observed. “Developers should ensure that they are tailoring their procurement strategy to reflect localised capacity constraints.” He concluded, “Earlier contractor engagement will also be key in delivering the best project outcomes.” UK Export Finance (UKEF) has provided financing worth £620m to support UK exports to Ghana, Zambia, Gabon and Uganda. Support provided by UKEF has unlocked overseas contracts for UK exporters to provide goods and services for six national infrastructure projects across Africa, bringing significant social and economic benefits to the continent. Speaking at the UK-Africa investment summit today, international trade secretary, Liz Truss said: “Africa is home to eight of the 15 fastest growing economies in the world and its economic prosperity matters to the UK. We want the UK to be the partner of choice in Africa so I am delighted that, with UKEF’s support, British expertise will form a key component of these infrastructure projects that will directly improve millions of lives. “We are committed to strengthening our trading relationships in the region, to help deliver jobs and long-term, sustainable economic growth that will benefit African and British businesses alike.”

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Kenya’s Simba cement opens Sh6.8 billion plant

Already Simba Cement factory located in Salgaa area is selling cement at Ksh.530 in Nakuru and its environs down from Ksh.750.w

enya’s Devki Group has opened a huge cement manufacturing plant in Nakuru a move that its chairman Narendra Raval says will not only boost cement production in the area but also offer employment. Mr Raval says that already Simba Cement factory located in Salgaa area is selling cement at Ksh.530 in Nakuru and its environs down from Ksh.750. The Ksh5.8 billion plant is still being expanded and will create a total of 1000 direct jobs by June this year. “This cement factory has an installed processing capacity of 750,000 metric tonnes annually. Plans are underway to double the installed capacity going forward,” said Mr Raval. Speaking after presiding over the opening of the cement plant, president Uhuru Kenyatta urged urged companies involved in the construction industry to leverage on the low cement prices offered by the processor to expand their enterprises and assured that the Government is keen on attracting more factories to the region. He said the Government will continue to support investments that utilise local resources to create wealth and employment opportunities for Kenyans across the country.

Devki Group has been on an aggressive expansion drive over the last two years. In February last year, his National Cement launched a $280 million cement clinker plant located in Merrueshi/Mbirikani in Kajiado County, 80 km south of Nairobi.

“My administration will support value addition, extraction industries and manufacturing and we will continue supporting investments targeting the economic base of each county,” the President assured. The Head of State said the Government will keep investing in capacity building for local industries to enable them get a share of the ever expanding international market for Kenyan products. Devki Group has been on an aggressive expansion drive over the last two years. In February last year, his National Cement launched a $280 million cement clinker plant located in Merrueshi/Mbirikani in Kajiado County, 80 km south of Nairobi. Earlier this year he acquired the Kenyan assets of bankrupt Cement manufacturer Athi River Mining for $50 million, apart from Nakuru cement plant the company is currently constructing two new cement factories in Njoro and Mariakani in Mombasa.

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Meru County begins work on huge hybrid renewable energy project

ty this week to check on the construction of a 120m wind monitoring mast, which will collect wind speeds and weather data, and to visit Laciathuriu Day Secondary School where the project has sponsored a school fence. Mr David Mbatia, the Deputy Principle was in attendance to greet the guests that included Mr Jeremiah Lenya (CECM Lands, Physical Planning, Urban Development and Public Works), Mrs Felicity Biriri (Chairperson of MCIDC), Mr Stanlaus Apwokha (Deputy County Commissioner, Tigania West Sub County) and Chiefs from the project area. He expressed his gratitude for the project’s investment in improving the school facilities. Meru County’s commitment to the exciting and innovative Meru County Energy Park project was once again confirmed by the Honourable Governor and Deputy Governor when they hosted the delegation of project partners from around the world, in the Governor’s office in Meru.

eru County has welcomed its partners to the site of the Meru County Energy Park in Tigania West Constituency, Athwana ward, for site inspections, stakeholder engagement and project advancement activities. The Meru County Investment and Development Corporation (MCIDC) is developing Africa’s first hybrid renewable energy facility in partnership with Windlab East Africa. The hybrid renewable energy facility will combine complementary wind and solar generation with battery storage. The 80MW project is co-owned by MCIDC and Windlab. “Meru County is blessed with excellent energy resources including both wind and solar. We are bringing our international experience of developing and implementing hybrid renewable energy facilities from Australia to Meru County, Kenya” said Windlab’s global CEO Mr Roger Price. Douglas Kaume, a local engineer born and raised in Meru County who works at Windlab as a project developer, highlighted how important this project is for Athwana ward and beyond, stating “we are already seeing the benefit of Meru County’s partnership with Windlab on this project. I am proud to be an employee of Windlab and to see community investments and benefits already starting in the area even ahead of project construction which will commence in 2021”. Windlab representatives have been in Meru Coun8

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Tanzania mulls new Airport in Dodoma to meet expected demand

Deputy minister for Works Elias Kwandikwa speaks with residents living around the new Msalato International Airport project in Dodoma. The government plans to compensate people whose property, including land, will be affected by the project. PHOTO|CORRESPONDENT

anzania is constructing a high capacity airport in the new administrative capital Dodoma to meet and accommodate the anticipated growth in air transport in the city The new site will be built within the district of Msalato, 12km from the capital. Msalato International Airport will feature a passenger terminal, a runway and the installation of air navigation equipment. A fuel distribution company, water supply systems, electrical power distribution substations and a fire-fighting service are among other features of the mega project. Expected annual capacity for the new Msalato International Airport is approximately 50,000 aircraft and one million passengers, most of which are predicted to be international. The airport will benefit over 200 million passengers in East Africa, as well as international trade networks – particularly business travellers and tourists. Construction of Msalato International Airport is expected to take four years to complete.

together with the ongoing high-speed railway construction on the central corridor, are necessary infrastructure investments to help unlock and disperse spatial development in the countryside,”said Amadou Oumarou Director of Infrastructure and Urban Development Department at AfDB. “This will strengthen the city’s potential as a strategic growth pole in keeping with Tanzania’s national development aspirations of fostering shared growth for all the regions.”

Already the African Development Bank‘s Board of Directors has approved a $272.12 million loan to Tanzania which will be used in the construction of the new international airport. “An expanded air transport network in Dodoma, www.cceonlinenews.com

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Agency roots for more investment in renewable energy

he share of renewable energy in global power should more than double by 2030 to advance the global energy transformation, achieve sustainable development goals and a pathway to climate safety, an Agency that promotes clean energy has advised. Abu Dhabi-based International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) says that ideally renewable electricity should supply 57 per cent of global power by the end of the decade, up from 26 per cent today. A new booklet 10 Years: Progress to Action, published for the 10th annual Assembly of IRENA, charts recent global advances and outlines the measures still needed to scale up renewables. The Agency’s data shows that annual renewable energy investment needs to double from around USD 330 billion today, to close to USD 750 billion to deploy renewable energy at the speed required. Much of the needed investment can be met by redirecting planned fossil fuel investment. Close to USD 10 trillion of non-renewables related energy investments are planned to 2030, risking stranded assets and increasing the likelihood of exceeding the world’s 1.5 degree carbon budget this decade. “We have entered the decade of renewable energy action, a period in which the energy system will transform at unparalleled speed,” said IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera. “To ensure this happens, we must urgently address the need for stronger enabling policies and a significant increase in investment over the next 10 years. Renewables hold the key to sustainable development and should be central to

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energy and economic planning all over the world.” “Renewable energy solutions are affordable, readily available and deployable at scale,” continued Mr. La Camera. “To advance a low-carbon future, IRENA will further promote knowledge exchange, strengthen partnerships and work with all stakeholders, from private sector leaders to policy makers, to catalyse action on the ground. We know it is possible,” he concluded, “but we must all move faster.” Additional investments bring significant external cost savings, including minimising significant losses caused by climate change as a result of inaction. Savings could amount to between USD 1.6 trillion and USD 3.7 trillion annually by 2030, three to seven times higher than investment costs for the energy transformation. Falling technology costs continue to strengthen the case for renewable energy. IRENA points out that solar PV costs have fallen by almost 90 per cent over the last 10 years and onshore wind turbine prices have fallen by up half in that period. By the end of this decade, solar PV and wind costs may consistently outcompete traditional energy. The two technologies could cover over a third of global power needs. Renewables can become a vital tool in closing the energy access gap, a key sustainable development goal. Off-grid renewables have emerged as a key solution to expand energy access and now deliver access to around 150 million people. IRENA data shows that 60 per cent of new electricity access can be met by renewables in the next decade with stand-alone and mini-grid systems providing the means for almost half of new access.

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Cheap cement influx hurting south Africa manufacturers SOUTH African cement manufacturers are being undermined by cheap imports from countries such as China, Vietnam and Pakistan, an industry official said yesterday.

he government’s failure to stem the influx of these products could have a detrimental impact on an already struggling industry, Databuild’s chief executive officer, Morag Evans, said in a statement. Databuild is a knowledge hub for the construction and related industries and a key source of intelligence required by the sector. “In an industry already in the grips of a severe downturn owing to the decline in infrastructure development, not only are these imports negatively impacting the competitiveness of our local manufacturers, but independent studies have shown the quality of these international products to be inferior,” Evans said. A recent investigation conducted by PPC Cement revealed extensive contravention of cement quality regulations, with the majority of 14 products tested from 10 different producers being either over or underweight and of inconsistent quality. “Allowing substandard products to be released into the market is unacceptable, as the long-term health, safety and environmental implications could be severe, to say the least,” said Evans. “Consequently, the government should urgently consider imposing stricter cement standards, while cement producers need to continue educating users on the importance of using cement that has been certified as compliant with technical regulations.” She said the Concrete Institute’s petition to the government to impose a 45% import tariff on cement imports could go a long way towards protecting local manufacturers from cheap imports. Furthermore, she noted that imports from Pakistan had declined in 2016

following the implementation of between 17% and 70% import duties. “South Africa has numerous cement-producing plants which are more than capable of keeping up with local demand,” said Evans. However, she noted that with 158 of the world’s 195 countries producing cement, it could prove challenging to protect local manufacturers. NAMIBIA Namibia’s cement industry is also close to coming under the control of one group of companies. The Namibian reported yesterday that West China Cement Limited – a holding company that owns Namibia’s second plant, Cheetah Cement – is on the verge of acquiring the country’s biggest cement manufacturer, Ohorongo Cement. Cheetah Cement has been accused of importing clinker and then refining and packaging it in Namibia, leading to low production cost. Clinker is one of the main ingredients in cement manufacturing. By this, Cheetah allegedly bypassed the value addition chain requirement, which stipulates that a company that sets up a cement plant in the country must set up a full production chain of manufacturing cement to add value and protect domestic capacity. This requirement was put in place because Namibia has abundant limestone, which is needed in the production of cement clinker and it does not make sense that a finished product has to be imported from China. Approached for comment, Ohorongo Cement’s managing director, Hans-Wilhelm Schütte earlier said he did not like to talk about competitors, but lamented that what was happening in the cement industry in Namibia was not good. Nevertheless, he said it was very important for companies in the industry to follow the objective of the ‘Growth at Home’ strategy to create value. “We have our own people producing [cement]. By importing, we don’t achieve the objective. We have a huge challenge and it’s not good,” he said, adding that Namibia seems to be going in the same direction as South Africa in terms of over-supply of cement. www.cceonlinenews.com

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eep disparities define today’s energy world. The dissonance between well-supplied oil markets and growing geopolitical tensions and uncertainties. The gap between the ever-higher amounts of greenhouse gas emissions being produced and the insufficiency of stated policies to curb those emissions in line with international climate targets. The gap between the promise of energy for all and the lack of electricity access for 850 million people around the world. The World Energy Outlook 2019, the International Energy Agency’s flagship publication, explores these widening fractures in detail. It explains the impact of today’s decisions on tomorrow’s energy systems, and describes a pathway that enables the world to meet climate, energy access and air quality goals while maintaining a strong focus on the reliability and affordability of energy for a growing global population. As ever, decisions made by governments remain critical for the future of the energy system. This is evident in the divergences between WEO scenarios that map out different routes the world could follow over the coming decades, depending on the policies, investments, technologies and other choices that decision makers pursue today. Together, these scenarios seek to address a fundamental issue – how to get from where we are now to where we want to go. The path the world is on right now is shown by the Current Policies Scenario, which provides a baseline picture of how global energy systems would evolve if governments make no changes to their existing policies. In this scenario, energy demand rises by 1.3% a year to 2040, resulting in strains across all aspects of energy markets and a continued strong upward march in energyrelated emissions. The Stated Policies Scenario, formerly known as the New Policies Scenario, incorporates today’s policy intentions and targets in addition to existing measures. The aim is to hold up a mirror to today’s plans and illustrate their consequences. The future outlined in this scenario is still well off track from the aim of a secure and sustainable energy future. It describes a world in 2040 where hundreds of millions of people still go without access to electricity, where pollution-related premature deaths remain around today’s elevated levels, and where CO2 emissions would lock in severe impacts from climate change. The Sustainable Development Scenario indicates what needs to be done differently to fully achieve climate and other energy goals that policy makers around the world have set themselves. Achieving this scenario – a path fully aligned with the Paris Agreement aim of holding the rise in global temperatures to well below 2°C and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C – requires rapid and widespread changes across all parts of the energy system. Sharp emission cuts are achieved thanks to multiple fuels and technologies providing efficient and cost-effective energy services for all. “What comes through with crystal clarity in this year’s World Energy Outlook is there is no single or simple solution to transforming global energy systems,” said Dr Fatih Birol, the IEA’s Executive Director. “Many technologies and fuels have a part to play across all sectors of the economy. For this to happen, we need strong leadership from policy makers, as governments hold the clearest responsibility to act and have the greatest scope to shape the future.” In the Stated Policies Scenario, energy demand increases by 1% per year to 2040. Low-carbon sources, led by solar PV, supply more than half of this growth, and natural gas accounts for another third. 12

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Deep disparities global energy sys

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ties in the y system

Oil demand flattens out in the 2030s, and coal use edges lower. Some parts of the energy sector, led by electricity, undergo rapid transformations. Some countries, notably those with “net zero” aspirations, go far in reshaping all aspects of their supply and consumption. However, the momentum behind clean energy is insufficient to offset the effects of an expanding global economy and growing population. The rise in emissions slows but does not peak before 2040. Shale output from the United States is set to stay higher for longer than previously projected, reshaping global markets, trade flows and security. In the Stated Policies Scenario, annual US production growth slows from the breakneck pace seen in recent years, but the United States still accounts for 85% of the increase in global oil production to 2030, and for 30% of the increase in gas. By 2025, total US shale output (oil and gas) overtakes total oil and gas production from Russia. “The shale revolution highlights that rapid change in the energy system is possible when an initial push to develop new technologies is complemented by strong market incentives and large-scale investment,” said Dr Birol. “The effects have been striking, with US shale now acting as a strong counterweight to efforts to manage oil markets.” The higher US output pushes down the share of OPEC members and Russia in total oil production, which drops to 47% in 2030, from 55% in the mid-2000s. But whichever pathway the energy system follows, the world is set to rely heavily on oil supply from the Middle East for years to come. Alongside the immense task of putting emissions on a sustainable trajectory, energy security remains paramount for governments around the globe. Traditional risks have not gone away, and new hazards such as cybersecurity and extreme weather require constant vigilance. Meanwhile, the continued transformation of the electricity sector requires policy makers to move fast to keep pace with technological change and the rising need for the flexible operation of power systems. “The world urgently needs to put a laser-like focus on bringing down global emissions. This calls for a grand coalition encompassing governments, investors, companies and everyone else who is committed to tackling climate change,” said Dr Birol. “Our Sustainable Development Scenario is tailor-made to help guide the members of such a coalition in their efforts to address the massive climate challenge that faces us all.” A sharp pick-up in energy efficiency improvements is the element that does the most to bring the world towards the Sustainable Development Scenario. Right now, efficiency improvements are slowing: the 1.2% rate in 2018 is around half the average seen since 2010 and remains far below the 3% rate that would be needed. Electricity is one of the few energy sources that sees rising consumption over the next two decades in the Sustainable Development Scenario. Electricity’s share of final consumption overtakes that of oil, today’s leader, by 2040. Wind and solar PV provide almost all the increase in electricity generation. Putting electricity systems on a sustainable path will require more than just adding more renewables. The world also needs to focus on the emissions that are “locked in” to existing systems. Over the past 20 years, Asia has accounted for 90% of all coal-fired capacity built worldwide, and these plants potentially have long operational lifetimes ahead of them. This year’s WEO considers three options to bring down emissions from the existing global coal fleet: to retrofit plants with carbon capture, utilisation and storage or biomass cofiring equipment; to repurpose them to focus on providing system adequacy and flexibility; or to retire them earlier.

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For Veolia water Technologies clean water accessibility is important if Africa is to make meaningful economic and social progress.

eolia Water Technologies South Africa continues to play a major role in enhancing access to water and wastewater treatment services in Africa – in a continent that has a huge water shortage gap to bridge. With 20 years of experience behind it, Veolia has deployed best-in-breed water technology allowing it to offer customized water and wastewater treatment solutions to municipalities as well as industries. Originally formed in France in 1953, Veolia in South Africa began in 1999 as Vivendi Water Systems through the acquisition of local water treatment company Chematron with a complement of 80 people. Since then, the company has grown in leaps and bounds to become one of the most recognizable water solutions experts in sub-Saharan Africa. “In 2001, we commenced our partnership with two massive municipal water treatment works namely: The Durban Water Recycling and Goreangab Water Reclamation Plant,” explains Chris Braybrooke General Manager for Marketing at Veolia Water Technologies South Africa. In 2005, Veolia merged with Weir Envig, an industrial effluent treatment specialist with operations in Africa, the Middle East and Australia, to become VWS Envig. “Weir Envig had local expertise for large design and build projects. This allowed us to reduce our reliance on our head offices in executing these large-scale projects. The merger also expanded Veolia’s footprint to include Botswana, as Weir Envig had a branch there and we did not,” Explains Mr Braybrooke At about the same time, Veolia started meeting the needs of small water treatment applications, beginning the production of packaged plants offerings. These were initially made-to-order products. Today, these solutions are off-the-shelf, standard products, and are branded Water Techno Packages. Also in 2005, Veolia acquired Aqua Services & Engineering in Namibia. Another of the firm’s landmark plants, Sasol Landlord was commissioned in 2005. In 2010, Veolia commissioned the largest water desalination plant in SA: the Veolia designed & built Mossel Bay Desalination Plant. In 2013, the firm also commissioned the ZLD crystallization plant at Ambatovy Mine in Madagascar. Consequently Veolia Water Technologies was recognized as Water Company of the Year in 2016. In 2018, Veolia commissioned its largest water treatment plant to date: the Lower Thukela Water treatment plant. The same year Veolia was awarded its largest O & M contract to date, at Overstrand Municipality. Ambitious plan Two years ago, Veolia hatched a new strategy dubbed Ambitions for Africa meant to further boost water accessibility in Africa. “The ambitious plan aims to revitalize access to 14

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Veolia Techno

20 years of emp

Originally formed in France in 1953, Veolia in South Africa began in 1999 as Vivendi Water Systems through the acquisition of local water treatment company Chematron with a complement of 80 people. water and wastewater treatment services in Africa by offering innovative water treatment technologies, products and services, “explains Mr Braybrooke. Some of the central pillars underpinning this strategy include: Water Techno Packages: There has been a shift away from supplying water and wastewater treatment through large civils-based plants towards smaller-scale, decentralized plants. Veolia is meeting this requirement with our Water Techno Packages. These plug-and-play packaged plants can be rapidly supplied (in as little as 12 weeks), are robust, arrive Factory Acceptance tested and built according to ISO 9001 quality standards. These include potable water, sewage treatment and a 4×4 truck mounted water treatment plant that can service isolated and remote areas. Hydrex™ chemicals: in 1999 we produced +/- 80 tpm

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lia Water hnologies

f empowering Africa

of chemicals. Today this figure is 350 tpm. In 2018, Veolia’s new state of the art Hydrex™ chemical manufacturing facility came online. Designed to be the central production facility for the entire continent of Africa (and beyond), this facility has a production capacity of 1 500 tpm. Already, the company is getting orders from as far afield as Morocco and Qatar. This year, Veolia introduced AQUAVISTA™ to the market. This is a software layer that can be installed in new or existing WTPs for greater monitoring, management and optimization. “Across the course of our history has been our successful ability to define and redefine our technologies and solutions to market in ways that meet the needs of municipal and industrial companies in the most costeffective, reliable and environmentally sustainable way,” adds Braybrooke.

The ambitious plan aims to revitalize access to water and wastewater treatment services in Africa by offering innovative water treatment technologies, products and services, “explains Mr Braybrooke.

Veolia’s 350-propritary water treatment technologies continue to leverage technology to treat even the most polluted of waters to a potable standard. “For fresh water treatment we supply all the technologies from our Water Techno Packages to efficiently, reliably and safely treat borehole, river, dam, lakes, and even seawater to potable standards.” Veolia is also working with companies such as Distell, dairies, etc. to treat and reuse their wastewater for internal use. If the wastewater is high in Chemical Oxygen Demand(COD), then this opens up the possibility to harvest biogas that can provide boiler fuel, etc. Act Now As Mr Braybrooke puts it, such initiatives when used in a massive scale can help tackle water shortage in Africa. “We need to act now to ensure that we are not reacting to a more serious problem in the future. We see the circular economy, where we can continuously reuse our waste resources – whether this is wastewater or recycling of plastics as a major step forward.”

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“Veolia’s water reuse and water recycling services have been proven across industries and at commercial scale. We need to do more of this. We need to overcome the stigma associated to recycled water.” Water treated by a trickling filter sewage plant, for instance, can be used for irrigation, greening and agriculture. No polluting fresh water sources. Even solid waste such as plastics can be recycled, and that will reduce the amount of land based pollution that enters our oceans. African governments can help boost water recycling and waste treatment by adopting publicprivate partnerships that will help it further its water resources. An example is the Durban Water Recycling Plant. By recycling 47.5 ML/day of municipal and industrial wastewater, which is supplied as a much cheaper process water for industrial users such as Mondi and Sapref, the City of Durban is able to free up this volume of potable water from its water supply, and so expand the penetration and access of its bulk water infrastructure, delivering water services to more people. Looking forward, Veolia will continue to be guided by its Ambitions for Africa strategy to increase access to water and wastewater services across the continent. “We will continue to grow partnerships. We will continue to innovate and package our technologies according to the exact requirements of our customers,” shares Mr Braybrooke. With a full service offering that includes packaged plants, chemicals, tailored operations and maintenance contracts and the supply of spares and services, the company will continue to focus on efficiency, reliability and cost-effectiveness of our solutions to ensure we can meet Africa’s require-

ments for water and wastewater. “Veolia is committed to developing our regional anchorage through the implementation of local win-win partnerships. Veolia is thus developing projects with local partners who bring the invaluable knowledge and expertise that enable the company to adapt its offering and properly respond to the challenges of each country in Africa. Attesting to this strategy, South African EC&I company Ceracure is now a stakeholder in Veolia Water Technologies’ South-African subsidiary.”

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FEATURE

Hard times for Southern Africa Construction industry

he total number of projects in Southern Africa declined by 10.7%in 2019, down from 103 in 2018. In value terms, construction projects declined by 5.7% between 2018 and 2019, from US$125.4bn to US$118.2bn. The decline in both total value and number of projects stemmed from the completion of projects in the past year such as the Kaombo South oil project in Angola, which was the largest project in 2018. The region registered 92 projects in total, with a total value of US$118.3bn. The region accounts for 20.4% of projects across Africa, and 23.8% of the value. South Africa continues to account for the largest share of projects in Southern Africa. The country recorded 37 projects (40.2%) of all 92 projects in the region, while Angola and Mozambique both have 9 projects (9.8%). Energy & Power projects are a crucial part of regional infrastructure plans, with many countries in the region having to endure challenges such as insufficient energy supply and limited energy access. With 42% (US$50bn) of total project value in the region stemming from Energy & Power projects, this sector has the largest regional share by value. While this is testament to regional economies acknowledging their lack of energy infrastructure and the impact it will have on their industrial strategies and economic diversification, the sizable contribution stems from power projects such as Kusile and Medupi power stations in South Africa that are continuously over time and out of budget. Considering the upcoming restoration of South Africa-based Koeberg power station – Africa’s only nuclear power station – this sector could see more funds allocated in the near future.

The Real Estate sector is the second largest sector in terms of value, accounting for 16% (US$19bn) of project value. The sector is mainly dominated by commercial construction projects, such as the Waterfall City development in South Africa – one of the largest projects in Southern Africa in value. While Governments funded the most projects in 2018, China this year is ahead of Government funding at 28.3%, with Governmentfunded projects dropping to only 27.2%. China funds some of the largest projects such as the New Luanda International Airport (US$6.4bn) and the Caculo Cabaca Hydropower Project (US$4.5bn). he construction of infrastructure projects is dominated by Private Domestic companies (33.7%), followed by China and South Africa (30.4% and 15.2%, respectively). Southern Africa’s top 10 projects account for 64% of the total value of projects in the region, a significant portion of the overall projects value. New projects in the top 10 in 2019 include Steyn City Development, Karo mine in Zimbabwe and the SADC Gateway Port of Walvis Bay in Namibia. Several Southern African countries have endured infrastructure challenges, ranging from poor transport infrastructure to insufficient energy supply. In line with the region’s infrastructure plans, Southern Africa continues to prioritise the Transport and Energy & Power sectors. This is seen through the North-South Corridor (NSC) Road/ Rail project, which aims to boost regional integration and increase intra-African trade;39 and the NorthSouth power transmission corridor. One of the projects under the NSC corridor is the Beitbridge Border Post Upgrade project in Zimbabwe. The Transport sector saw a significant decline (27.3%) in projects between 2018 and 2019. Even so, road network improvements made a significant contribution, with the Transport sector recording the most projects in the region (26.1% of projects). Real Estate accounts for the second highest share of projects (21.7%). The Mining and Energy & Power sectors follow with 13% and 12%, respectively. Shipping & Port projects saw the largest increase, with the number of projects increasing from two to nine projects in countries such as Angola, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa between 2018 and 2019. These port projects are expected to improve regional capacity and provide developed port access to neighbouring countries. Government dominance Governments own two in every three projects in the region, down from 70% in 2018. The drop in government share was mainly due to completed projects in the past year and increased ownership by other countries. Both Private Domestic companies and African Countries own 10.9% of all projects, respectively, while Single Countries collectively own 9.8% of projects. The construction of infrastructure projects is dominated by Private Domestic companies (33.7%), followed by China and South Africa (30.4% and 15.2%, respectively). Southern Africa’s top 10 projects account for 64% of the total value of projects in the region, a significant portion of the overall projects value. New projects in the top 10 in 2019 include Steyn City Development, Karo mine in Zimbabwe and the SADC Gateway Port of Walvis Bay in Namibia. www.cceonlinenews.com

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FEATURE

The Enkang Set on Ngong Road, Enkang Apartments present a rare opportunity to own property in one of Nairobi’s fastest developing neighbourhoods.

et on Ngong Road, Enkang Apartments present a rare opportunity to own property in one of Nairobi’s fastest developing neighbourhoods. The project captures stunning views of the City and Ngong hills, offering a variety of Studio apartments with luxurious amenities. It incorporates refreshingly new building and construction technologies, giving clients the best home that suits them. “Just minutes away from Nairobi’s CBD and Karen, Enkang lies on a 4.5 acre piece of land along Ngong road. We have a clear view of the Ngong Hills and the Ngong forest. Its lush green vegetation is a sight every nature lover would enjoy waking up to every morning,” says developers. Each unit has been carefully planned to suit client taste. Elaborate consideration has been put in selecting the very best finishes to give buyers a home that is elegant, stylish and with a contemporary look. In total, there are 360 units which include 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units as well as studio apartments. The 1 B and studio apartments are tailored for the young professional while the 2 and 3 Bedroom units are perfect for growing families. Recognizing the need for space, Enkang units have been designed such that there is maximum open-plan space. This allows free movement and to cus18

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tomize your interiors. The studios are 31square meters while the 1B, 2B and 3B measure 50, 85 and 110 square meters respectively. Each block features an open roof terrace where residents may congregate for parties of get-togethers. Each unit has a kitchen yard and a balcony. There is a high window to wall ratio. There is also a commercial center which will feature a spa and salon, restaurants, a mini- mart, gym and clinic. There is a jogging track around the complex and ample children’s play area. The entire development will enjoy solar water heating and a pressurized water system. A borehole is on site to ensure that water is available throughout the development. The developer has also provided a back-up generator to run essential services whenever there is outage from the utility provider. View of Nairobi Clients also get an opportunity to view Nairobi City from the rooftop terraces. It is interesting to watch as the city is immersed in night light or under the light of our moon and stars on a clear night. The view as it is bathed in the rising sun will warm, if not melt your heart. Social amenities In the vicinity are reputable schools such as Riara, Makina, Cavina, Hillcrest, Rose of Sharon, St. Christioper

Construction & Civil Engineering Journal /March 2020 issue

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FEATURE

tion Mall, Crossroads, The Hub, Karen and Prestige. The ongoing road infrastructure development turning Ngong Road into a dual-carriageway makes commuting to and from CBD smooth with minimal traffic ensuring you get to work in time. In addition, this is one of the fastest growing residences in Nairobi which gives you the unique opportunity to take part in and even benefit from this boom as an investor. Careful consideration has been given to finishes throughout the apartment to ensure that the overall character and appearance is befitting these luxurious apartments. Safety has been given top priority at Enkang. The project provides top security systems from top organizations to offer top notch safety to residents. The systems features access control systems which will ensure that only authorized persons are allowed in. Further, you can personally control access for your visitors. In addition, there will be smart CCTV cameras strategically placed on the perimeter as well as on designated spots within the premises. They will allow you to keep an eye on the kids when they are outside while you are in the house. To complement the technology, there will be a reputable and discreet security firm manning the premise around the clock. Great consideration has also been put to ensure that the stringent security systems donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t interfere with your privacy. We want you to feel safe, not stalked. Important Amenities at a glance Borehole Wi-Fi Power Generator Code Access Security System at Main Entrance Card Access to the Lifts Lobbies Sufficient Parking Park Benches With Canopies CCTV Estimated to cost at least Ksh1.2 billion (approximately US120 million), the development is being undertaken in two phases. Completion has been set for May 2020.

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www.cceonlinenews.com

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FEATURE

Questworks Wins Best Construction Sector ward

Started 8 years ago, Questworks is now home to over 100 engineers, architects, risk analysts and construction technicians.

uestworks Limited has been ranked the best construction company in the Top 100 SME Awards 2019, at position 10 overall, and the only company in the sector to make it to top 10 this year. Questworks is an Engineering – Procurement – Construction company ranked Category 1 by the National Construction Authority (NCA), delivering both construction and solar projects in East Africa. Speaking after the award ceremony, Dr. Raul Figueroa, Chief Executive Officer, Questworks

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Limited said,” This award confirms the potential of young indigenous construction companies to excel and we look forward to combining our competence in student housing, construction, solar to deliver globally recognized green projects in Africa in the next 5 years. We are committed to continue to increase the safety and reliability the buildings in Kenya and the Region” Started 8 years ago, Questworks is now home to over 100 engineers, architects, risk analysts and construction technicians. The company’s projects have won prestigious awards such as the Presidential Green Building Award – 2012, Private Sector Renewable Energy Award – 2015, Most Improved in Green Banding Award – 2018, Special Projects Delivery Award – 2018, SMOYA Corporate Citizenship & Environmental Focus Award – 2018 and Contractor of the Year Award in 2018 by the Construction Industry Awards.

Construction & Civil Engineering Journal /March 2020 issue

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FEATURE

Questworks construction portfolio includes; Vivo Energy, Strathmore University Law School, Total Kenya, Nairobi West Hospital new wing, Avana Apartments in Riara Road, PACIS Centre Waiyaki Way, Sasini Group headquarters in Westlands, Eastlands College, parallel four hostels in Madaraka and Alkira Residences in Kileleshwa. Questworks has delivered first of their kind solar projects in East Africa including the 600 KW Solar project in Strathmore University and the largest public sector Rooftop PV Solar Design & Installation at Kenya School of Monetary Studies. Questworks construction portfolio includes; Vivo Energy, Strathmore University Law School, Total Kenya, Nairobi West Hospital new wing, Avana Apartments in Riara Road, PACIS Centre Waiyaki Way, Sasini Group headquarters in Westlands, Eastlands College, parallel four hostels in Madaraka and Alkira Residences in Kileleshwa. Questworks is further committed to development of technical skills in Kenya sector through their TEF Club, an earn as you learn program that gives architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, project managers, computer scientists, risk & financial analysts, logistics specialists, artisans, and other exceptional graduates an opportunity to receive a 4-month onthe-job training and subsequently opportunities to do business with the company. Questworks is on course to develop 200 microentrepreneurs (artisans, solar technicians, subcontractors) across their various solar and construction projects in Kenya in 2020 as well us support buildings and reliability in the wake of building collapses. The construction company is a spin-off from Strathmore University. The founding team, who were then the University’s Estates Department’s employees, had just successfully completed the 233,577 Square feet Strathmore University Phase III expansion project. In a bid to retain all the exceptional technicians the project had nurtured, the directors of Questworks, under the leadership of Dr. Raúl Figueroa, resolved to set up a fitout and project management company. At the time, the company’s objective was to keep these technicians employed as well as create an opportunity for them to grow their talents. After doing a few office fitout and project management jobs, the company started to morph, introducing engineering services, and later on architectural services, quantity surveying, procurement and renewable energy. Five years later, Questworks has 111 employees & is a fully fledged design-build company developing high impact projects in the education, middleincome real estate, and light industry sectors. The Company’s projects have won prestigious awards such as the Presidential Green Building Award in 2012 and the Private Sector Renewable Energy Award in 2015. Questworks serves key players such as Vivo Energy, Nairobi West Hospital, Dyer & Blair Investment Bank and Strathmore University. In 2014, the company completed Nairobi’s first C&I solar installation in 2014, the 600kW hybrid system at Strathmore University, which was also Kenya’s first solar project to sign a power purchase agreement.In 2018, the company received US $1.2m from clean energy oriented firm Sunfinder to boost its commercial and industrial (C&I) solar

We congratulate Questworks Ltd for being ranked the best Construction Company in the Top 100 SME Awards 2019.

projects. “The economics of solar now offer compelling business cases for grid-tied as well as off-grid C&I solar installations. By adding solar to offset grid power and backup diesel generation, C&I end users – such as universities, offices and hospitals – can cut costs, contribute to a greener economy and improve the reliability of their energy supply,” says Dr. Figueroa. “We are a a real estate consultancy and integrated project delivery (IPD) firm that provide solutions to companies and individuals who want to undertake significant construction projects, and that is why we stand out,” adds Dr. Figueroa. In addition to pioneering the IPD approach to construction in the region Questworks have developed the expertise that allows them to walk with their clients from concept design through to project completion enabling them to take full responsibility for the quality and cost of their client’s projects. Thus the company has incorporated Questworks Architecture, Questworks Building Economics, Isource, Renewable Energy Solutions and Beavers PDG subsidiaries

www.cceonlinenews.com

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COVER STORY

BRIEFS

Chinese contractors dominate West Africa transport sector

hinese contractors are the most visible in the West African region with 30.7% of projects, followed by Private Domestic companies (16.0%), The Africa Construction Trends Report (2019) by Consultancy firm Deloitte has shown. Similar to Chinese funders, Chinese contractors are heavily concentrated in the Transport sector.West Africa’s 10 largest projects account for 72.8% of the region’s total project value, with six of the 10 projects falling into the Transport and Shipping & Ports sectors. West Africa has 75 projects currently underway, with a total US dollar value of US$80.9bn. The region accounts for 16.6% of all projects in Africa and 16.3% of the continent’s total project dollar value. The number of projects in West Africa decreased by 28.6% from last year, while the value decreased by 2.4%. A number of small scale transportation projects were completed in the region, while at the same time large scale projects such as Nigeria’s US$18.0bn Centenary City were added. Nigeria holds the largest number of projects in West Africa with 21 projects (28%), valued at US$54.2bn (67.1% in US dollar value terms). Ghana follows Nigeria with 16 projects, valued at close to US$14bn. These two countries combined account for 49.3% of all projects in West Africa and 84.4% of the region’s total project value. West Africa’s 10 largest projects account for 72.8% of the region’s total project value, with six of the 10 projects falling into the Transport and Shipping & Ports sectors. Nigeria’s Century City – a real estate development – is the region’s largest project by value at US$18bn, fol22

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lowed by Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery at US$12bn. Six of the top 10 projects in West Africa are in Nigeria. With a total of 33 projects, the Transport sector continues to have the largest number of projects in West Africa, representing 44% of total projects in the region. Projects in the Transport sector have a combined value of US$12.6bn (15.2% of the region’s total project value). The Energy & Power sector follows, accounting for 20% of all projects in West Africa, and 18% in value terms. Despite the Real Estate sector accounting for only 16% of the number of projects in West Africa, large-scale industrial construction projects continue to keep the sector the most valuable in US dollar terms (27.6% of the region’s total project value). The majority of projects in the region are funded by governments (28.0%), followed by China (25.3%). Private Domestic and international funding follow with considerably lower representation at 9.3% and 8.0% respectively. Meanwhile Tanzania is now at per with Kenya in terms of infrastructure projects, both recording 51 projects in 2019, a new report has revealed. The Africa Construction Trends Report (2019) by Consultancy firm Deloitte released in January, shows that both Kenya and Tanzania recorded g 51 projects in 2019. Tanzania’s total share of projects by value is 41.2% (US$60.3bn), making it the largest contributor towards East Africa’s total project value. Although Kenya has one of the most valuable infrastructure projects in the pipeline, the country accounts for only 24.6% (US$36bn) of the region’s total project value.

Construction & Civil Engineering Journal /March 220 issue

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COVER STORY

South Africa industry leaders raise concerns over increased levies on plastic bags

outh Africans breathed a collective sigh of relief last week when Finance Minister Tito Mboweni announced that the tax threshold of income earners has been lowered and when nothing came of the dreaded VAT increase during the 2020 Budget Speech. Whilst it was good news for consumers, the Minister made it clear that certain other taxes and levies would need to be raised in order to bolster the State’s coffers. To this end, he announced an increase in the plastic bag levy from 12c to 25c at the beginning of April 2020. Moreover, the Budget Review revealed that National Treasury will also be consulting on extending the current levy on plastic bags to all single-use plastics used for retail consumption, including plastic straws, utensils and packaging in 2021. An assessment of the current levy, including a clarification of the tax treatment of compostable bags, will be undertaken. According to Plastics SA Executive Director Anton Hanekom, Minister Mboweni’s announcement of the increased plastic bag levy was clearly framed within the context of the green economy and conveyed the impression that the funds raised will be used to mitigate climate change. “If the expected R250 million generated from raised levies is used to boost recycling and grow a circular economy, we would welcome and support the Minister’s announcement. However, past experiences (such as the failed Buyisa e-Bag initiative) have shown that Government views the plastic bag levy as an easy way to raise funds to pay for other projects that have nothing to do with the environment,” Hanekom says. Plastics|SA calculates that almost R2 billion was raised through the levy on plastic carrier bags since it was first introduced in 2004. The levy was applied to the manufacturers of the plastic bags, but passed on to consumers. Bags were prescribed to have a thickness of 30 microns to aid recycling and promote reuse, in terms of an agreement that was reached between the departments of environmental

affairs, labour and businesses. “A section 21 company, Buyisa-e-Bag, was established to administer the funds by promoting waste minimisation and awareness initiatives in the plastics industry, expanding collector networks, creating jobs, as well as kick-starting rural collection by empowering Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and creating additional capacity in non-governmental organizations (NGOs). However, the project quickly failed and less than half of the money raised went towards recycling projects. The rest was channelled into the National Revenue Fund and allocated to government departments,” Hanekom explains. Despite the lack of government funding, the South African plastics recycling industry continued to record year-on-year growth. In 2018 alone 352 000 tons of plastics were recycled into raw material, achieving an impressive input recycling collection rate of 46.3 % for all plastics. It created permanent employment for 7 800 people and a further 58 500 income-generating jobs during this year. “In recent years the plastics industry has made important strides forward aimed at addressing the issue of plastic bags polluting the environment. For example, plastic bag manufacturers agreed to remove fillers in order to produce bags that are fully recyclable. In addition, recycled plastic material is now used to produce most of the carrier bags sold in South Africa today. We have created an end-market for recycled plastic products and dramatically reduced the amount of waste being sent to landfill. By ensuring that the products we create become part of a circular economy, we create a win-win situation for the environment and for the industry,” Hanekom says. “The plastics and packaging industries continue to work in close consultation with the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) and other interest groups around developing an Extended Producer Responsibility scheme. It is our sincere hope that the money raised through the new plastic bag levy will be ring-fenced for the recycling industry and that the entire process will be managed with transparency, accountability and clear communication to all the parties concerned,” Hanekom concluded. www.cceonlinenews.com

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COVER STORY

HOW FACADE DESIGN IS ADVANCING

n South Africa, facade engineers are more and more being challenged to design bespoke systems, especially in terms of shading, as architects are incorporating external shade screening into the architecture as definitive features instead of add-ons. Nothing is left as an afterthought. As such, facade design is developing fast with technologies and construction materials (old and new) demonstrating their potential as part of advanced facades around the world. Some of these, which were highlighted at the Facade Design and Engineering UAE Conference, are: 3D printing Although 3D printed materials still cost much more than regular brick and mortar, it is already having a huge impact in the fields of architecture, engineering and construction, and applications are extending further every year. Imagine the possibility to keep heritage buildings exactly as they were â&#x20AC;&#x201C; when renovating, one 24

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could just scan the interior and print a new infill. Imagine affordable housing developments being 3D printed, with potential savings in time, labour and transportation. Since the first fully 3D printed building was completed in 2015, the implications for facade design in terms of aesthetic, sustainability and cost-savings have become even more real. One example is the white facade at the entrance of the Europe Building in Amsterdam, which was 3D printed using bio-plastic made out of linseed oil. Inspired by the sailing ships that used to be built in the area, the waving facade was parametrically designed by DUS Architects, and thanks to the precision of computer design and printing, it features benches that slot in perfectly into the alcoves. The seating has a concrete finish, showing how old and new techniques can be combined. Fire-prevention technologies The fire that destroyed the upper floors of a Dubai skyscraper early in 2015 has emphasised the need for building materials, especially cladding, that are safe and adhere to the highest standards. Generally, solid walls

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COVER STORY

are a good choice to increase a building’s fire rating, but with the rising popularity of glass facades, improving the fire resistance and other protective elements of facade glass has become a much higher priority. Examples like wired glass, specially tempered glass and glass ceramics can prevent the spread of fire and smoke, but won’t stop radiant heat transfer. For fire-resistant glass that prevents the spread of fire and smoke, as well as stops radiant and conductive heat transfer, a laminated assembly is generally created, which combines layers of glass with heatresistant interlayers. To create smoke vents in an unbroken glass facade, parallel-opening vent windows can be installed and automated so that the entire casement moves sideways and outward to allow for efficient air exchange. Solar glass Everyone wants views and natural light, and now the technology of solar glass can turn glass surfaces

into unobtrusive photovoltaic solar cells that can transform solar energy into electricity. According to solar glass lead researcher at Michigan State University, Richard Lunt, it can be used on windows of buildings and even mobile devices such as phones and tablets. The main constraints so far have been commercially unviable efficiency rates and the achievement of only partial transparency. But recent prototypes have achieved complete transparency with no colouration of dispersed light. Although efficiency rates remain low between 1% and 10%, a whole building facade composed of solar glass would still make an impact, such as at the Copenhagen International School. Designed by CF Møller Architects, the school’s facade is covered in 12 000 solar panels, each individually angled. Intended to supply more than half of the school’s annual electricity use (about 300Mwh per year), the solar cells cover 6 048m², making it one of the largest buildingintegrated solar power plants in Denmark. Electrochromic glass The downside to lovely expansive views offered by glazed facades is the heat gain, which subsequently causes buildings to use lots of energy to keep cool on warm days. But what if the facade could adapt to the conditions, both inside and out? Electrochromic “switchable” glass can be dimmed to block sunlight to regulate lighting and temperature inside a building. This is achieved through applying voltage to the glass panels, which activates an ultra-thin layer of tungsten oxide nanoparticles and makes them turn blue and reduce translucence. This technology has been installed on 1 000m² of the Festo Automation Centre in Germany. The 441 sandwich panels are “switched” on and off automatically by a facility management system in response to a signal from sensors, and take about 20 to 25 minutes to change from the brightest to the darkest colour. When dimmed, only 12% of the light can get through, while the rest is reflected. In addition, the 8 500m² glass facade has been designed as an exhaust air facade where the air is continually siphoned off between the inner anti-glare shield, aluminium components and glazing, which prevents heat to transfer into the building. Traditional materials Even manufacturers of traditional facade materials and cladding are working to advance their product for better performance or integration with new technologies, as well as to ensure that manufacturing processes are sustainable and environmentally friendly. But it is not only the materials that are advancing. Processes to keep tabs on all the different requirements for performance and aesthetics are also important. 5 steps to creating a high-performance facade Engrossed in high-performance design with a mission to promote sustainable buildings, software company, Sefaira, has set out five steps that will facilitate the design of an optimised building envelope: 1. Determine the building’s energy profile Understand the building in context and take into account the impact of surrounding structures, area-specific weather and the use of the building on its performance. Run analyses on the modelled building to identify problematic energy loads and determine which issues are most important to address. For example, a high heat load would require strategies that reduce heat loss, such as air tightness or insulation. 2. Find the best glazing ratio and location Glass gives a building a modern feel and clients often want the greatest views possible, but it is imperative to specify the appropriate amount of glazing to intelligently manage solar gains. An ideal design would affect sufficient illuminance and views, low glare and low energy use. 3. Consider shading www.cceonlinenews.com

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COVER STORY

To address glare and unwanted heat gain, it is important to align the shading strategy with the architectural intent and consider the building context. Different shading devices should be investigated to determine their implications on the aesthetics. 4. Investigate materials To retain optimum daylight levels, but keep glare to a minimum and reduce energy use intensity, the right kind of materials, as well as appropriate wall thicknesses and more, need to be specified. The properties of materials that need to be tested are thermal mass, wall structure and type, U-values, glazing SHGC, insulation, ventilation strategies and more. 5. Design and repeat In taking each of these steps, some factors will prove to have a greater impact than others, differing from building to building. Continuing the design, architects should use performance feedback to inform their decisions. Testing their ideas will help them to understand the trade-offs between their design and the building’s performance. Using the combination of robust data and creativity can produce a high-performance outcome. Using algorithms in facade design As the demands on structures and the methods to design these become more complex, so does the calculations. Sushant Verma, former architect at Zaha Hadid Architects, computational designer and founding partner and research head at rat[LAB] – Research in Architecture & Technology, explains that when designing a building facade, all the parameters including environmental conditions, structural feasibility and materiality can be quantified as data, which in turn can be used in computation to deal with the complex dynamics of design. He notes that using an algorithmic method of designing a building skin or facade can help control the parameters and data embedded in design, and use this data to optimise the system for various criteria. “In facade design, an algorithmic approach is helpful to have a rational control on design fabrication data, assembly process, material usage and cost,” he states. The process of a genetic algorithm Genetic algorithms have several basic elements that follow a logical process of selection, crossover and mutation. If the end-result doesn’t fit the criteria, the algorithm loop restarts, using the new offspring as the initial population. Source: www.interactivearchitecture.org Architectural adaption Compared to other ways for optimisation, such as Hill Climbing, Simulated Annealing and Artificial Neural Network, Siyuan Jing, architectural designer and master degree student at the Interactive Architecture Lab, says he found genetic algorithms to be most suitable for architectural adaption since they could generate numerous adaptive possibilities, provide methods for kinetic architectural structures to behave efficiently and have the functions to satisfy architectural optimisation. “People may argue that the random seeking method is unconsidered, without contextual cognition. However, because of the elimination system based on the fitness criteria, not every random chromosome is able to evolve to participate in the next computing loop. Therefore, the fitness criteria is a crucial element for humans to control the computing process, in order to achieve the architectural evolution and optimisation,” Jing explains. Keep in mind However, algorithmic designs and building simulations aren’t without limitations, 26

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warns Witold Rybczynski in his article “Parametric design: What’s gotten lost amid the algorithms”. He explains that existing building simulations treat aspects such as heating, air-conditioning, ventilation and daylighting separately, rather than as integrated wholes. Also, while heat and light are relatively simple to model, something like natural ventilation involves many unpredictable, external variables and has so far resisted precise modelling. In addition, while it is simple to calculate the R-value of a wall or the reflectivity of a surface, research on modelling human behaviour is still in its infancy, but the fact is that building occupant behaviour such as opening and closing windows, raising and lowering blinds, switching lights and other electrical equipment on and off, and adjusting thermostats greatly influence the dynamic energy performance of the building. “Somewhere between the vagaries of parametricism and the analytical precision of building simulation lies the Holy Grail: Design informed by data gleaned from how buildings actually perform, and how people actually behave in them. This would require integrating building simulations, creating interaction between different domains, incorporating a myriad of variables and, above all, devising a dynamic approach that accounts for the vagaries of human behaviour, both over time and between individuals,” Rybczynski states. Full thanks and acknowledgement are given to www.facades-uae.com, www.steelconstruction.info, DUS Architects, www.cfmoller.com, www.glasstec-online.com, Sefaira, architectureupdate.in, www.interactivearchitecture.org and www.architectmagazine.com for the information given to write this article.

Construction & Civil Engineering Journal /March 220 issue

9/3/2020 11:52:04 AM

FEATURE

Boosting Africa AFC leads $63m Investment in renewable energy project in Djibouti tation agreement and with the Government of Djibouti backed by a Government Guarantee. The wind project is expected to begin commercial operations in 2021. AFC and its partners adopted an innovative financing approach, an all sponsor equity financing for this transaction, which enabled the start of construction within two years, a significant reduction from the typical 3-5 years development cycle. As part of this investment, Oliver Andrews, Chief Investment Officer, as well as Amadou Wadda Head of Project Development at AFC, will join as nominee non-executive directors to the Board of the project and the holding company, Red Sea Power SAS, and Djibouti Wind LP. Oliver Andrews, CIO of AFC, said: “This is a significant project for Djibouti as its first renewable energy project and signifies the country’s efforts to establish its own energy production from its own resources. By taking this position on the board, I am delighted to be adding my expertise to the development of the project with my colleague Amadou Wadda.” Currently Djibouti’s power sector faces significant challenges, with less than 100 MW reliably available for the population. Its electricity demand is also expected to considerably increase due to various large-scale infrastructure projects including ports, free-trade zones and railways that the Government of Djibouti has undertaken. This wind project will be a key contribution to the electricity demand as the country aims to transition towards 100%-renewable energybased electricity production by 2030. This project exemplifies AFC’s commitment to investing in early-stage projects that require de-risking in order to make them bankable and attract more investment when further developed. Another example is the 44 MW Singrobo hydroelectric power project which AFC developed through €174m investment in January 2019.

frica Finance Corporation has announced a $63m strategic investment to construct and operate a 60MW wind project in the Ghoubet area, near Lake Assal in Djibouti. AFC has made this investment as lead developer together with Great Horn Investment Holdings (GHIH) and inviting further investment from Climate Fund Managers (CFM), and FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank. The Project also has MIGA guarantee cover. AFC has led the development of the project since 2017, developing it from concept to bankability, securing a 25-year take or pay power purchase agreement with Électicité de Djibouti as the off-taker, an implemen-

These projects align with AFC’s partnership with the Green Climate Fund to further its low carbon emission investments. Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to invest and develop such a significant renewable power project in Djibouti. We have invested in many renewable projects in Africa, including the Cabeolica Wind Farm in Cape Verde, which won recognition in the International Finance Corporation Emerging Partnerships top ten privatepublic partnerships in Africa. We see renewable and green projects as a key part of our investment strategy as we look to support a sustainable future in Africa.”

www.cceonlinenews.com

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FEATURE

“In a nutshell, our work is to make concrete floor beter,” begins Kenneth Olsen founder and chief executive of Becosan. “We take a concrete floor and make it so much better turning it into a durable, low maintenance and attractive surface,” he continues. And it does not matter where you are in the world. Becosan has partnered with experienced flooring companies around the world to ensure that they are close to their customers and able to perform tasks whenever they are needed. Neither does it matter how large the floor is. The company has improved concrete floors of only a few hundred meters up to huge areas equivalent to the size of multiple football pitches. But how do they make your concrete floor better? “Three steps are involved,” explains Mr Olsen. “First we grind away the micro-roughness which is present on all floors and smooth to the required finish using a series of increasingly fine BECOSAN® diamond abrasives,” he says. The abrasives are attached to power trowels for small areas or to ride-on power trowels for large areas. The grits run from 50, used on the first pass, through to 3000 used to bring the surface up to a glass like finish. During the process BECOSAN® Densifier is applied. This chemical is sprayed onto the concrete floor to bind the free lime particles into a much more abrasion resistant surface. The final step is the application of BECOSAN® Protective Sealer. Once treated the floor, it is resistant to liquid spillage, can be brought up to a beautiful shine and is ready for whatever your business can throw at it. Becosan serves companies in the e-commerce, retail, logistics, food processing, textile, manufacturing, medical devices, pharmaceutical and precision engineering areas for whom the quality of the floor is critical. The flooring company has adopted environmentally friendly system that combines high quality polishing with state-of-the-art chemical engineering to make a concrete floor not only dust proof but also make it more resistant to abrasion, easier to clean and maintain and reduced liquid absorption. Moisture absorption in industrial floors for instance is a problem that carries with it a series of negative consequences in terms of safety within the facilities. It weakens the structural integrity of the building as well as disrupting or delaying the production of the warehouse. “Moisture problems in a floor require a high level of attention, the same as when cracks, fissures and other major damage is encountered,” cautions Mr Olsen. “To properly treat moisture problems in industrial floors, impermeability must be improved,” he advises. But What causes moisture problems in industrial floors? To begin with, moisture is a component that is present in any space with air. It occurs in the form of water vapour. Therefore, under normal conditions, every industrial building contains a minimum amount of humidity. A hygrometer can be used to determine the humidity of an industrial facility. Causes can ranhe from water leaks to Malfunctions in the ventilation system to High permeability and porosity of the floor. Moisture-saturated industrial floors gradually become weaker, as the water inside them reacts with soluble concrete compounds, reducing the hardness of their mass, causing the material to lose strength. 28

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In addition, a concrete floor with excess moisture is more likely to deteriorate due to freeze periods. When humidity reaches highest levels in a floor, it begins to be transferred into the atmosphere of the industrial building, creating an uncomfortable working environment, since it increases the thermal sensation and sweating and negatively affects production. An environment with high humidity is ideal for the growth of microorganisms. Some of those have pathogenic characteristics. Therefore, humidity problems in warehouses can have a negative impact on workers’ health. Treatments to prevent excess humidity in industrial floors “Coating is one of the treatments to prevent excess humidity in floors, depending on the substance used,” explains Mr Olsen. Polyurethane, Epoxy or Lithium treatment can be used in this process. It is crucial that when working on large surfaces, experts are involved. Concrete requires special paints that contain binders that contract and expand along with the surface. You must not use homemade oil-based or acrylic paints on concrete or you’ll simply have to paint

Construction & Civil Engineering Journal /March 2020 issue

9/3/2020 11:52:06 AM

FEATURE

industrial e floors

making industrial concrete floor better, no one an BECOSAN® a Danish company dedicated s of warehouses for both users and owners. of experience behind them and backed by a xperienced staff, Becosan is capable of doing or repairs to cracks repairs and concrete floor

it all over again, because acrylic paints will peel and crack. They won’t be able to endure the wear and tear that these concrete floors, sidewalks and concrete surfaces are exposed to. Two component epoxy floor coverings If you want an extra strong floor paint for industrial buildings, garages, workshops, go for a two-component epoxy floor paint. These paints sometimes include fragments of colourful aggregates that can be spread over wet paint and add colour and depth to the finished surface. Hardware stores usually offer kits to paint concrete flooring, which usually have enough paint to cover an area of 15 to 20 square meters. After mixing and adding the catalyst to the paint, the same way you would with resin, all of the mix should be used, because once it hardens, it can’t be spread. Let it dry for a period of 24 hours before walking on it, and three days before driving over it. Epoxy Terrazzo options As a decorative option for an interior or exterior concrete floor, an epoxy terrazzo finish creates a mosaic type floor that includes small pieces of granite or marble embedded into the epoxy coating. After the surface dries, the floor is polished by floor polisher. Terrazzo epoxy coatings have a thickness of 7 to 8 mm compared to traditional terrazzo which is 5 to 6 cm

thick. The new epoxy terrazzo also includes colour options and multiple types of aggregates such as synthetic materials, mother of pearl or recycled glass. With the artistic use of these epoxy terrazzo products we can create geometric shapes and designs, logos, artistic representations and contrasting edges. Sealing and priming in just one step It isn’t necessary to seal and prime separately when using a primer that can also seal concrete at the same time. Any cured concrete residue, oil or grease must be removed and thoroughly cleaned from the concrete surface as these can interfere with the adhesion of the primer or paint. If you only plan to add

a two-part epoxy coating, you don’t need to prime or seal the concrete; just make sure the surface is completely clean first. Coloured dyes for concrete When it comes to colouring concrete, the use of a colour dye works very well for exterior surfaces. There are water-based concrete dyes that become the permanent colour of the concrete surface, and there are also acid-based dyes that react with the surface and change its colour. Water-based concrete dyes take less steps than acid stains and generally have more colour options to choose from. To prevent the colour from fading, add a sealant to the water-based stained concrete once it has dried. Epoxy floor Epoxy floor coverings are commonly used for commercial and industrial flooring. Epoxy coatings are normally applied on concrete floors to provide a high performance and smooth finish to its surface. Many industrial centres, warehouses and commercial buildings rely on epoxy flooring to maintain clean and safe conditions for workers, equipment and stock. Alternatives to epoxy resins A polished concrete floor with BECOSAN® is the real alternative to epoxy floors. How to repair cracks in concrete Before turning directly to the crack repair methods, it is advisable to perform a diagnostic of the damage in order to determine its main cause. Once the reason for the cracking has been detected, it is repaired. The repair works consist essentially of sealing the crack. Depending on the intended use of the floor in the repaired area, either a rigid or elastic sealer will be used. “To effectively and definitively eliminate cracks in concrete floors, the BECOSAN® system is an alternative that guarantees very satisfactory results,” recommends Mr Olsen. www.cceonlinenews.com

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FEATURE

How centrifugal pumps work

entrifugal pumps are the most common type of pump used in industry, agriculture, municipal (water and wastewater plants), power generation plants, petroleum and many other indus-

tries. They are the primary pump type in the class of pumps called “kinetic” pumps and are distinctly different than “positive displacement” pumps. All centrifugal pumps include a shaft-driven impeller that rotates (usually at 1750 or 3500 RPM) inside a casing. The impeller is always submerged in water, and when the pump is operational the impeller spins rapidly. The centrifugal force applied to the water from this rotation forces the water outside of the casing, where it exits a discharge port. More liquid is introduced through a suction port, or inlet. The velocity imparted to the liquid by the impeller is converted to pressure energy or “head”. Centrifugal pumps are unique because they can provide high or very high flowrates (much higher than most positive displacement pumps) and because their flowrate varies considerably with changes in the Total Dynamic Head (TDH) of the particular piping system. This allows the flowrate to be “throttled” considerably with a simple valve placed into the discharge piping, without causing excessive pressure buildup in the piping or requiring a pressure relief valve. Therefore, centrifugal pumps can cover a very wide range of liquid pumping applications. Throttling Flowrates

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As described above, one key advantage of centrifugal pumps is the ability to “throttle” their flowrates over a wide range. Throttling centrifugal pumps with a discharge valve is not as energy-efficient as using a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) to slow the pump/motor speed down, but it is much less expensive to install. Of course, throttling a centrifugal pump’s flowrate has certain limits. They should not be throttled below the “minimum safe flowrate” indicated by the pump manufacturer for other than a minute or so; otherwise excessive recirculation can occur inside the pump casing which can cause excessive heat buildup of the liquid. In addition, too much “throttling” will cause excessive shaft deflection which will increase the wear on bearings and seals inside the pump. Therefore, the ideal flowrate for a centrifugal pump is near its “Best Efficiency Point” (BEP). The BEP can be found on many pump Head-Flowrate Curves that have Efficiency curves shown on the same drawing. The BEP for a given model, speed and impeller diameter is the point where Efficiency is highest; this maximizes energy efficiency as well as seal and bearing life inside the pump. Another important point is that running centrifugal pumps at 1750 RPM motor speeds instead of 3500 RPM motor speeds will reduce wear on seals and bearings by almost 4 times and the pump will also be less likely to cavitate when less favorable suction conditions (long suction pipes, high “lifts” from ponds or pits, low supply tank levels, or liquids with high vapor pressures such as hot water, gasoline, etc) are involved. However, centrifugal pumps running at 1750 RPM require much larger casings and impellers than those running

Construction & Civil Engineering Journal /March 2020 issue

9/3/2020 11:52:09 AM

FEATURE

at 3500 RPM and therefore, cost considerably more money. Head – Flow Curves Most centrifugal pump manufacturers publish “HeadFlow” Curves for each model, impeller diameter, and rated speed (RPM) for the centrifugal pumps they manufacture. A key point regarding these Head-Flow Curves is that all centrifugal pumps will always run along their Head-Flow Curve and the resulting flowrate will always be at the intersection of the pump’s Head-Flow Curve and the “System” Curve which is unique for each piping system, fluid and application. System curves can be developed quite easily using Hydraulic Modeling Software and compared to various pump Head-Flow Curves in order to properly select centrifugal pumps that meet each user’s unique system and flowrate requirements. Dultmeier Sales has engineers on staff with Hydraulic Modeling Software to help pump users select the correct pump(s) for their system and flowrate requirements. Please call us at 1-888-677-5054 for assistance. Another important point is that centrifugal pumps will require their maximum horsepower, for a given impeller diameter and RPM, at maximum flowrate on their Head-Flow curve. As the Head (or Discharge Pressure) a centrifugal pump is working against is increased (i.e.-throttling valve being closed, tank filling up, strainer clogging, longer or smaller diameter piping, etc), the flowrate will decrease and horsepower will also decrease. Viscosity Centrifugal pumps are designed for liquids with relatively low viscosity that pour like water or like a very light oil. They can be used with slightly more viscous liquids such as 10 or 20 wt. oils at 68-70 deg F (ambient temperatures) but additional horsepower must be added because centrifugal pumps become less inefficient with even slight increases in viscosity and require more horsepower.

When viscosity of the liquids exceed those of 30 wt oils at ambient temps (approx. 440 centistokes or 2,000 SSU), centrifugal pumps become very inefficient and require much more horsepower. In those cases, most pump manufacturers start recommending positive displacement pumps (such as gear pumps, progressive cavity pumps) instead of centrifugal pumps in order to keep horsepower requirements and energy usage lower. Horsepower Centrifugal pumps also require increases in horsepower when pumping non-viscous liquids that are more dense than water such as fertilizer and many chemicals used in industry. Water has a density of 8.34 lbs/gallon. The specific gravity of any liquid is the density in lbs/gallon of that liquid divided by 8.34. The required increase in horsepower for a centrifugal pump used for a more dense liquid than water is directly proportional to the increase in specific gravity of the liquid. For example, if a particular fertilizer has a specific gravity of 1.40 (i.e.-1.4 times the density of water or 11.68 lbs/gallon), then the increased horsepower for the pump would be 1.4 times the horsepower required when pumping water with the same pump. Therefore, in this example, if a 20HP motor was required for pumping water, then a 30HP motor would be required for pumping the fertilizer (actually, 28HP would be required which is 1.4 x 20 HP but the next largest motor commonly available is 30HP, since 25HP would not be sufficient).

www.cceonlinenews.com

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FEATURE

THE 2020 BATHROOM TRENDS 1. Brass Detailing The once-popular finish has fallen the wayside in recent years, but brass is back with a bang in 2020! A much warmer alternative to chrome, brass detailing is a great way to give your bathroom’s features a distinctive, elegant look. Take this wall-mounted brass tap, for example. While its simple curved design sticks to minimalist design cues, the brass finish adds tonnes of sophistication. In 2020, try adopting brass wherever you’d normally see chrome. 2. Luxuriously Deep Slipper Bathtubs With freestanding bathtubs of all shapes and sizes being all the rage in 2019, luxuriously deep slipper baths are our personal favourites. Boasting a single delicately raised end, these tubs provide extra support for the body and result in an exceptionally comfortable experience. This Turin 1370 Small Modern Slipper Bath, features all of the iconic looks you’d associate with a slipper bath yet in a surprisingly compact form factor, making it ideal for smaller bathrooms. 3. Marble Wallpaper Bathroom wallpaper, in general, has been booming in popularity in recent years but 2020 marks the year of marble wallpaper. An effective way of giving your bathroom a natural touch without costly tiling. 4. Rounded Rectangular Illuminated Mirrors With sharper designs making way for their curvier counterparts throughout 2019 it only makes sense that mirrors, the focal point of most bathrooms, follow suit in 2020. 5. Floating Vanities If you’re anything like all of us at VP HQ, you’ll occasionally get the lingering feeling that your bathroom could be bigger. In 2020, we sense that more and more trends will centre on making conventional bath32

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room products as compact as possible. Floating vanities serve to give the impression of more space by opening up the floor. 6. Anthracite & Matte Black Finishes A refreshing alternative to chrome, anthracite and matte black finishes continue to rule the roost when it comes to tapware, showers and radiators in 2020. Embracing the dark side has never been easier with countless designs adopting the finish. Whether you opt for the dark grey hue of anthracite or a deep matte black, we recommend testing the water, if you’ll pardon the pun, with a gorgeous basin tap. This simple upgrade will work wonders, bringing a dated bathroom into the 2020s. 7. Black Framed Shower Screens Another bathroom trend from last year that continues its meteoric rise in this new decade. If you’ve already integrated a darker tap, black framed shower screens are the next step in your atmospheric makeover. The refined industrialvibe provided by this Hudson Reed grid is definitely something we’ll see more of in bathrooms throughout 2020, with luxury hotels having already adopted the trend. 8. Classic Blue Furniture Though ‘Classic Blue’ has only just been announced as Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2020, we’ve been ahead of the curve on this one. Our bathroom furniture range boasts a plethora of options in similar blue tones to suit almost any style. The most notable of which is this classic blue Keswick Bathroom Suite. Featuring a traditionallystyled bathtub, toilet, vanity unit and mirror cabinet all in the on-trend hue. Everything you need to revolutionise your space in one

package. 9. Terrazzo Tiles & Accessories A glorious blend of marble, quartz, granite and glass. Terrazzo tiles (and matching accessories) are expected to have a starring role in the bathroom trends of 2020. We’re particularly fond of utilising them underfoot, adding a subtle natural touch to bathrooms that could otherwise feel too clinical. 10. Geometric & Hexagon Tiles As our marble wallpaper pick hinted at earlier, geometric and hexagon designs have been appearing more and more in the bathrooms of interior designers and Instagram influencers alike. Hexagon tiles provide the most impactful way of implementing the style.

Construction & Civil Engineering Journal /March 2020 issue

9/3/2020 11:52:11 AM

FEATURE

Concrete waterproofing

Concrete is porous and, if not waterproofed, absorbs water, waterborne contaminants and chemicals that can cause deterioration. lf you want to protect your concrete and ensure it has a long, serviceable life, waterproofing is essential. But how? What’s the best method and the best material

o make concrete really waterproof- which means both preventing water passage and resisting hydrostatic pressure — you can waterproof from the positive (exterior) side, negative (interior) side or from within the concrete itself (integral systems). Although the most widely used positive-side technology is sheet membrane waterproofing, its failures and limitations are also common and costly. Since the 1980s, many construction projects around the globe have used integral crystalline admixtures to waterproof concrete. Integral systems block water passage from any direction by working from the inside out, making the concrete itself the water barrier. It can be difficult to keep up with advancements in both membranes and crystalline admixtures, and there have been substantial advancements in both technologies. Here’s a summary that can help make the choice more clear.

Sheet membrane systems

Cold-applied polymer-modified bitumen is a sheet membrane composed of polymer materials compounded with asphalt and attached to a polyethylene sheet. The polymer is integrated with the asphalt to create a more viscous and less temperature-sensitive elastic material compared to asphalt on its own. These sheets are self-adhering and eliminate the harmful toxins typically associated with asphalt adhesion. They also increase tensile strength, resistance to acidic soils, resilience, self—healing and bond ability. Despite such advancements, disadvantages persist. Installation can be challenging as membranes require sealing, lapping, and finishing of seams at the corners, edges and between sheets. Additionally, sheet membranes must be applied to a smooth finish without voids, honeycombs or protrusions. As the membrane can puncture and tear during backfilling, protection boards must also be installed. ln spite of all these drawbacks, sheet membranes have been the industry norm in waterproofing for many years — they still hold the majority of the market share. Their continued use is due to impact resistance, toughness and overall durability compared to other membrane options.

Liquid-applied membranes Liquid-applied membranes

Liquid-applied membranes can be applied with a brush, spray, roller, trowel or squeegee, and usually contain urethane or polymeric asphalt (hot- or coldapplied) in a solvent base. These membranes are usually applied on the positive side of cured concrete and have high elastomeric properties. More recent technologies have also made negative-side applications possible. www.cceonlinenews.com

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FEATURE

materials or repellents because they have no ability to seal cracks and joints. Concrete under hydrostatic pressure requires additional waterproofing methods to protect it from damage and deterioration. Water repellents are also known as ‘hydrophobic’. These products typically come in liquid form and include oils, hydrocarbons, stearates or other long-chain fatty acid derivatives. Although hydrophobic systems may perform satisfactorily for damp—proofing, they are less successful at resisting liquid under hydrostatic pressure. Induced stresses cause cracking in any concrete, which creates pathways for water passage. So the effectiveness of water repellents is highly dependent on the concrete itself. Sheet membrane systems Successful waterproofing with liquid-applied membranes depends on proper thickness and uniform application. They call for skilled, experienced labour to apply them, a clean and dry substrate —which can often be a construction environment challenge — a protection layer before backfilling, properly cured concrete to avoid problems with adhesion and blistering and, on horizontal applications, a subslab. Liquid-applied membranes deteriorate when exposed to UV radiation and cannot withstand foot traffic. The liquids themselves also contain toxic and hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Although liquid—applied membranes work well on projects with multiple plane transitions, intricate geometric shapes and protrusions, they are typically only used when prefabricated sheets do not work.

Admixtures

For the past three decades, a new type of waterproofing has been used around the globe. These integral admixture systems are added at the batching plant or on-site and react chemically within the concrete. Instead of forming a barrier on the positive or negative side of concrete, they turn the concrete itself into a water barrier. Integral concrete waterproofing systems can be densifiers, water repellents or crystalline admixtures. Densifiers react with the calcium hydroxide formed in hydration, creating another by-product that increases concrete density and slows water migration. They are typically not characterised as waterproofing

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Crystalline admixtures

Crystalline-based systems typically come in a dry, powdered form and are hydrophilic in nature. Unlike their hydrophobic counterparts, crystalline systems actually use available water to grow crystals inside concrete, effectively closing off pathways for moisture that can damage concrete. They block water from any direction because the concrete itself becomes the water barrier. The crystalline formula contains no VOCs and can be completely recycled when demolition occurs. Additionally, crystalline admixtures offer installation advantages. Unlike traditional membrane waterproofing, which tends to be labour—intensive and expensive, crystalline admixtures can be shipped in dissolvable, pulpable bags that are thrown into the concrete batch during mixing. This speeds up the construction schedule and decreases labour costs by combining steps with concrete placing. Integral crystalline waterproofing systems should not be used in applications under constant movement. During the crystallisation process, crystals align in a three-dimensional array that breaks when subjected to excessive movement. Areas that require flexibility and face recurring movement- such as plaza decks or rooftops – would be better waterproofed another way.

Selecting right product

Efficiency is the key to success in the construction industry and selecting the right concrete waterproofing product for the job can make or break a project’s timeline. Concrete waterproofing manufacturers are working more closely than ever with contractors to understand the unique needs of their project, and ensure they have the right technology to protect their structures.

Construction & Civil Engineering Journal /March 2020 issue

9/3/2020 11:52:16 AM

FEATURE

THE WATER SHOW AFRICA 31 March - 1 April 2020 Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg

he Water Show Africa - Africa’s leading conference and exhibition for water professionals and large end users. In today’s new world, long-established and proven water and wastewater utility management practices are being challenged and rightfully so! Calls for increased adoption of more advanced solutions like digital water, reclaimed water use, decentralized treatment, to name a few, are forcing water service providers to take note. The Water Show Africa welcomes utilities, municipalities and large water users annually. They want to improve delivery of water infrastructure, drive service efficiency and reliability, as well as keep up to date with the trends shaping today’s water future. Over the last 13 years, hundreds of exhibi-

tors have either initiated or closed deals at our show. Our event is a multi-streamed exhibition with hundreds of attendees and a strategic conference. The conference focuses on global trends and key strategies for end users to ensure security of water supply. Combining our history with our passion for innovation, we are committed to bringing you a unique event to promote your brand, generate and implement new ideas and source new business opportunities to spearhead growth. We are proud to have hosted Rand Water, The Department of Water and Sanitation, WSUP Kenya, the Water Research Commission, Namibia Water Corporation, Taraba State Water Supply Agency of Nigeria, The Department of Trade and Industry, Mhlathuze Water, Umgeni Water, to name a few.

www.cceonlinenews.com

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FEATURE

World Bank Group Exceeds its Climate Finance Target with Record Year

he World Bank Group announced today that in fiscal year 2018, 32.1 percent of its financing had climate co-benefits – already exceeding the target set in 2015 that 28 percent of its lending volume would be climate-related by 2020. This amounted to a record-setting $20.5 billion in climate-related finance delivered in the last fiscal year - the result of an institution-wide effort to mainstream climate considerations into all development projects. The 28 percent target was a key goal of the Bank Group’s Climate Change Action Plan, adopted in April 2016, and was designed to support countries to deliver on their national goals under the Paris Agreement on climate change. The resulting increase in financing for climate action has driven strong results, including by: Generating or integrating 18 gigawatts of additional renewable energy into electricity grids; and mobilizing over $10 billion in commercial finance for clean energy; Developing 22 investment plans for climate-smart agriculture in 20 countries; Investing $784 million in improving climate-resilient transport systems; and Providing 38 million people in 18 countries with access to reliable climate information and early warning systems to deal with more frequent and intense natural

disasters such as floods and hurricanes. “We have not just exceeded our climate targets on paper, we have transformed the way we work with countries and are seeing major transitions to renewable energy, clean and resilient transport systems, climate-smart agriculture and sustainable cities,” said World Bank Chief Executive Officer Kristalina Georgieva. “This gives the most vulnerable people a fighting chance against climate change, by confronting and adapting to today’s impacts and working to contain future damage to our planet.” The World Bank’s main lending arms, IBRD and IDA, have almost doubled the share of projects that deliver climate co-benefits, increasing from 37 percent in FY16 to 70 percent in FY18. And World Bank financing for developing countries to adapt and build resilience to climate change also grew – with $7.7 billion in adaptation investments in FY18 compared to $3.9 billion the previous year. Now, close to half (49 percent) of all World Bank climate finance is devoted to adaptation, demonstrating a commitment to focus as much on supporting countries to adapt to climate change as on mitigating future emissions. In FY18, the climate commitments of IFC - the main member of the World Bank Group focused on the private sector in emerging markets - amounted to 36 percent of IFC’s own account and mobilization. This translates to over $3.9 billion in own account climatesmart investments, and an additional $4.4 billion in core mobilization, or nearly $8.3 billion in total. “The lion’s share of economic growth is taking place in emerging markets, and at IFC we recognize that we must ensure this growth is inclusive and sustainable. This is a trillion-dollar investment opportunity,” said Philippe Le Houérou, IFC’s Chief Executive Officer. “We have a critical role to play to enable these opportunities to reach their full potential. Through our Creating Markets strategy, we are looking to expand successful platforms such as Scaling Solar and the EDGE green building initiative, as well as developing new solutions that will accelerate business in climate priority sectors.” Climate is one of three focus areas in the mid-term strategy for MIGA, the World Bank Group’s political risk insurance and credit enhancement arm. Almost 60 percent of the projects guaranteed by MIGA in FY18 supported climate mitigation and adaptation across the globe. Of these, over three-quarters were in renewable energy. “Mobilizing private capital in support of climate action is a core priority for us,” Keiko Honda, Executive Vice President and CEO of MIGA said. “From wind and solar projects in Africa to green buildings in fragile and conflict-affected situations, we are committed to minimizing the impact of climate change on the most vulnerable.”

A m

The World Bank Group intends to announce new targets at the forthcoming UN climate conference in Poland in December 2018. These will go beyond 2020, with increased ambition to help countries reduce their emissions and to be better prepared for the increasing climate risks they will face.

Construction & Civil Engineering Journal /March 2020 issue

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FEATURE

EcoQuip™ 2 EQp Vapour abrasive blasting

A cleaner and easier way of blasting for more profitable and durable results. Small and portable – makes it easy to move on the deck. It can handle both horizontal and vertical surfaces Atex approved – can be used on all vessel types (even tankers) Environmental friendly – 92% less dust and less media consumption compared to dry blasting. Uses less water than traditional water-based wet blasting, pressure washing or hydro jetting No health risks – No risks due to vibrations caused by hand tools Surface preparation – perfect feathering which creates a good adhesion of the paint, compatible with almost all grit types

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FEATURE

Enhancing Renewable Ener in Africa

oughly 1 billion people – or about 13 percent of the world’s population – live without electricity. In Africa, today, one in three people don’t have access to electricity, often having to resort to using kerosene or spending hours in darkness. Almost 87% of those without electricity live in rural areas. Those who do have electricity often find it unreliable or expensive. Sub-Saharan Africa’s share in the global access deficit has more than doubled between 1990 and 2016. Despite progress in all world regions, the world is not on track to achieve universal electricity access by 2030, with Sub-Saharan Africa at great risk of being left behind. Universal access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy – Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 – is essential to reach other SDGs and is at the center of efforts to tackle climate change. SOLUTION Access to electricity makes communities safer, helps small businesses thrive, and powers essential services such as schools and clinics. The World Bank is committed to helping countries transition to low-

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carbon energy systems and ensuring that everyone around the world has access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all. Between 2014 and 2018, the World Bank provided more than $11.5 billion in financing for renewable energy and energy efficiency. A comprehensive approach to scaling up access to electricity is critical. Mini-grids are emerging as a key player for cost-effective and reliable electrification of rural areas and have the potential for playing a significant role in efforts to achieve universal energy access. The Bank is currently one of the largest financiers in this sector - supporting about 25% of mini grid investments in the developing world. For instance, in rural areas that are not connected to the main electricity grid, solar hybrid mini-grids in place of fossil fuel-based systems could reduce emissions by about 80%. The World Bank is actively mobilizing private sector investment in mini-grid initiatives by helping establish enabling policies, demonstrating viable business models, and providing seed funding that can be used to leverage commercial financing.

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FEATURE

Energy

RESULTS In Nigeria, the World Bank-funded Nigeria Electrification Project aims to expand cost-efficient access to electricity to nearly 80 million people who currently lack access to it. Mini-grids are expected to be part of the solution, with an estimated 850 mini grids extending electricity access to at least 300,000 households and 30,000 businesses. In Mozambique, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is supporting the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first utility scale solar power plant which will help increase electricity sector climate resilience and deliver power to rural areas. The project also includes support from the Climate Investment Funds. It will deliver power to the national grid and produce enough energy to serve about 175,000 households. In Senegal, the Multilateral Insurance Guarantee Agency (MIGA), is supporting the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first utility-scale wind farm. The project is expected to provide approximately 300,000 households with electricity, especially in rural areas. As the larg-

est wind project in Sub-Saharan West Africa, the project will also have a useful demonstration effect, showcasing the technical, financial, and institutional feasibility of large-scale wind projects in the country and in the region. In Zambia, the Scaling Solar Program brought together a suite of World Bank, IFC investment and advisory, and MIGA services and instruments under a single engagement aimed at creating viable markets for grid-connected solar PV power plants. The electricity generated from the 48MW plant located outside the capital city of Lusaka will be sold to the Zambian utility company through a 25-year power purchase agreement. In Ghana, the World Bank is bringing renewable energy to rural communities by investing in solar mini-grids. The project will provide reliable electricity to about 10,000 people in island communities around Lake Volta, with an aggregated installed capacity of 1.7 MW.

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FEATURE

How technology is tran construction industry in

ow technology is transforming the construction industry In India, the construction industry is an important indicator of the state of the economy as it is one of the largest employment generators in the country. With strong linkages to industries such as cement, steel, chemicals, paints, tiles, etc., the sector serves as one of the strongest propellers of private sector involvement in the country’s built environment. Between now and 2050, rapid social and economic changes will significantly increase India’s population and the size of its cities, creating a huge demand for the construction industry. India will soon have one of the largest shares of the world’s building stock, consisting mainly of new developments. As the operation dynamics of the real estate business in India are evolving and innovating at a pace much faster than envisioned, it is almost imperative that innovations be applied to the most basic as well as most important step in the value 40

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chain – construction techniques. Today, new technologies in construction are being developed; and what seemed like future tech 10-20 years ago—connected equipment and tools, telematics, mobile apps, autonomous heavy equipment, drones, robots, augmented and virtual reality, and 3D printed buildings—are here, being deployed and used on jobsites across the world. It is also expected that there will be wider use of technology in construction and construction management in the future as companies realise the long-term efficiency and cost savings of such techniques. Technology in the construction space has coincided with growing demand for faster construction and world-class quality. Some of the trends that we foresee playing a pivotal role are as follows: Real-time information through software and mobile apps: Today, there are software and mobile solutions to help manage every aspect of a construction project. Mobile technology allows for real-time data collection and transmission between the jobsite and project managers in the

Construction & Civil Engineering Journal /March 2020 issue

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FEATURE

transforming try in India

back office. Cloud-based solutions enable on-site employees to submit timecards, expense reports, requests for information (RFIs), work records, and other verified documentation. This can save hundreds of hours per year in data entry, and automatically organises critical files. Transforming product development through offsite construction Offsite construction is typically used on projects with repetitive floorplans or layouts in their design such as apartment buildings, hotels, hospitals, dormitories, prisons, and schools. Offsite is performed in a controlled environment and it works like an auto manufacturing plant. At each station, workers have all the tools and materials to consistently perform their task, whether that be constructing a wall frame or installing electrical wiring. This assembly plant method of construction reduces waste and allows workers to be more productive. Use of construction technologies to bring down construction cost It is expected that there will be a wider use of tech in construction and construction

management in the future as companies realise the long-term efficiency and cost savings of such techniques. Tech in construction space has coincided with a growing demand for faster construction and world-class quality. Technologies such as aluminum formwork, tunnel formwork, prefabricated buildings, building information modelling (BIM), among others, can assist in significant savings if adopted. With the use of BIM, developers can incorporate digital representations of buildings in 3D models to facilitate better collaboration among all stakeholders on a project. This can lead to better designing and construction of buildings. Tunnel framework makes use of steel fabricated forms to cast beams, walls and columns in one go. As the steel formwork can be used repetitively, it lowers labour costs and saves time as the walls and slabs do not need finishing work, thereby improving construction efficiency. In addition to this, by implementing prefabricated technologies, developers can avail of benefits such as site safety, waste reduction, improved air quality, and quality management. Disruptive and exponential technologies to accelerate innovation Construction firms are now using data to make better decisions, increase productivity, improve jobsite safety, and reduce risks. With artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning systems, firms can turn the data they have collected over the years to predict future outcomes on projects. Furthermore, they gain a competitive advantage when estimating and bidding on construction projects as well. AI can also improve worker productivity by reducing the amount of time wasted moving about the construction site to retrieve tools, materials and equipment to perform certain tasks. With virtual reality (VR), workers could get exposure to environments such as confined spaces or working at height in a safe, controlled environment. VR simulators have been used for years to train soldiers, pilots, and surgeons and could be used in the same way to train workers on everything from operating cranes and excavators to doing welding and masonry work. Augmented reality (AR) is another technology that can greatly improve safety on the construction site. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s allowing for a more detailed safety plan to be developed or providing training on heavy equipment using actual equipment on real sites with augmented hazards, there are several ways that AR can be deployed on the jobsite. In addition to this, companies are also relying on bricklaying robots or rebar tying robots. Once set up, these robots can work continuously to complete tasks faster than human workers without needing to take breaks or go home. Use of drones and site sensors for fast-track surveying With the advent of drones in the construction industry, developers can quickly conduct jobsite inspections and identify potential hazards each day. They can also be used to monitor workers throughout the day to ensure everyone is working safely. Drones are being used to take photos of as work progresses to create as-built models of jobsites to keep everyone informed of the changing work conditions each day. The construction industry has a vast potential, and companies should focus on implementing digitalisation, innovative technologies, and new construction techniques to improve productivity and efficiency. With digitisation paving ways in the construction industry, companies across the spectrum will have to make concerted efforts to enhance their skills. By Gurjot Bhatia

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FEATURE

Top 9 construction projects in East Africa by value East Africa is now the leading construction hub in Sub Saharan Africa according to latest industry report. According to construction trends 2019, the region accounts for 40.3% of projects across the continent and 29.5% of the value. Here are the top 9 construction projects in East Africa by value: Likong’o–Mchinga LNG project(Tanzania) Construction of this mega project in Tanzania is expected to kick off in 2022 and completed in 2028.Expected to cost USD30 billion, the project will be the first and the most expensive liquefied natural gas plant in the country. It is located at Likong’o–Mchinga in the southern town of Lindi. Bagamoyo Port(Tanzania) Bagamoyo port is a proposed mega project in Tanzania.The USD 10 billion project is being spearheaded by China Merchants Holdings International. The project has faced frequent delays due to lack of understanding between the government of Tanzania and the contractor. Upon completion the project is expected to be the largest in East Central Africa. Kenya-Uganda-Rwanda-South Sudan Railway project(East Africa) It is East Africa’s mega joint railway project. It is estimated to cost USD9.8 billion. So far Only Kenya has completed the initial phase of the project from Mombasa to Nairobi. The planned 1,500km-long railway line is aimed at enhancing connectivity in the region and spur economic growth. The project was expected to be complete by 2018 but it faced major financial constraints leading to the delays. Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam(Ethiopia) The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam will not only be the largest hydro-electric dam in Ethiopia but also in Africa. The project is nearing completion despite an active dispute with Egypt which is opposed to the project. The project is being constructed at a cost of USD4.8 billion. The project is expected to initially generate 6,000MW of electricity. Tams Hydropower project(Ethiopia) The TAMS hydropower project is a proposed multipurpose project located in the Baro River basin in South42

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western Ethiopia. The project area is at the junction zone between the lowering, thickly wooded highlands of the Baro River basin and the alluvial, fertile plains of the lower Baro River. The planned TAMS reservoir would have a live storage of 4.8 billion m³, a dam height of 248 m and a 76 km2 reservoir area. The hydropower plant would widely satisfy the energy demand of the region, in a country whose development is crippled by power shortage. Fairfax Oil Refinery project(Ethiopia) Located in the Ethiopian eastern town of Awash; some 220 kilometres from the capital Addis Ababa, the refinery will have the capacity to process 120,000 barrels per day. That is equal to six million metric tonnes of crude oil. The project, worth $4 billion, is expected to serve the country and the rest of east African market. The new facility will eventually have the capacity of refining 12 million metric tons of crude oil yearly. That will boost the confidence of Ethiopia’s energy security program. Nairobi Mombasa Highway expansion project(Kenya) The two-lane Nairobi-Mombasa Highway is being converted into a dual carriageway to address the increasing traffic congestion between Kenya’s capital city Nairobi and the country’s major port city Mombasa. An estimated 95% of cargo from the sea Port of Mombasa is transported via the Nairobi-Mombasa motorway. Th project is expected to cost USD3 billion. Mtwara Fertilizer Plant(Tanzania) The project is being developed by Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC). The multibillion-dollar fertiliser factory will take advantage of the large natural gas resource in the southern regions of Lindi and Mtwara to thrive. Natural gas is required for the production of ammonia, which is used to manufacture fertiliser. The USD3 billion project expected to be commissioned in 2020. Koysha Hydroelectric dam(Ethiopia) Koysha dam is a 2,200MW hydroelectric project being constructed on the Omo River. Construction was assigned to Italian firm Salini Impregilo . The USD2.7 billion contract foresees the construction of a dam using Roller Compact Concrete(RCC). Once complete, the dam will be 1,800 metres long, 155 metres high and the water basin that it will create 74 billion cubic metres in size.

Construction & Civil Engineering Journal /March 2020 issue

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