Volume 5 Issue 020, January - February 2016 by East African Infrastructure and Engineering Review Journal

Volume 5 Issue 020, January - February 2016

East Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Informative journal in Developing Infrastructure

Zenith Steel Fabricators Ltd.

TAKING MULTI-STOREY STEEL BUILDING TECHNOLOGY TO ANOTHER LEVEL

East Africa Rising: Opportunities in the Construction Sector Why quality assurance in the construction industry has to be implemented The Inaya Group: A unique approach to real estate project management January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

TRANSPORT

ENERGY

HOUSING

COMMUNICATIONS

WATER 1

November/December 2015 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

EDITORIAL

Road Construction in Kenya: The need for better coordination Editor Eric Obwogi

Advertising Executives Collins Ogonda - Kenya Jobunga Ndere - Uganda W. Minga - Tanzania Eva Gichohi - Rwanda

Media Manager Peter Acham

Design and Layout Simon Warui

Published and Printed by Spako Media Limited P.O. Box 4517-00100 Nairobi - Kenya Tel: +254 20 2395373 Cell:+254 712 896013 /+254 773 547046 Email: admin@eainfrastructure-engineer.com Web: www.eainfrastructure-engineer.com East African Infrastructure & Engineering Review Journal is published bi-monthly and is circulated to members of relevant associations, governmental bodies and other personnel in theBuilding & Construction Industry as well as suppliers of plant and equipment, materials and services in East Africa. The Editor welcomes articles and photographs for consideration. Materials may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The publisher does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or authenticity of advertisements or contributions contained in this journal. Views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. ©All rights reserved

few years ago Nairobi had the unflattering distinction of being the only known capital city to have port holes smack in the centre of the central business district. Driving along the route from OTC (the stage named after a famous yesteryear bus company), through St. Peter Clavers to join Ronald Ngala street heading to Kencom Bus Stage via Moi Avenue was an experience akin negotiating a rough road to one’s upcountry home. You had to doge huge craters on the road to protect your car if you planned to continue use it for some time. The years have flown by and the tag has been shed, with a multiplicity of infrastructure projects aided by massive local and foreign funding, and we are currently in the throes of an unprecedented construction sector growth that according to analysts is expected to register the highest growth in East Africa. Nairobi is currently on a programme to expand major roads to ease traffic congestion, while the ambitious standard gauge railway project reportedly way ahead of schedule. Major roads in other counties are also being developed (per the Kenya Highways Authority). The road network is quickly being transformed, being one of the obvious yardsticks used to gauge performance by county CEOs (governors). In Embu, Probase Kenya a Malaysian based construction firm has been awarded a contract to construct and tarmac roads across the county at a cost of US$ 38.8 Million. KeNHA has also confirmed that the Garsen-Witu-Lamu road, a major highway on Kenya’s coast will commence later this year. Apart from benefitting local communities by improving the business and economic environment, it also augurs well for contractors who have the opportunity to take up lucrative road construction jobs. However, implementation of projects should be streamlined, and the national and county governments realize that they both have a role to play in development. A World Bank - funded roads project being managed by the Devolution Ministry was recently at the centre of a feud between governors and the national government. Overall, the project seeks to inject some Sh20 billion in the roads sector. Squabbles like those witnessed will only cast aspersions on the region’s ability to absorb funding and use it for the benefit of citizens. Road construction is a shared responsibility between the national and county governments, and service delivery to tax payers an imperative for both layers of government. It has been a long, rocky road getting here. Going forward, and how far and fast depends on how things are done. The only way is harmony with steady focus on the big prize – infrastructural advancement for economic development and growth.

Editor January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

CONTENT

Highlights

Kenya boosts its geothermal energy export to East Africa

Nairobi ranked largest mall developer in sub - Saharan Africa

signs Power Africa initiative into 11 Obama law of US$ 94m stadium in 13 Construction Ethiopia to commence soon Steel Fabricators Ltd. taking 14 Zenith multi-storey steel building technology to another level

Inaya Group :A unique approach to 19 The real estate project management Projects: export to East Africa 34 Infrastructure The case for integrated risk management and compliance

Africa Rising: Opportunities in the 39 East Construction Sector quality assurance in the construction 40 Why industry has to be implemented

42 How to Tile a Roof with concrete Tiles 4

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

NEWS / KENYA

Construction industry in Kenya posts impressive growth despite high interest rates

he construction industry in Kenya defied high interest rates to post impressive growth, a new report by Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reveals. Data released by KNBS, reveals that the sector grew by 14.1 per cent in the third quarter of 2015 compared to 8.8 per cent over a similar period in 2015. Construction loans to the sector grew by Sh22 billion (or 28 per cent) from Sh79 billion to Sh101 billion during the year. The KNBS says that the sector’s good performance was a major driver in the overall expansion of the economy in the third quarter, with the gross domestic product growing by 5.8 per cent compared to 5.5 per cent over the same period in 2014. Some players are saying that the industry is likely to be hit again by the high cost of borrowing this year. High interest rates could see delay in projects completion or calling off of some planned

projects, all together. A total of 1.44 million metric tonnes of cement were consumed in the three-month period, a 10.77 per cent jump from 1.30 trillion tonnes in a similar period in 2014. In the 10-month period through October, uptake of cement increased by 11.27 per cent to 4.74million tonnes from 4.26 million tonnes in the same period of 2014. This is a slower pace of growth compared to 15.59 per cent in a similar period last year. Output of the key commodity, which indicates performance in the sector, rose by 10.58 per cent over the period to 5.33 million tonnes from 4.82 million tonnes produced in the first 10 months of 2014.

Highest monthly production this year was recorded in July at 570,904 tonnes, but that has since slowed to 553,929 tonnes, 556,873 tonnes and 547,509 tonnes in August, September and October, respectively. “The quantity of cement produced decreased from 556,873 metric tonnes in September 2015 to 547,509 metric tonnes in October 2015,” KNBS said in its latest Leading Economic Indicators’ report.

Construction of first undersea museum in sub-Sahara Africa to begin in Kenya

lans to construct first underwater museum in sub-Sahara Africa is set to begin in Kenya, National Museums of Kenya (NMK) coast region assistant director for sites and monuments, Mr Athman Hussein Athman, has announced. Athman was speaking during a workshop, sponsored by Unesco, the National Museums of Kenya and the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Arts in Mombasa. The museum will be constructed at the site of a shipwreck at Ngomeni, a historical fishing village in the north coast. It will be Africa’s educational centre for underwater archaeology.

“The government of Kenya, through the NMK, has started to develop the Ngomeni shipwreck site into an underwater museum, the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa,” Athman said. He said underwater museums have become major tourist attractions in other countries. The project will be boosted by the discovery of several shipwrecks in Kenyan waters, Mr Athman said. Atham said that studies have revealed that the shipwrecks were highly could be used for for scientific research and as tourist attractions. The objective, Said Athman was to build capacity for African countries to effectively manage their underwater

January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

cultural heritage. The participants, who are archaeologists, have been undergoing rigorous practical sessions that include diving at the 17th Century Santa Antonio De Tanna Shipwreck in front of Fort Jesus Museum. Unesco representative Arturo Rey Da Silva told the workshop that his organisation would work with the Kenyan government to train experts that will boost the sector as it had huge tourism potential. Unesco says it is keen to be a major partner in the initiative- first museum in sub-Sahara Africa.

NEWS / KENYA

Construction of major highway at Kenya’s Coast to begin

enya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has confirmed that the construction of a major highway at Kenya’s Coast is set to begin later this year. The Garsen-Witu-Lamu road in Kenya is expected to boost business and economic growth in the area once complete. KeNHA made an official announcement stating that the paving of the road will begin following the advertisement of the tender in the daily newspapers. The successful contractor will be expected to sign a fixed price contract with the road agency so as to ensure that detailed designs and construction works are being provided. The Garsen-Witu-Lamu road will have an approximate total length of 250km and will be fully funded by the Government. The construction project will entail upgrading of the earth or gravel section to bitumen standard and renovation of the paved section.

This road currently serves as a gateway into Lamu County and connects from the existing road from Garsen through Witu and Hindi to the Mokowe Jetty, from where boat services access Lamu Island. Once complete, the new road will play a big role in the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport project and Kenya’s realization of Vision 2030.

Also, the new project will easily open up the archipelago to tourism. “We are optimistic over the move to tarmack the road as it will easily open up the archipelago to tourism,” said Lamu Palace Hotel General Manager Keziah Mumbi. The development project is expected to be completed in August. KeNHA is an autonomous road agency, responsible for the management, rehabilitation, development and maintenance of international trunk roads linking centres of international importance and crossing international boundaries or terminating at international ports (Class A road), national trunk roads linking internationally important centres (Class B roads), and primarily roads linking important centres to each other or two higher-classroads (Class C roads).

Kenya’s Ngong Road to be expanded into dual carriage

Japanese firm has been awarded a US$ 13m contract for the expansion of Ngong Road in Nairobi, Kenya into dual carriage way, the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) recently announced. The Japanese company, World Kaihatsu Kogyo (WKK) is set to commence operations in April this year and will in entails the installation of traffic signals, street lights and walkways to be used by pedestrians. The mega project which is financed through a donation from the Japanese government is anticipated to reduce the traffic jam that is mostly experienced in that area. The Kenya Urban Roads Authority confirmed the reports and said that the

expansion will be carried out in phases; the first phase will cover 2.6km that is from the Kenya National Library to Ring Road Junction in Kilimani. “The expansion project on Ngong road will first start with the expansion of 2.6km that will be from the Kenya National Library to Ring Road Junction and will be done in phases,” KURA said in a statement. The statement further said that the expansion will create room for the development of a bus rapid transit corridor or a light railway and supervised by Katahira and Engineers International. As from March this year, Nairobi will also experience the construction of a new road that will link Ngong Road and Lang’ata Road through Kibra and NHC Lang’ata Estate, the road will significant-

ly ease congestion on Lang’ata road and will cost up to US$ 20m. The tender was awarded by KURA to a Chinese company, H. Young and Co. Limited Also, another Chinese firm, China Wu Yi is expected to construct a link road that will connect Waiyaki Way and Red Hill Road at a cost of US$ 30m. All these links are projected to be completed in the next two years and are designed to fill in the missing parts of Nairobi’s road layout, ease congestion and improve safety for Nairobi residents. KURA is responsible for the management, development, rehabilitation and maintenance of all public roads in cities and municipalities except where these roads are categorized as national roads.

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

NEWS / KENYA

Kenya’s Nairobi County sets aside US$ 60.5m for roads construction

enya’s Nairobi County has set aside US$ 60.5m that will be used for the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of roads in Nairobi and this will lead to the ease of traffic that is majorly experienced in the city. Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero confirmed the reports and said that this initiative will eventually lead to effective service delivery to the citizens in the region. He confirmed the news while breaking ground for the construction of a 13km Muthioya road in Kabiru ward in Dagoretti. “The road construction which is located 15km from the Central Business District is set for completion in October 2016 and will be part of the public transport route commencing at Route 56 Bus Terminus and ending at Route 46 Bus Terminus,” he pointed out. The deputy of Nairobi County Mr. Jonathan Mueke was also pleased with the initiative and he confirmed this during the launch of the rehabilitation of the 288m Kapiti Road. “Better transport, housing and infrastructure remain a key area among the Seven Grand Promises we promised

Nairobi in 2013. This is not only because it is a major component for the success of a competitive modern economy, but also because well-designed infrastructure investment raises economic growth, productivity and property values, while providing significant positive Outer Ring Road under Construction spillovers,” he stated.“To actualize these, we ning, Public Health, Social Services launched the Smart Roads Concept and Housing, Primary Education Infracovering over thirty estates in Nairobi to structure, Inspectorate Services, Public address the many years of neglect of EsWorks, Environment Management while tate Roads with ongoing works in areas the latter include Agriculture, Livestock like South C, Nairobi West, Lang’ata, Development and Fisheries, Trade, InMathare, Kileleshwa, Donholm, Githudustrialization, Corporate Development, rai and Buruburu among .others,” he Tourism and Wildlife and Public Service concluded. Management. The Nairobi City County Government They recently launched a new has a mandate of providing a variety Transport Plan which will help provide of services to residents within its area a modern, integrated transport system of jurisdiction. These include the serthat outlines schemes for upgraded city vices that were hitherto provided by the roads, effective traffic management, a defunct City Council and the ones that commuter rail network, public bus transit have been transferred from the national system and a properly regulated matatu government. sector. The former include Physical Plan-

Construction of first undersea museum in sub-Sahara Africa to begin in Kenya Plans to construct first underwater museum in sub-Sahara Africa is set to begin in Kenya, National Museums of Kenya (NMK) coast region assistant director for sites and monuments, Mr Athman Hussein Athman, has announced.

Athman was speaking during a workshop, sponsored by Unesco, the National Museums of Kenya and the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Arts in Mombasa. The museum will be constructed at the site of a shipwreck at Ngomeni, a historical fishing village in the north coast. It will be Africa’s educational centre for underwater archaeology. “The government of Kenya, through the NMK, has started to develop the Ngomeni shipwreck site into an underwater museum, the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa,” Athman said. He said underwater museums have become major

January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

tourist attractions in other countries. The project will be boosted by the discovery of several shipwrecks in Kenyan waters, Mr Athman said. Atham said that studies have revealed that the shipwrecks were highly could be used for for scientific research and as tourist attractions. The objective, Said Athman was to build capacity for African countries to effectively manage their underwater cultural heritage. The participants, who are archaeologists, have been undergoing rigorous practical sessions that include diving at the 17th Century Santa Antonio De Tanna Shipwreck in front of Fort Jesus Museum. Unesco representative Arturo Rey Da Silva told the workshop that his organisation would work with the Kenyan government to train experts that will boost the sector as it had huge tourism potential. Unesco says it is keen to be a major partner in the initiative- first museum in sub-Sahara Africa.

NEWS / KENYA

Kenya boosts its Geothermal energy export to East Africa

Ollkaria Power Station

lectricity Utility firm Kenya Power which owns and operates most of the electricity transmission and distribution system in Kenya has announced that it has almost doubled its electricity exports to Uganda and Tanzania since it increased generation of geothermal energy in Kenya national grid. Official data reveals that the electricity distributor sold 46.6 million units (kilowatt hours) to the two countries last year, up from 26.9 million in 2014. The additional cheaper geothermal energy, especially the 280MW which was added in the second half of 2014 really helped in reducing the use of expensive thermal power.

Kenya and Uganda have a direct transmission line connecting them which enables the exchange of bulk power trade. Uganda accounted for 93 per cent of the market for power from Kenya. However, Kenya lacks a line connecting it with Tanzania which results to limited power exchange at common border towns which are not connected to the Tanzanian grid. Due to that reason, Kenya sells power to parts of Tanzania via Namanga, while Dar es Salaam previously sold power to Nairobi via the coastal local towns of Lunga Lunga and Vanga. Nairobi stopped electricity imports from Dar and significantly cut imports from Kampala while increasing its power

US firm adds 29MW geothermal power to Kenya ’s grid

US firm Ormat Technologies has injected 29MW of geothermal power to Kenya’s grid within Olkaria III complex increasing its total capacity to 139MW. Ormat CEO, Isaac Angel confirmed the reports and said that it had reached the commercial operation phase of plant

sales last year. Tanzania is planning to set up a natural gas-fired power plant that could result in a cutback on electricity imports from Kenyan. Kenya Power is committed to providing high quality customer service by efficiently transmitting and distributing high quality electricity that is safe, adequate and reliable at cost effective tariffs. The Board, Management and staff of Kenya Power are committed to effective implementation and continual improvement of the Quality Management System that complies with the requirements of ISO 9001:2008 in order to consistently meet its customers and other stakeholder’s requirements and expectations. 4 with Kenya Power under a 20-year power purchase agreement which adds 29MW of geothermal power for Kenyans. “With the commissioning of plant 4, the 140MW Olkaria III complex will provide clean and reliable electricity to over 250,000 households in Kenya, supporting the government’s Vision

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

NEWS / KENYA 2030 to increase generation capacity,” Angel said. He added that that the initiative is a major factor that will assist them in their expansion plan especially in Kenya. “Now that we have the commercial terms in place, we will continue to evaluate the feasibility of future expansions of the Olkaria III complex as well as other prospects to support our growth in Kenya.” He said. The US Company has so far implemented a multi-phased development

strategy in Olkaria III with the first phase of plant 1 having begun operation in 2000 and the second phase in 2009. Plant 2 started production in 2013 and plant 3 in 2014. Headquartered in Reno, Nevada, Ormat is a leading geothermal company and the only vertically integrated company solely engaged in geothermal and recovered energy generation (REG), with the objective of becoming a leading global provider of renewable energy. The Company has over five decades

of experience in the development of state-of-the-art, environmentally sound power solutions. The company designs, develops, builds, owns and operates geothermal and recovered energy-based power plants. The in-depth knowledge gained from these operations gives the Company the competitive edge by enabling efficient maintenance and timely response to operational issues.

Nairobi ranked largest mall developer in sub-Saharan Africa

enya’s capital Nairobi is the leading shopping mall developer in sub-Saharan Africa a survey by real estate consultancy firm Knight Frank has shown. The Shop Africa 2016 report which is the first review of the retail market in sub-Saharan Africa revealed that Nairobi is the top city with the largest shopping centre development with approximately 470,000 square metres of shopping centre space in the pipeline. Currently, Nairobi has a mall space of 391,000 square metres which is represented by beautiful malls such as Sarit Centre, The Junction and Garden City which hugely cause the number one ranking. Two Rivers Mall in Runda and The Hub in Karen are also iconic malls that result to the rank though they opened recently. “While Nairobi has had shopping centres since the 1980s, the current wave of development is creating modern malls that are setting new standards for the market in terms of size and quality,” the report states. International brands that have currently penetrated into the region include French retailer Carrefour who will be

an anchor tenant at both Two Rivers and The Hub in Karen. Turkish fashion brand LC Waikiki will also enter the Kenyan market with a store at Two Rivers. “Major international retail groups have had an interest in the wider sub-Saharan region. Most international brands go into the region either through partnerships with local operators or franchise agreements. The variety of retailers seeking to expand their footprint in the region has helped the newly developed malls to absorb the high demand,” the

report indicates. According to the report, the top five cities are Luanda in Angola which is second, Lagos in Nigeria has the third largest mall pipeline, and then Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and finally Maputo in Mozambique completes the top five hotspots for mall space development in sub-Saharan Africa. These five are the large, fast-growing cities in economies that have seen rapid expansion and are the ones being targeted by investors in Africa.

The two Rivers Mall in Runda , Nairobi January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

NEWS / KENYA

Probase Kenya to tarmac roads in Embu at a cost of US$ 38.5 Million

he County government of Embu has signed a contract with Probase Kenya, a Malaysian based construction firm to construct and tarmac roads across the county at a cost of US$ 38.8 Million. Embu County governor Martin Wambora said that the county signed the contract after the court ruled that county governments should manage their roads. “This deal is the best the county has entered into so far in terms of roads construction since it uses modern technology and is cheap.” He added This comes barely after the Kenyan Council of Governors sued the national government, demanding full control of county roads and won the case successfully. “The tender was given out because we have the mandate t o do so since we are the ones that know where the roads are bad” said Wambora

According to the Probase Kenya managing director Winson Choong the project that will involve the construction of 12km roads in the county will take averagely six months. He added that their company will carry out the construction within the time given since they have carried other projects that they have managed to complete on time. The tarmacking will start with 12.5km of the 100km Ring Road, which connects Embu town to Kibugu market. The construction will be done by Probase Kenya Company. An Aerial view of Embu town. Road in the county are set to be constructed and tarmacked

KeNHA invites bids for the upgrade of the South Sudan road Kenya National Highways Authority has invited bids for the upgrade of the South Sudan road. The East Africa Regional Transport, Trade and Development Facilitation Project is set to start soon with the construction of the Loichangamatak-Lodwar section of the 338 km road. The government secured a US$ 500m loan from the World Bank mid last year to facilitate construction of the road described as the missing link between Kenya and South Sudan. An advertisement in local dailies stated that the section of the road from Loichangamatak to Lodwar will be reconstructed to bitumen standard, seven metres wide with two metre shoulders on each side. Other works will

include construction of bridges, culverts and drainage infrastructure. The project is expected to be completed in two and a half years once awarded to a contractor with a defects liability period of one year. The construction will consist of three lots: the Lodwar-Lokitung junction road,

Lokitung junction-Kalobeyei River, and the Kalobeyei River-Nadapal road. The road which is part of the international trunk road A1 is expected to contribute to economic growth through increased trade and better access for landlocked countries to the port of Mombasa. Upgrading of the South Sudan Link Development Corridor, will transform lives and improve the movement of goods and people along Lokichar-Nadapal/ Nakodok, part of the Eldoret-Nadapal/Nakodok road in the north western part of Kenya in particular and will also enhance connectivity between Kenya and her neighboring countries hence increase the economy of the country.

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

NEWS / KENYA

Mutli-million dollar Tatu City in Kenya appoints US firm to plan for power supply

multi-million satellite complex Tatu City in Kenya , has announced that it had appointed US-based firm Power Engineers Inc to plan on power infrastructure for use within the industrial complex. Power Engineers is one of the largest consulting engineering firms in the United States Tatu City in Kenya management said that The Power Engineers Inc is well suited for the job having worked with clients such as the World Bank, US Trade and Development Agency and Inter-American Development Bank. This latest deal is a strong indication that the project will be implemented year after stalling. The project was marred with court cases over land ownership a year after its construction kicked off in 2010. But in a move that signals its implementation is finally looking up, China’s Sinohydro signed an agreement last month worth Sh400 million to set up basic infrastructure for water, sewerage and temporary road works relating to the first phase of the project.

The satellite city has especially attracted real estate investors who have expressed strong interest in the project, with more than 60 per cent of plots in Tatu City’s first residential phase, Kijani Ridge, sold. Firms that have committed to take up space at the upcoming complex includes coffee company Dormans, tissue maker Kim-Fay, Heineken beverages distributor Maxam and Unilever which is set to build a manufacturing facility within its 420-acre light industrial zone within the proposed industrial city. Tatu city will be constructed in 10 phases until 2022, when it is set for completion. The mixed-use satellite city

will house 77,000 residents, and will tap on the city economies in the country, amidst growing middle-class and urbanization trends. It will be a decentralized urban center. The ambitious plan is a partnership venture between Renaissance Partners, the principal investing arm of emerging markets firm Renaissance Group and Kenyan investors. In a move that is set to put Kenya on the world map as a technology hub, Kenya is also constructing a multimillion dollar Konza techno city.

Ashok Leyland to construct a multi-million assembly plant in Kenya

shok Leyland to construct a multi-million assembly plant in Kenya Ashok Leyland which is the second largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in India and fourth largest manufacturer of buses in the world is planning to construct a US$ 5m assembly plant in Kenya that will help in the expansion of the commercial vehicle market. The company’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Gopal Mahadevan confirmed the reports and said that they are aiming at constructing at least three assembly plants in Africa, Kenya being a prime location. “We’re looking to set up two to three assembly sites in Africa. We are devising East African and West Africa strategies and we have short-listed Kenya as a

possible market for setting up our first assembly unit,” Mr Mahadevan was quoted saying. It is anticipated that the company will commence business in their new plant with assembling buses, the trucks assembly line will start later. This initiative will come in handy by boosting Kenya’s economy as several other multinational companies have set up their offices in the country; Earlier this month, German motor vehicle manufacturer Daimler AG opened an office in Nairobi aiming to use it as an entry to East, Central and West Africa’s truck and bus market. Another company, Tata, which is India’s largest automaker, opened two new dealerships — one targeting farmers in Narok with tractors and another in Ruiru to sell heavy commercial vehicles

January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

such as tippers, prime movers and concrete mixers. Ashok Leyland trucks and buses are currently distributed in the country by TruckMart East Africa. Operating six plants, Ashok Leyland also manufacturers spare parts and engines for industrial and marine applications. It sells about 60,000 vehicles and approximately 7,000 engines annually. It is the second largest commercial vehicle company in India in the medium and heavy commercial vehicle.

NEWS / UGANDA

Power generation in Uganda to double in three years’ time

ower generation in Uganda will nearly double in the next three years, Benon Mutambi, chief executive officer of the state-run Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) has announced. The move comes following reforms by Uganda that has boosted investment by independent power producers and development group. Benon Mutambi, says that the government has been working to improve the regulatory and policy environment aimed at luring investors. Once the projects in the pipeline have come online, Uganda will begin exporting power within the East African region. Currently ,eight projects are under construction-privately and publicly-funded, aimed at expanding Uganda’s generation capacity to at least 1500 megawatts over the next three years from the current 850 MW. The plants include Karuma and Isimba on River Nile, which

are partly funded with loans from China’s export import (Exim) bank and are estimated to cost more than $2 billion. Other six plants with a combined cost of $500 million, are mostly small renewable energy plants developed by independent producers with funding from Germany’s KfW and Britain’s DFID. The bid to boost power generation in Uganda is aimed at enhancimng its quest for industrialization. In recent years, they have cut subsidies for consumers and introduced a tariff adjust-

ment mechanism. In January 2012, the Ugandan government abolished electricity subsidies for consumers, saying the cost was unsustainable. In the same year, regulators introduced a mechanism to allow quarterly reviews of end-user power tariffs based on changes in inflation, exchange rates and fuel prices. In October this year, ERA allowed Umeme Ltd, the sole power distributor, to raise tariffs 17 percent for the fourth quarter after the local currency fell against the dollar. “We did it at the time when the country was in the election fever,” Mutambi said, refering to next February’s presidential elections. “Not many countries would … increase electricity prices at this time.” Uganda has been radical in taking radical and unpopular measures to keep the power sector which have in turn instilled confidence in the investor community.

President Yoweri Museveni and HH The Aga Khan Launch the Bujagali Hydro Power Project

Makerere University in Uganda constructs US$ 12.4m buildings

Makerere University in Uganda which is among the oldest institutions of higher learning in the country has started constructing the proposed US$ 12.4m buildings which will help curb the teach-

ing space shortage at the university. The project which is being undertaken by Excel Construction Limited executing the works and funded by African Development Bank (AfDB) is expected to be complete in the next 18 months. The reports were confirmed by the university’s director for Estates and Works, Eng. Fred Nuwagaba, he said that the infrastructural development project will cost approximately US$12.4m as a grant from AfDB.

“The project will cost an approximated amount of US$ 12.4m as a grant from the African Development Bank,” Eng. Nuwagaba said. The development will consist of two four-storey structures each having a 1,000-seater auditorium and an e-learning centre and they will be located next to the college of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and another at the school of Social Sciences (CHUSS). The initiative is intended to tackle the shortage of teaching space at the university in CoBAMS and Chuss. Makerere University is one of the oldest and most prestigious Universities in Africa. It is a Collegiate University with 9 Constituent Colleges and 10 Constituent Colleges including the School of Law, all operating as semi-autonomous units of the University. Excel Construction Ltd. is one of the leading players in the Ugandan Construction industry and operates nationally through their head office located in Jinja.

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

NEWS / TANZANIA

Construction firms in Tanzania

directed to offer contracts to workers

onstruction firms in Tanzania have been directed to provide workers with contracts in a bid to boost efficiency in the sector. Transport and Communications Minister, Prof Makame Mbarawa said that the contracts will boost workers’ morale and enhance quality of work produced. Mr Mbarawa was speaking while inspecting the Dodoma-Babati Road that is under constraction. He added that contracts would help speed projects that are currently ongoing. “Construction workers should be given legal contracts in as required by the law,” he said. The road construction project has been divided into three areas namely Dodoma-Mayamaya 43.65 km, Mayamaya-Mela 99.35 km and Mela-Bonga 88.8 km.

It includes four large bridges including of the 200 metres Kalema Bridge. Other three bridges are the 45 metres Msui Bridge, the 30 metres Kingali Bridge and the 30 metres Mela bridge. The Dodoma-Babati is part of the Great-North stretching from Cairo in Egypt to Cape Town in South Africa. Prof Mbarawa directed the construction firm, which is carrying out the road project, to finalize the construction before the

Construction stakeholders representative after a past function

rainy season noting that the road would facilitate economic development. The Minister noted that it was vital for the public projects to show value for money by lasting long. It is common in Africa for construction workers to work without contracts and in most cases under poor pay. In Kenya workers from SGR Section 8 in Syokimau on Friday protested claims of mistreatment, inadequate compensation and poor working conditions. The workers also claimed the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) sacks them without notice while their contracts were not clear. “They never give you any warning letters to sign, but on dismissal they will hand you a number of letters supposedly signed by you,” one construction worker claimed at the Standard Group offices on Mombasa Road, Nairobi on Friday.

Obama signs Power Africa initiative into law

resident Barrack Obama has signed into law the Power Africa deal a move aimed at expanding electricity to millions of households in sub-Saharan Africa. This measure has been widely supported as it is a game-changer in saving lives and accelerating growth on the continent. The Electrify Africa Act leverages partnerships with the private sector in

order to bring first-time electricity access to about 50 million people who live in undeserved parts of Africa. The bill unanimously passed the House of Representatives and Senate. The loan will be used to add 20,000 megawatts of electricity to the continent’s grid by 2020. The supporters of the bill argue that access to power is a fundamental de-

January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

velopment challenge long experienced in Africa and a boost to it will therefore rekindle economic growth and improve access to education and public health. “It is a huge milestone for business start-ups that have to close at dark and for school children, who are often forced to study by dangerous, inefficient kerosene lamps,” said House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce. The law aims to build on a “Power Africa” initiative that Obama majorly promoted during a trip to Kenya in July. It would see the investment of about $7bn in US funds, largely financed through the US Export-Import Bank, in a bid to create 30,000 megawatts of clean energy generation in Africa. Senate Democrat Ben Cardin said through the plan, they can make even greater strides in addressing African energy poverty and promote inclusive economic growth for African communities and even those at home.

NEWS/RWANDA

US$ 300m Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda set to be opened in June

he multi-million Kigali Convention centre in Rwanda’s capital is set to be officially opened in June this year; this is according to Ultimate Concepts Limited (UCL) who owns the project. Kigali Convention Centre which is anticipated to be a hub of a lot of services in East African Community

will further host the 27th African Union Summit and this will be its maiden major event, several other events have also been scheduled to take place at the convention centre. The Executive Chairperson of UCL, Eng. Didier Sagashya confirmed the reports and said that the construction project which is valued at US 300m will

be fully operational as from June this year. He further said that the building will entail a five start hotel consisting of 292 rooms, several meeting rooms, an office park and a conference hall that can host up to 2,500 people. “We are working very hard, 24 hours a day to complete the project, we will be doing final touches but construction works currently stands at 70 per cent complete. The centre will be operation by June 2016,” Sagashya said. The Convention Centre is owned by UCL, a joint venture between the Government of Rwanda through the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) and Prime Holdings Ltd as well as private investors, including Crystal Ventures Ltd and Rwanda Investment Group (RIG). This mega development will help boost the tourism industry in the country. Designers and Manufacturers of the Ultimax brand of professional stands, rigging and accessories. Ultimate Concepts Limited is a custom manufacturer in steel and timber for bespoke products for clients.

Construction sector in Rwanda booms as real estate lags behind

quick survey across the city of Kigali indicates that the construction sector in Rwanda is booming. But it is the high demand in the real estate sector that has been exacerbated by a growing middle class in the country that gives stakeholders sleepless nights. Patrick Sebatigita, CEO of Ujenge Group-a construction company says that the construction sector boom in Rwanda had taken a significant chunk of the GDP, various sectors, infrastructure, offices and developments. “But there is a high demand on real estate that we need to address,” he adds. Patrick says that some factors have deterred the burgeoning real estate in the country. Key among them is high cost of building material that have to be imported. For instance he says, 60% of construction material in Rwanda are imported. And this has caused the cost of houses to sky rocket. The high

interest rates in banks has worsened the situation. “You can really feel the burden of investing in a real estate project because the mortgage interest rates are quite high,” laments Sebatigita who is also a member of Young Presidents’ Association. Tackling the situation governments in the East African Community bloc should provide incentives for manufacturers to produce finishing materials like flooring or ceilings. With population growth of 2.7 per cent and a growing middle class, Rwanda is experiencing a massive boost in the

construction sector and growing demand for real estate developments. However the population growth far exceeds the number of housing units being constructed in a year. In a bid to offer a solution to the housing problem in Rwanda, Ujenge Group constructed first condominium homes in Rwanda. Condominium is the form of housing tenure and other real property where a specified part of a piece of real estate (usually of an apartment house) is individually owned. “We had the first condo,” says sebatigita. “However, we faced all the challenges we can face on such developments but I think that the people were really keen in getting condos.” The Ujenge Group CEO says that Rwanda has a long way to go in terms of really capturing the market but adds that the demand for housing will always be high.

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

NEWS / ETHIOPIA

Construction sector in Ethiopia to modernize

thiopia is seeking to modernize its construction sector by adopting technology. The country’s Ministry of Construction says it has embarked on a preparation plan to modernize Construction sector in Ethiopia in the GTP II period. The planning stage involves heads of regional bureaus and construction stakeholders. Minister of Construction Ambachew Mekonnen at the consultation said the plan is prepared to tackle the hurdles the sector faces and make the construction sector competitive in GTP II. “We intend to identify the challenges facing the construction sector in Ethiopia and forge the best way forward,” he

said. The stakeholders at the consultation discussed on performance and gaps seen in the GTP I period also on activities which would be performed in the coming years. The major bottlenecks in the construction sector during the past years include limited capacity of contractors and consultants, use of outdated technologies, design problems and rent seeking behaviors. Research has shown that the construction sector in Ethiopia will outgrow that of neighbors in the region over the next ten years. BMI Research International had projected that Ethiopia’s construction sector will grow at an annual average growth of 11.6% and will be fueled by a swell in infrastructure investments in the region. In recent days Ethiopia has increased the speed of constructing the Renaissance dam aimed at bolstering its electricity production. Although opposed by Egypt, upon completion the

dam is set to be the largest hydro dam in Africa. Late last year, the Ethiopian Roads Authority began the construction of what it says will be a major expressway which, upon completion in five years, will help ease traffic that has been forecast for the next 21 years. Ethiopia has been grappling with decades of dilapidated transport networks but has been working tirelessly to boost its infrastructure. For instance this year, it launched the first rail network system. With an annual economic growth of 10%, Ethiopia is emerging to be the fastest growing country in Africa.

Construction of US$ 94m Stadium Ethiopia to commence soon

The Ethiopian government has signed a US$ 94m agreement that will see the commencement of the construction of a 60,000 modern national stadium in Ethiopia that will enable the country host Olympic Games in the future. Minister for Youth and Sports, Mr. Redwan Hussien confirmed the reports and said that the sports sector is fully committed to the project and that it will be carried out within 900 days by the

Chinese State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC). “We as the sports ministry are fully supportive to this mega project and we anticipate that it will enable us host the Olympic Games in future,” Mr. Hussein said. He further said that the Chinese company was selected based on its quality service and its experiences in similar projects in other countries. The stadium will be enormous as it will have the capacity to have parking for about 10,000 cars at a time and the upper part of the stadium will have a fiber glass. This is not the only stadium that is set to change Ethiopia’s look; Bahir Dar, Hawassa, Makalle, Nekemte, Assosa, Woldia, Dire Dawa and Gambella are

January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

among the stadiums which have already began hosting national and international tournaments . According to the Public Relations Ministry, various sports academies and facilities are also under construction and much focus is also given to the construction of sports training centers and academies in GTP II. CSCEC is one of the most integrated construction and real estate conglomerates in China with the longest history of specialized operation and market-oriented management. It possesses a complete industrial chain of construction products covering technology R/D, design, construction contracting, property development, manufacturing of equipment and property management. CSCEC is the only construction enterprise in China certified for 3 top grade Qualifications, as well as for “1+4” Qualifications and Grade A Qualification for project design in the construction industry.

PROFILE

Zenith Steel Fabricators Ltd. Taking the multi-storey Steel building technology in East Africa to another level The company has delivered several highrise projects that have become huge commercial success stories in East Africa

TMulti Storey Buildings in steel is a trend that is fast breaking the dominance of conventional brick and mortar buildings that have for decades shaped East Africa’s skyline. While it is a recent adoption in Africa, the buildings have been used extensively in developed countries since 1940’s.With today’s advanced technology and innovations, the use of structural steel and concrete composite design is being applied in the construction of multi storey buildings. Backed by expertise and experience acquired over a period spanning close to 4 decades, Zenith Steel Fabricators Limited has taken the mantle of leading the market in the design, fabrication, supply and erection of steel framed multi storey buildings in the East and Central African region. Raheem Biviji, the company’s chief executive officer first observed the building technology while studying civil engineering in the United Kingdom. This was a completely new phenomenon to him. To his consternation, he was later to discover that the technology was already in use for a long time in the West. He would later lead Zenith Steel Fabricators Limited, which at inception in 1977 was a small fabrication workshop, to become a pioneer in multi-storey steel building technology. Today, Zenith Steel has delivered more than 10 magnificent projects in the commercial buildings segment using this technology. One of the buildings by Zenith Steel, the ultramodern 11-storey Sifa Towers, which is located in Hurlingham along Lenana road in Nairobi, is an imposing structure at once aesthetically appealing in its glassy finishing and awe-inspiring in its shape based on the outlook of a Hyperbolic Parabolic Curve. Achieving this shape despite the use of multi-storey steel system in its construction was amazing, and demonstrates not only the versatility of the technology, but also impressive creativity and innovation from the project’s design team. Appropriately named, Quality Centre is one of the biggest shopping malls in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, which was

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

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PROFILE

The Kithiki tower in Mombasa, also erected by Zenith Steel Fabricators is one of the sturdiest buildings in Kenya today. also constructed by Zenith Steel using the same multi-storey steel building technology. The mall has over 70 shops and restaurants under one roof with Uchumi Supermarket as one of the major tenants. The Kithiki tower in Mombasa has been acknowledged as one of the sturdiest buildings in Kenya today. This is another of Zenith Steel Fabricators jewels. A notable upcoming undertaking is the Africab building to be constructed in Tanzania. Zenith has also built a residential building in Eldoret with steel, which is turning out to be a centre of attraction for the region. Raheem offers that multi-storey building technology is a trend that is gaining pace in Kenya with the potential to partially replace reinforced cement concrete. . Contrary to using reinforced cement concrete, in multi-storey steel building, the structure is designed and assembled in the workshop and then later while on site, the steel is fixed to come up with the desired building. This approach reduces the time it takes to build with steel frames by about 50 per cent. This is due to the fact that most of the materials used are designed and assembled in a workshop ready for installation with precise quality and minimal wastage . The sequence of in-house operations makes all weather construction possible. Coupled with minimum onsite labour, the short period taken by the project translates to lower costs of construction. Time saving facilitates earlier revenue generation for developers. It took seven months for the structural steelwork frame to be completed for Sifa Towers, eventually taking a total of one-and half-years for the whole building to complete; including the civil works, interior design, plumbing and electricals. Due to the strength of steel which allows for longer spans than con-

crete, fewer columns are erected when setting up the structure. This is especially suitable for parking areas. With this technology, internal props and shuttering are not required. Another area which favours steel over concrete is in typical warehouse construction, where the much longer spans required is easily achieved with steel. Putting up a multi-storey Steel building The requirement for a firm foundation is universal. Constructing a multi-storey building starts with laying of the foundation in concrete by the civil contractor. This forms a firm support for the steel columns, which are erected vertically. After that, horizontal steel beams are placed, and the secondary beams added to form a grid. Steel floor decking sheets are then drilled to the grid, plain concrete spread over it by the contractor and the first floor of the building is done. The process of erecting columns and laying beams is repeated for the remaining floors to have a buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s steel frame. The flooring is done by steel decking sheets. They are designed and specified to be strong and of high intensity, making them resistant to cracking, warping or splitting. They are never affected by changes in temperature or humidity and can even withstand earthquakes. After the decking sheet layer, concrete is spread on it. One of the reasons why the concept

did not take root in Kenya much earlier is the very technology that it is based on. Indeed steel work is not mason work; steel framing requires higher technology for construction and maintenance. The technology has not been easily available in the region, and as aforementioned, Zenith Steel is the bona fide pioneer of multi-storey building technology in East Africa. Lack of new technologies in steel fabrication and construction has for a long time made development in steel work restricted to the West. Also, one of the biggest challenges with steel-framed buildings is precision entailed on the brackets sizes, bolt holes. The capacity of CAD/CAM at design and fabrication level requires intensive training to attain coupled with detailing at the site while erecting. The commercial success of buildings constructed using multi-storey steel building technology has indeed proved persuasive for potential developers and Zenith Steel is poised to consolidate market leadership by taking on the challenge of meeting the resulting demand. An added plus is that this green leaning technology is also supportive of sustainable development, by reducing deforestation for timber. According to Raheem, adopting multi-storey steel construction is one way of reducing the use of timber during construction, as steel can be recycled and re-used. This ensures that the environment is protected for current and

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

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•Distribution. •Warehousing. •Bulk Cargo. •Consolidation. •Project Cargo •Crane hire

We are proud to be associated with Zeneth Steel Fabricators Ltd Panal Plaza, Changamwe Off Portreitz rd. Adjacent to MTC P.o. box 41458 - 80100, Mombasa Tel: +254 726 329 299 Email: info@panalfreighters.com | www.panalfreighters.com January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

MANUFACTURERS LIMITED

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Manufactures of: •Duramax Industrial Paints •Nitro Automotives Paints •Sunmaster Paints and Allied Products

We are Proud to be Associated with Zenith Steel Fabricators Limited Ol Kalou Rd, Off Nanyuki Rd, Industrial Area. P.O. Box 9769 - 00200 Nairobi Kenya. Cell: 0721 591 437 / 0789 237 363 / 0770 671 821 Email: bstmanufacturers@gmail.com

PROFILE

Inaya Group Limited A unique approach to real estate project management

n a constantly changing business environment and a marketplace increasingly characterized by cut-throat competition, it is those companies that treat their customers with respect and individuality, anticipating and meeting or even surpassing their expectations, that are poised for success in the new business arena. These are the new market leaders that will continue to define the standards on which those intending to succeed benchmark themselves with. For the rest the message is clear, R.I.P! The Inaya Group is one of those firms that have established a culture of robust customer-focused approach based on the need to meet the needs of a more aware, sophisticated and demanding customer. The Inaya Group is a name that was

adopted after a rebranding exercise that saw Pinnacle Projects International Ltd realign their brand architecture and change their business portfolio change designed to mirror the growth and transformation of the company. The name Inaya is a Swahili word which means Guardianship or Providence, and conveys The Inaya Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disposition of working cohesively alongside all stakeholders in the projects they handle. The name Inaya Group presents a conceptual imagery consistent with that of the flexible, cooperative methods necessary for growth and success within the real estate industry. It is a promise of peace of mind for clients from the onset. This is how the Inaya Group has grown, becoming one of the most sought after firms by developers and investors in the real estate industry with a formidable wealth of expertise and ex-

Mr. Edward Mwaniki Chief Executive officer Construction Project Management perience marched by few in the market. Inayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision is to ultimately achieve the status of an African real estate conglom-

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

PROFILE estate and finance industries including clients, consultants, contractors, special servicers, and financiers. In this respect, each relationship has become a strategic alliance forged by dedication. In turn, Inaya’s organization’s purpose has burgeoned; leading to adoption of a refined approach in all operations and interactions.

Eng. Mbugua Kamau Chairman Project Management and Civil Engineering erate providing innovative solutions in diverse projects. One of its key strengths is being able to recognize and attract talent, and also to develop numerous invaluable relationships with a variety of key contacts across all spectrums of the real

Development Management At Inaya Group Ltd, Development Management entails pulling together and defining the Client’s financial, environmental, political and physical objectives that shall translate the Client’s vision into reality. Emphasis on excellence in every aspect of the process is an imperative, then. In this regard, Inaya Group’s project implementation is grounded in international Project Management Standards as per the guidelines outlined by the United States Project Management Institute, ISO 10006 (Quality Management – Guidelines in Project Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management

Systems). Program Management The Group’s Program Management Office will have oversight of the purpose and status of all projects in a Program and can use this oversight to support project-level activity to ensure the overall program goals are met, possibly by providing a decision-making capacity that cannot be achieved at project level or by providing the program perspective when required, or as a sounding board for ideas and approaches to solving project issues that have program impacts. The office will resource sufficient insight of the risk, issues, requirements, design or solution to be able to usefully manage the project(s). Financial Management Project Finance Management The Inaya team carries out the preparation of financial models for projects and undertakes to develop, appraise and review options with the project financier and project team. They also

Xenocon

Consulting Engineers

BRIEF HISTORY

Since inception in 1996, Cobeam Designs has offered Consulting Engineering Services to Civil and Structural Engineering projects of varying scope and complexities. The Company was incorporated in 2010 as a Limited Liability Company.

We Are Proud to be Associated With Inaya Group Projects

Our Clientele ranges from Individuals, Banks, Universities & Other Educational Institutions, Manufacturers, Supermarkets, Petroleum dealers, Hotels, Tea and Dairy Factories

Cobeam Designs Ltd is proud to be associated with Inaya Group Suite No.1, Maina House, Off Westlands Road P.O Box 657 – 00100, G.P.O, NAIROBI, KENYA Tel: +254 (20) 2103648 / +254722755142 Email: info@cobeamdesigns.co.ke cobeamdesigns@gmail.com January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

P.O. Box 59385 - 00200 Nairobi Mobile: 0723 580 925 / 0733 745 762 E-mail: info@xenoconce.co.ke

PROFILE

Inaya Group Limited

A unique approach to real estate project management Contd from pg 19 ensure cost-effective project implementation by establishing realistic project budgets against which expenditures can be controlled. By budgeting and planning the funds for procurement and sourcing of materials, the Inaya team ensures optimum utilization of materials, maximum cost savings and meeting of anticipatory orders for monthly sales. The team also executes project cash flow planning by earned value management or estimate at completion. Finance Procurement Management Inaya Group offers procurement services and helps identify right suppliers of construction services, plant, labour, materials as well as setting out the Draft pre-qualification criteria for suppliers of Plan contracting including tendering and bidding, which goes a long way in achieving reduction in prices and timely delivery. Further, the Group oversees follow-up with vendors for timely deliveries, release schedules, quality checks and ensure timely payments to vendors. Real Estate Development Inaya Group is now offering vertically integrated real estate development services to its Clients. This has been the natural evolution for this established construction project manager. What this means is that the design build services and solutions, construction project management, property and facility management services all come together under one umbrella, enhancing value and facilitating more effective management of the long-term interests of our Clients and Investors. Among the most significant completed projects by the Inaya Group team is the iconic KCB Group Fund building, on Upper Hill Nairobi, Kenya, where their detail involved Finance procurement; Feasibility study; Preparation of overall project brief and plan (programme); Coordination of meetings on both design consultants and the KCB Pension Fund Board (Client). The Inaya team also undertook Progress monitoring and re-

porting, Mitigation of risks and disputes as well as valuation of payments and approvals. Other projects include the magnificent Willow Park, Serene Valley, Windsor Park and Namanisho Park in the residential developments sector, as well as the Osotua Villas project which is ongoing. Facilities Management As an increasing number of multi-unit residential buildings have been developed over recent years, the demand for facilities management has also grown accordingly. Inaya groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thorough understanding of project delivery enables them effectively play their role as the Facilities Manager - to organize, control and coordinate the strategic and operational management of buildings and facilities in order to ensure the proper and efficient operation of all its physical aspects, creating and sustaining safe and productive environments for residents.

Inaya groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thorough understanding of project delivery enables them effectively play their role as the Facilities Manager

Procurement and Purchasing Management This alleviates stress and pressure on the client from having to shop around for materials and finishes specified. Inaya group offers a concierge service by procuring and expediting these items on behalf of the client. This phase includes getting the best suppliers and rates on the materials, following up on lead-times, managing the receipt and inspection of all materials, scheduling delivery and preparing for installation in the case of construction finish materials such as joinery (wardrobes and cabinets), floor finishes such as tiles, sanitary and other furnishing at the final stage of the project. The Inaya team works hand in hand with the design team to ensure that the materials and finishes specified are of the quality that the Client envisaged.

We are Proud to be Associated With INAYA GROUP LTD in their Projects

Get intouch Morning side Office Park 3rd Fl, Ngong Road, Kilimani. P.O. Box 605, 00100 - Nairobi, Kenya, +254 (0)20 230 0284-7 +254 (0)729 381 360 info@norkun.com East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

PROFILE

CAS CONSULTANTS LTD: Experience, teamwork, professionalism and a wide network for thoroughly professional services

tarted in 1988, CASConsultants Ltd is a Kenyan firm of Consulting Engineers and Environmentalists offering under one roof, project management services and the full range of engineering and environmental services including Civil& Structural (Roads, Water supply and Sanitation), Electrical and Mechanical engineering, environmental studies/ environmental impact assessments, socio-economic and institutional studies. It specifically provides services in Transportation, Buildings, Urban and Rural Development, Water Supply, Drainage and Sewerage, Irrigation and Agricultural Engineering and Environmental Studies and Environmental Impact Assessments.The firm is a member of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Kenya (ACEK) which is affiliated to the International Federation of Consulting Engineers - FIDIC and the Association of Professional Societies of East Africa. The offices are located on Rhapta Road, Westlands Nairobi. CAS Consultants Ltdplays the role of Lead consultant and Project Managers in projects requiring multi-disciplinary participation. Through technical co-operation with specialists and associate consultants in various fields, the company has delivered a lot of projects in the region. Solid working relationships have been formed with various professionals

in related fields including surveyors, engineers, environmentalists, sociologists and economists - professionals in the building and construction industry and management consultants. Occasionally, the firm deploys consultants in various fields to supplement, if necessary, the in-house key personnel in undertaking specialised studies. Led by Dr. Eng. Sebastian Mwarania, the Firm is registered by the Ministry of Infrastructure both as Roads and Civil / Structural Engineering Consultants and Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources as a Consulting firm in water engineering and associated environmental studies/environmental impact assessments, socio-economic and institutional studies. To deliver on their promise, the company has a rich reservoir of experience. On its ranks, CAS Consulting Engineers employs on a permanent basis 16 Roads Engineers, 15 Water Engineers, 12 Structural/Bridge Engineers, 11 public health specialists, 4 Environmentalists with upto about 200 employees indicating an ability to tackle projects of any magnitude and complexity. The professional diversity embraced enables the firm to widen its scope of operations to cover larger spectrum of engineering projects that have an impact in various sectors including Transportation, Construction, Urban and Rural Develop-

January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

ment, Water, Irrigation and Agriculture as well as the Environment. CAS Consultants has undertaken several projects through feasibility studies, planning, design, supervision, and contract administration and specialised studies for the Kenyan Government institutions, East African Community, Nepad (Eastern Africa), Non-Governmental Organisations and private sectors financed by locally or by Development Partners (African Development Bank (AfDB) and World Bank).Some of the agencies and organizations that CAS has worked and continues to work with include;the Ministry Of Infrastructure, Kenya National Highways Authority,Kenya Rural Roads Authority, Kenya Rural Roads Authority and the Kenya Roads Board, the Kenya WildlifeService and Kenya Pipeline Company. In the water sector, CAS Consultants has handled projects forThe Ministry of Water and Irrigation, Ewaso Nyiro North Development Authority, National Water Conservation And Pipeline Corporation, National Irrigation Board and the Lake Basin Development Authority, Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company. The Rift Valley South Water Services Board, Ministry of Agriculture, Athi Water Services Board, Ministry Of Environment and Natural Resources add to this list.

Contd on pg 19

PROFILE

Mak Consultants:

Mak Consultants: QS Firm stands tall in experience and professionalism in construction industry The firm has undertaken an impressive array of projects across Kenya for over three decades

AK Consultants is a professional consultancy practice offering independent quantity surveying, project management, arbitration, building economics and other consultancy services related to different aspects of construction. The practice has extensive experience over its 35 years of existence and has undertaken projects of all type and magnitude in Kenya. The wide range of construction jobs Mak Consultants has undertaken in the country covers various sectors of the economy and includes developments such as housing estates – houses as well as apartment blocks and office complexes, Schools, Hospitals, Industrial developments and Refurbishments. The MAK Consultants professionals’ wealth of experience and expertise is seen in the numerous projects they have handled, such as those involving development of office blocks, Banking facilities, schools, civil works, hospitals, hotels, banks and go-downs in various towns in Kenya. Due to the successful delivery of projects’ of various magnitudes and complexity handled this far, MAK Consultants, which is based in Nairobi, has inspired remarkable respect

and confidence in the construction industry as one of the better recognized names in the profession. The firm has also excelled in handling projects for governments, parastatals, and commercial as well as private clients. Some of the impressive projects undertaken among many include: Harambee Co-op Plaza, numerous bank branches for Co-op Bank, Barclays, KCB etc ABC Bank Headquarters, Westlands, numerous KP & T exchange building/ substations and branch headquarters, housing estate and civil works for Kenya Pipeline, KPCU Coffee Ghala

ARCHITECHS, PLANNERS INTERIOR DESIGNERS & PROJECT MANAGER

We are proud to be associated with Mak Consultants Projects Lavington Shopping Centre. P.o. box 74801-00200, Nairobi, Kenya. Tel/Fax: 4348697, Mobile: 0733 - 609 910 Email: Info@udesign.co.ke • Website:www.udesign.co.ke East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

PROFILE

/ stores, Embu Hospital for the M.O.H. Proposed container depot at Malaba for KPA, proposed housing for Kenya Civil Servants Welfare Association. Our on-going and recently completed projects include:Kencom Housing Project ,Runda, Apartments and Town Houses in Lavington for Kibuwa Enterprises, Ruz Tourist Hotel, Hurlingham, Office Block and Apartments, Mazera Road for Globe

Pharmacy, offices and Godowns at EPZ Ruaraka for Balaji(EPZ) Ltd. Mak Consultants has acted both as Lead Consultants and Managers in the project projects. The firm has also been involved in various arbitrations to settle disputes between developers (clients) and contractors. The projects handled are indeed a confident capability statement for Mak

We are proud to be affiliated with

Consultants quantity surveyors. Mak Consultants is committed to professionalism and provides accurate services, with careful consideration for cost and time therefore adding value to clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; projects. The firm achieves this also by coordinating and augmenting services offered by the other consultancy team players to ensure superior quality delivery of projects.

MAK CONSULTANTS

The Kencom Housing Estate Runda

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Muthithi road 14, Apic Center Westlands, Nairobi, +254 (0)723 309 939 info@batavia-international.com www.batavia-international.com

January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

HOUSING

Prefabricated homes

offer solution to world’s housing crisis M Sharique Anwar, International Sales & Marketing Department at SPEED HOUSE GROUP Prefabricated buildings are gaining ground in each part of world because of its sustainability, cost-effectiveness and flexibility in design

Mr. Michel D Hanna of SPEED HOUSE GROUP is right when he says that the idea of prefabricated construction is the holy grail not only for the people at the base of the economic pyramid but also for the wealthy because of its versatile applications and design flexibility. We are witnessing that situation across the world is changing very fast due to social, political and financial upheavals. One of the most burning problems the human race faces today is the problem of shelters. Hundreds of thousands of people are becoming homeless with each passing day. Women and children are spending days and nights in the open sky. No roof over their heads. It poses a big question mark on our human ethics, doesn’t it? This article focuses on a new approach to housing in light of these external factors and places emphasis on factory built prefabricated homes. The aim is to enhance the knowledge about the prefab housing because of the sky-rocketing price of the conventional homes. What is prefabricated house? An industrial process on the basis of which some or all elements of the house are built inside a specialized facility and shipped to the project site to erect the desired building structure. It is less time consuming as compared to conventional building method because the latter requires all the construction elements transported to the project site for erection. In prefabricated construction, only foundations are laid out in this way, whereas other parts like floors, walls and roofs are transported to the site after factory fabrication.

Classification of Prefabricated house: On the basis of dimension, these two kinds of prefabricated units are much popular across the globe. What is the benefit of prefabricated house? There is a plethora of benefits in offsite prefabrication. While considering other benefits, the first that comes to the fore is the economic advantage it offers to the builders and buyers. The lesser construction time, the lesser labor cost Since the concept itself lies on the factory built modules, two or more activities can be performed at the project site which results into speedy project execution. It makes a big difference to the property developer where time is more important than money. Mr. Michel D Hanna, the Group GM of SPEED HOUSE GROUP, AJMAN – UAE based company, opines that a conventional home requires more than 6 months whereas the prefabricated one can be built within a month. Higher Quality and consistency Before shipping the construction elements to the project site for final installation, quality check-up is run against each and every component by the industry experts. It boosts up the confidence of buyers as prefabricated homes are constructed in a quality controlled

environment adhering to certain quality policy. Energy Efficiency and sustainability The innate characteristics of prefabricated building is it is sustainable. As most of the parts of the building are constructed in the factory as per the QHSE rules and regulations, it produces less wasteful materials. Year-round construction Prefab construction is independent of weather conditions as most of the parts are built indoors. It results into higher work efficiency and speedy completion. Conclusion: Prefabricated buildings are gaining ground in each part of world because of its sustainability, cost-effectiveness and flexibility in design. While on the one hand, it offers solution to the ongoing housing shortage for deprived and low-income classes, it offers solution to the oil & gas, power & energy, civil & infrastructure industries in equal measure. It fits in well with the latter’s requirements of temporary facilities like labor camps, site offices, mess hall, kitchens, toilets, prayer rooms, clinics etc. Mr. Hanna is right when he says that the idea of prefabricated construction is the holy grail not only for the have-nots but also for the haves because of its versatile applicability and dynamic profiling.

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

HOUSING

KOTO HOUSING:

A revolutionary approach to affordable housing

The KOTO Housing technology could save home owners huge amounts of money on a per metre basis, in addition to supporting buildings that are durable and secure.

rban populations are growing at a rate much faster than can be absorbed and managed, causing demands on services and infrastructure that massively outstrip supply. Twenty-two percent of Kenyans live in cities, and the urban population is growing at an annual rate of 4.2 percent. With this level of growth, Nairobi alone requires at least 120,000 new housing units annually to meet demand, yet only 35,000 homes are built, leaving the housing deficit growing bsy 85,000 units per year. As a result of this mismatched supply and demand, housing prices have increased 100 percent since 2004. This pushes lower income residents out of the formal housing market and

January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

into the slums. Companies are responding to these dynamics by offering innovative alternative building technologies. Koto Housing Kenya, a firm manufacturing under license from Koto Corporation in Malaysia, is offering innovative building solutions, which accord investors significant savings in terms of time and money. The technology enables the building materials to be manufactured in the company and transported to the building site all at once; therefore eliminating the cost incurred transporting conventional materials which normally take up to 60 percent of the total cost. The materials are assembled within the shortest time possible, saving on time and prevents wastage of materials unlike when using conventional building materials. According to Mr. George

HOUSING Adulu, of KOTO Housing, the technology could save home owners huge amounts of money on a per metre basis, in addition to supporting buildings that are durable and secure. With this technology, the contractor does not need to be stationed at the site, as when putting up a brick and mortar structure. Furthermore, it reduces pilferage which is common among construction workers which ends up raising the overall cost of construction. A guarantee of not less than 50 years is given on the houses so constructed, and clients can rest assured that despite the departure from brick and mortar, there is no compromise on security and occupants’ safety. In case of fire, the material has a self-distinguishing feature that is among the most reassuring features of structures constructed using KOTO technology. Furthermore, the material is made to achieve excellent thermal resistance, and this makes for suitability for any environment as it is able to resist the effects of temperature fluctuations. In minus 30 degrees temperatures such as the Koto Korea plant for example, K-Blocks are manufactured anywhere from 250mm to 300mm thick ( .45 U-value) to protect end users against severe winter temperatures, herein requiring only small heating apparatus for family homes. The reverse weather conditions are also well handled by the Koto technology, as heat is well regulated by special insulation methodology. The economy in use of space is also a convincing argument in favour of Koto technology. According to Mr. Adulu, their designs utilize minimum space yet support sturdy, comfortable and luxurious buildings. Working with carefully selected architects and consultants, a collection of ready designs are available at the

With the KOTO technology, you not only save on labour costs, but there is also no loss of material as the basic blocks of the structure are done in a controlled environment. facility, and clients can also come with their own which can guide company’s team assemble the building façade at the plant. He adds that all that one needs to do is to provide the particulars of the house to be constructed and a list of all prefab walling panels will be prepared. The blocks prepared are considerably light weight and this eliminates the need for the wall to support its own dead load weight, in keeping with the objective of the technology. It needs very little structural depth, underlining the materials’ versatility. The raft slab foundations provide for ease and speed of installation, a guaranteed network of beams connecting to a thickened perimeter edge beam, reinforcing steel in the right place, with less concrete required. It also ensures termite resistance without the use of chemicals, and gives an overall excellent

performance. With the KOTO technology, you not only save on labour costs, but there is also no loss of material as the basic blocks of the structure are done in a controlled environment. Koto housing maintains a higher value compared to conventional construction and installation is completed quickly as the young professional Koto Kenya team dedicates to transform the construction industry. They work closely with Banks and Valuation professionals, engineers, architects, contractors and developers committed to making a difference. Home owners no longer need to wait one to three years anymore as they can enjoy the comfort and benefits of a Koto home in just 30 days. Mr. Adulu says that Koto Housing expects to make an impact using the EPS panels if adopted in dispensary, apartment and hostel construction which is also another area with heavy demand. Koto housing maintains a higher value compared to conventional construction and installation is completed quickly as the young professional Koto Kenya team dedicates to transform the construction industry. They work closely with Banks and Valuation professionals, engineers, architects, contractors and developers committed to making a difference.

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

ENGINEERING

Consulting engineers need to embrace Cloud Technology

asic business principles and cloud technology platforms need to be considered if the consulting engineering sector wants to stay afloat. In amongst a myriad of issues, the industry suffers significantly due to a chasm between the actual costs of a project versus the fees derived from scales that are quoted to win business. Simon Berry, director, Fresh Projects, an online business management platform, says that it is critical that consulting engineers rely less on what is now a defunct fee-scale structure and rather find a new technology driven way to calculate appropriate fees. “There are too many consulting engineers who resort to offering heavily discounted project fees against the fee-scale structure, without knowing the actual cost of the project. This effectively reduces profitability to unrealistic lows and makes for an uneven playing field. It is also dangerous as businesses make losses they are not necessarily aware of when quoting,” says Berry. This approach has such significant knock-on effects and does not bode well for the future of the industry in terms of general business growth, overall profit-

ability and skills development. Understanding that there are time constraints when quoting and pressures to win business, Fresh Projects has developed a cloud-based business management solution that is tailor made for the South African built environment professionals. Berry says that it ensures the financial sustainability of businesses and assists in understanding the real costs of a project: “Using the system will immediately enable the business to control their profitability and will enable the engineer to have an accurate benchmark with which to work for future projects.” Getting the costs right, according to Berry, is critical as the current trend of massive discounting will continue the downward spiral and result in massive damage to the industry and economy overall. He says that work supply could already be at a dangerous low based on the near completion of projects that started post the 2008 recession: “We find it useful to use the civil engineering sector as a business barometer as they tend to lead the rest of the industry. Most projects first start with civil’s enablement work such as roads, water and sewerage. This is then followed by other

January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

services such as structural, electrical, mechanical and architectural.” A significant drop seen in the civil sector, coupled with the fee-scale discounting issues will adversely affect the market. “Not only will there be less work, but the fees earned, based on uninformed discounting, will make it near impossible to declare any reasonable profits. This will not only kill an industry, but it also sends the skills within the industry packing.” Berry says in a plight to be more fairly remunerated many engineers move into other sectors or immigrate to get better salaries and growth opportunities: “This adds to an already acute skills shortage within the engineering sector in South Africa.” Adding to the uncertainty, he says that the competition commission has been investigating the fee-scale practice for the past five years, which was banned in the United Kingdom over 20 years ago: “It is becoming more important that professionals rely less on fee-scales and work out their fees from basic business principles using an online system that makes the process not only seamless, but easy, quick and accurate.”

ENGINEERING

Embrace technology and innovation Women engineers in Kenya urged

Lucy Mutinda, 34, hopes to spur positive change in Nairobi

omen engineers in Kenya have been challenged to embrace technology and innovation instead of striving to compete with their men counterparts. Speaking during an event organized by the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) women chapter in Nairobi to sensitize women engineers on their role, Chairperson Eng. Rosemary Kung’u said women in the profession should be creative and at ease in adopting technology to boost their skills. “As women engineers we should be in the forefront in regards to using computer aided engineering software in a bid to stay relevant in the current fast changing world,” She said. Urging women engineers to register massively as members of the Institution of Women Engineers, Eng. Kung’u said their strength relied on their numbers. “Together we stand divided we fall,” she cautioned. She urged women engineers from all over the country to come out and enjoy their profession despite all the responsibilities that surrounds them

especially at family level. The event sponsored by the Kenya Roads Board and Safaricom Foundation was aimed at gauging the level of awareness on the current technology trends among women engineers in Kenya. Safaricom runs network of passionate ambitious women working within Technology related careers across industry, dubbed Women in Technology where they mentor, support and enhance their skills. Speaking at the same event, IEK Chairman Reuben Kosgei, said that since its inception in 1972, the body has continued to support engineers at all levels. “Over the years, we have endevoured to support engineering professionals in Kenya. He thanked the women chapter for supporting women engineers saying that IEK will continue working with them to ensure the profession attracts more women.” The chief guest of the event was Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Professor Olive Mugenda who advised women to be strong and focused. In her speech dubbed women and leadership, Prof

Mugenda Mugenda noted that few girls were being enrolled in the engineering course translating to few women in the profession. And this is because they do not excel in mathematics and sciences subjects necessary for one to take the course at university level. “Over the years, girls have performed poorly in sciences and this has deterred them from studying engineering,” She observed. Prof Mugenda told women that nothing comes in a silver platter urging them to be well prepared for opportunities. The IEK Women Engineer Chapter was formed in March 2013 to distinguish women engineers in Kenya from men engineers and also encourage women to pursue a career in engineering. Statistics show that out of the slightly over 2,124 registered engineers in the country, only 170 are women, this is only 8 per cent of the total. In a move to improve these numbers, the Women Engineering chapter seeks to recognize and honor women in the engineering sector; acknowledge employers who employ women engineers as well as organize conferences and seminars.

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

ENGINEERING

Ifast Engineering Solutions Limited: growth through passion for engineering, enthusiasm and innovation

peaking to Eng. Bernard Mwangi of Ifast Engineering Solutions Limited, it soon becomes obvious that he is in close contact with his clients. As we conduct our interview we patiently watch him respond to client queries and give directions to his team in the field, a beehive of activity during January when, he admits, business is always slow. Indeed the demand for attention from clients never lets up. There are times when the day is perhaps too short! It is a mark of remarkable growth for the young company, which is steadily surging into the engineering services market with eyes firmly focused on regional market leadership. And to make its mark in a market dominated by much older engineering concerns, Ifast has sought to enhance its footprint simply by being different, and by investing in

the energy of a team of focused and enthusiastic professionals who have intertwined personal development with the company’s growth. Indeed the youthful CEO attributes the rapid growth to continuous innovation and sharp, dedicated and highly motivated staff who are empowered and inspired by the company’s ethos; and who have approached their jobs with very focused minds, following a value system based on commitment, value, quality and trust. Being able to deliver on some of the most challenging and time consuming engineering design jobs has gained Mwangi and his team considerable respect with clients. Eng. Mwangi avers that the company puts a lot of emphasis on all-round training and continuous skills upgrade to equip staff with necessary competence to handle even the

January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

most daunting client queries, and to offer fast, expertly designed electrical engineering solutions and services. “Some of the solutions we provide are so complex and time and energy draining that apart from the monetary value, being able to deliver them to happy, satisfied clients is the ultimate reward,” says Mwangi. Consistently meeting higher expectations from clients demonstrates the passion with which Mwangi and his team have set out to curve out an indelible mark in the competitive market, and grow beyond borders. A few of the offerings from Ifast Engineering Services include Power consultation and Service Selection, Power instrumentation and controls, Inverter power back-up systems sales and installation, Solar pv system design and installation and Electrical

ENGINEERING contract work. Some of the solar power products on offer include: Colour Panels SPECIFICATIONS / FEATURES •The color back sheet (yellow base) can be changed to match any color of your choice giving a unique custom appearance. •The full color (purple base) is the most vibrant option. Has high efficiency silicon modules. no EVA, no TPT and no glass •10 year warranty •Available for any QSolar panel type •10x the impact strength of glass •PID free •No exposed metal parts •No earthing required. TRANSLUCENT SPECIFICATIONS / FEATURES •Built with our translucent back sheet which allows the sun to shine through •Available for any power rating from 50w up to 300w The company offers innovative and lasting engineering solutions to the region’s energy problems. “We specialize in provision of fast electrical services and engineering solutions,” says Eng. Mwangi. We have employed the latest technology that best surpasses our clientele needs. Our exceptional solutions are tailor made to meet standards in the Kenyan market and beyond,” says Mwangi. It is a mark of the impression left on clients that Ifast Engineering Solutions Limited has been receiving new contracts from clients who have been directed to Ifast company doors. “Most of our new clients have been referred to us by our existing

clients with whom we have established very good rapport through the brilliant results achieved providing solutions to their engineering problems,” says Mwangi. “With exceptional teamwork at Ifast Engineering, we give our clients superior solutions,” he says. “With passion and enthusiasm, we strive to be cost effective in our solution provision, offer best lead times in delivery of projects, and ensure efficiency in workmanship as well as excellent after-sales service,” he adds. This is how the company seeks to deliver the highest value to clients, suppliers, employees and shareholders in line with its mission of becoming the preferred electrical engineering services company in the region. As we chat, Mwangi speaks with

steadily surging into the engineering services market with eyes firmly focused on regional market leadership.

passion and enthusiasm, occasionally breaking to respond to a customer query. While obviously he is very much a hands-on manager, he insists that he has total confidence in his team, only providing leadership, in the company’s endeavor to be cost effective in solution provision, offer best lead times in delivery of projects, ensure efficiency in workmanship and offer unrivalled after-sales service. Although the company was incorporated as Ifast Engineering Solutions Limited in 2013, operations were already ongoing since 2007, with an emphasis on IT Solutions. With growth and a solid track record, Mwangi

and his team felt the time was right to expand and reach for new horizons. A market research conducted revealed opportunities in the renewable energy sector, potential in solar power particularly evident. With other market players already competing for opportunities, it was felt that the only way to enter the market and make an impact was to be different, to seek perfection in order to guarantee customers satisfaction and value for money. His passion for “green” energy, which he notes presents the greatest growth opportunities for Africa, was his chosen way to introduce Ifast Engineering to the region. He appreciates the leading position that Kenya currently holds on the world map in renewable energy generation. “The resources are there aplenty. What remains is to meet Africa’s development needs by realigning our energy generation strategies, through investment in renewable energy,” he says. Mwangi notes that although Kenya is already taking the lead in renewable energy initiatives in Africa, more needs to be done to stem overreliance on conventional power generation which is capital intensive and environmentally unfriendly. A worrying skills gap in the market is detrimental to the market’s growth, he notes. Mwangi opines that today’s graduate engineers are the products of theory, as they are not allowed enough time on their own – to design, create, break things, rebuild them and grow their abilities. It therefore forces employers to retrain on hiring. Though a young company, Ifast is focused on growth, guided by values upon which they intend to build a regionally trusted name. To achieve this, he says the company intends to continue to adopt new technology to enhance efficiency and quality of workmanship. He also maintains a finger on the pulse of the industry to keep abreast with latest developments and innovations. “We intend to continue delivering the highest value to our clients, suppliers, employees and shareholders as the premier electrical engineering services company in the region. These are innovative and lasting engineering solutions to our region’s energy problems,” Concludes Mwangi.

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

Trident Plumbers

ENGINEERING

achieves impressive growth through a passion for excellence in mechanical engineering

ver period of 25 years, Trident Plumbers has drawn an impressive growth trajectory that has propelled it to the top echelons in the SME category in Kenya, offering a wide range of mechanical engineering services. The company has inspired respect and an enviable reputation as an experienced licensed, skilled mechanical services contractor, serving the corporate and domestic segment in all major cities and rural areas. The company’s footprint now covers all over the East African Region. In addition to undertaking jobs all over Kenya, the company operates an office in Tanzania and is currently working projects in Juba, Southern Sudan. Trident Plumbers has steadily stayed the course in its objectives of attaining (and maintaining) market leadership in the region. Trident Plumbers has achieved growth by keeping its sights focused on the core business of mechanical engineering services contracting, with strict adherence to the highest levels of professionalism and quality. “We offer a wide range of services within our chosen business, pursuing excellence in what we do – offer unrivalled mechanical engineering services, and aiming to meet and surpass client expectations,” says Mr. Naran Kerai, Managing Director at Trident Plumbers Limited. A small portion of services from the wide range that the company offers include; plumbing and drainage, sanitary ware installations, fire fighting services, automatic irrigation systems, air conditioning and ventilation systems, compressed air systems and boiler installations. Trident also offers mechanical engineering solutions for gas and petroleum service systems, health club services, solar water heating systems and water storage facilities and distribution systems. All work carried out by the Trident Plumbers team is designed to meet British and KEBS Standards.

Trident Plumbers is well equipped with enormous potential and specialized staff, numbering 300, enabling it to undertake a large number of all manner of magnitude projects that include top class hotels, hospitals, high-rise buildings, commercial projects and residences, factories, malls, airports as well as health clubs and laboratories among many others. Some notable projects include the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport terminal 3, Safaricom House, Hotel Villarosa Kempinski, the AG’s Chambers among others. The firm has established a proud tradition of offering ongoing services to many of these larger customers, carrying all types of mechanical engineering works. It is during this time that a vast wealth of experience has been gained. Trident Plumbers has in the process woven a wide network of complimentary associated trade and service suppliers bolstering its ability to provide continuous resolution to mechanical services related problems. Mr. Naran says that Trident Plumbers has ensured flexibility to be available to deal with unique customer queries at all times. The company also has a dedicated division that handles various emergency problems for clients, specifically jobs that can only be carried out on

January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

businesses out of hours to prevent loss of trade. The team is readily available to accommodate work times to suit clients’ operating hours. Clients in the hotel and health sector are especially appreciative of this. To maintain the highest standards of service delivery, Trident Plumbers has maintained a policy of hiring top talent from university level, and implements a continuous training regime. In this way, quality of service is consistently maintained, with customer satisfaction the topmost consideration. Mr. Naran maintains that training ensures that the company’s value systems based on quality and integrity is inculcated in the team. Although dealing with jobs from all over the region, Mr. Naran says that the company has no immediate plan to expand into the region, as the potential in Kenya is still huge. He says that the company intends to continue to better serve its existing and new clients within Kenya for the foreseeable future. Trident has been ranked a top 100 SME in a recent survey, Mr. Naran says the company will continue to innovate and benchmark with the very best in the market while keeping tabs on the latest developments in the international arena, for the benefit of clients.

SPECIAL FEATURE

CAS CONSULTANTS Contd from pg 20 The ongoingRoad projects include;Design Review and Construction Supervision of Meru Bypass, Design Review And Construction Supervision Of Grade Separated Interchanges at Nyahururu Turnoff ,Njoro Turnoff and Mau Summit , Rehabilitation of Bachuma Gate–Maji ya Chumvi Section of Nairobi Mombasa Road (A 109), Engineering and Construction Supervision of Mariakani and Athi River Axle Load Control Stations , AFD Road 2000 Programme – Phase 2 in Central Province, Design of Mukuyu-Kisii-Ahero (A1). OngoingBuilding and Structures Projects are;Road Sector Institutions HeadquartersBarabara Plaza, Northern Corridor Transportation Infrastructure Project (NCTIP)Restoration of Public AssetsHoma Bay, Oyugis, Kisumu Marine School & Kisumu Public Works Offices, Naivasha Informal Settlement and the proposed KOTDA

Office Complex for Konza Technopolis Development Authority. Some of the water projects currently ongoing include;Detailed Design and Tender Documentation for Mt Elgon, Bungoma and Busia Water and Sanitation Project, Supervision of Construction Works for Muruny (Siyoi) Kapenguria Water Project Lot 2: Water Supply Component, Supervision of Construction works in Informal Settlements - Cluster 2:- Naivasha Sub-County in Nakuru County, Infrastructure Upgrading Plans, and detailed Engineering Designs in Informal Settlements (Nairobi, Naivasha & Machakos), Isiolo Dam, Thwake Multipurpose Dam Project, Masinga-Kitui Water Supply and Sewerage Project, Kenya Airways, B.A.T (Kenya) Limited, Panari Enterprises Limited. General Motors (Kenya) Limited and Kengen are some key concerns whose projects have been undertaken by CAS. The firm also enjoys cordial rela-

tionships with a number of International and locally based firms. Currently, the company is working closely with several other companies, consultants beingSNA Civil and Stuctural Engineers,Intercontinental Consultants and Technocrats Pvt. Ltd. (ICT),Techniplan International Consulting, Conte Design Architects, Edon Consultants Architects, Songa Ogoda Associates(Quantity Surveyors), Feradon(M&E), Quontconsult(QS), Associated Consultants(M&E), SK Archplan(Architects), Servconsult(M&E). The contractors also as follows: Syno Hydro Corporation Co. Ltd, IVRCL Limited, Toddy Civil Engineering LTD, China Dalian INTERNATIONANL Economic & Technical Cooperative Group Co. Ltd, Shengli Engineering Construction Group Co Ltd, Njuca Consolidated Co. Ltd, H-Young & Co (E.A) Ltd,China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group Co. Ltd, Jet Builders & Construction Ltd,Fatah Construction and Civil Works Ltd and Kundan Signh

How to Paint Bricks to Look Vintage

hitewash catches the light and looks vintage chic. Bricks have some degree of vintage charm inherently. Interior walls, exterior walls, trim and fireplace facades all gain an extra touch of romance when they’re made of brick. In some rooms, however, traditional red brick can feel dark and industrial, and the deep colors might

not coordinate well with your furniture, particularly if you’re style is shabby chic. You can bring your brick wall or trim into line with vintage decor by coating it in a layer of whitewash. 1 Remove the furniture and any other items from the room if you’re painting an indoor surface. Cover the floor in dropclothes, and tape off any molding, trim, light switches and edges of the surface with painter’s tape. Open the windows for ventilation. 2 Mix 5 parts lime with 1 part table salt in a large bucket. If you’re only painting a small area, 5 pounds of lime and 1 pound of salt might be enough; for a whole room or an exterior wall, you

might need 50 pounds of lime and 10 pounds of salt. Slowly add water while stirring the mixture with a paint stirrer. Add water until the mixture is thick but pourable. 3 Paint the whitewash onto the brick using a paintbrush. For a distressed look, apply the whitewash unevenly, so some areas are covered more thickly than others. 4 Wash some of the whitewash off the brick here and there to make the paint job look even older. After the whitewash has had several hours to dry, wipe it with a wet sponge to remove some or all of the coat from that area. 5 Peel off the painter’s tape, remove the dropcloths and return the furniture to the room when the whitewash has dried.

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

SPECIAL FEATURE

How to Remove Paint to Expose an Interior Brick Wall

Removing layers of paint from brick is a timeconsuming process

emoving layers of paint from brick is a time-consuming process. Removing paint from brick can restore the original look but is not a quick task. Brick is porous, so paint sinks into all the grooves on the surface. It is impossible to scrape like wood, and interior walls cannot easily be water- or sand-blasted. Chemical and gel masonry strippers are the solution for inside walls; and while the process of stripping the brick is not complicated, it involves multiple applications of stripper and lots of scrubbing, making it a time-consuming project. Widest Range of Decorative Concrete Solutions 1 Cover the floor in heavy dropcloths or plastic sheeting, securing the edges to the wall with duct or painterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tape. 2 Apply the masonry paint stripper to a small portion of the bottom of the wall with a paintbrush to test the brickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reaction to the chemical. The stripper should be specific to brick rather than concrete. If there is a negative response -- such as the brick or mortar crumbling -- then another compound will need to be used to protect the brick wall from damage. 3 Pull on the safety goggles, a face mask and work gloves to avoid coming into contact with the stripper chemicals or fumes. Pour some of the masonry paint stripper into a small bucket or container and reseal the original container. Position the ladder at one corner of the wall and carefully climb up. 4 Brush the masonry paint stripper generously over the brick wall with the brush, starting with one corner and working outward and downward. Reposition the ladder to work on the top of the wall first all the way across; then

January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

continue working on the next section until the entire brick has been covered in stripper. 5 Wait the amount of time specified by the manufacturer. Then begin at the top of the wall again and scrub the masonry paint stripper off with a stiff-bristled brush. Paint will come off in chunks and flakes; continue to wear the protective gear. Scrub the entire wall with the brush, removing as much of the paint as possible. 6 Wash the brick wall with rags and warm water to remove clinging paint and the stripping compound. Allow it to air-dry. 7 Reapply another layer of masonry paint stripper to remove stubborn paint. Allow it to sit on the brick and scrub again. This step may have to be done several times to get most of the paint off the brick wall. Repeat the rinsing process to remove the stripper. 8 Spray the stripped brick wall with white vinegar, and scrub off any remaining paint residue with a clean brush. Rinse with water.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Infrastructure Projects: The case for integrated risk management and compliance

By Chris van der Walt

...Only a fraction of infrastructure projects envisaged in developing countries get beyond the initial concept and design 36

centralized and integrated approach to risk management and compliance by the infrastructure projects owner, and the regular re-assessment thereof over the lifetime of the project, is increasingly necessary to ensure some form of measurement of sustainability of infrastructure projects. International efforts to create bankable standards for new projects have brought various project phases and main role players closer together but have also highlighted different needs of debt and equity participants. Overall project risk management and compliance should be the domain of the project owners as their interest in the project goes beyond construction and/or debt repayment. A comprehensive compliance track record improves future prospects. Only a fraction of infrastructure projects envisaged in developing countries

get beyond the initial concept and design phase for lack of funding . Increasingly, Governments and SOEs as project owners turn to the private sector for funding of infrastructure projects. Funding only really materializes once a project has reached the so-called bankable stage. Although traditionally only a small percentage of the total project cost, this early-phase development cost is on the increase due to an ever-widening scope and carries high risk. Traditionally, project owners themselves have had to fund the early stage development to get a project to bankability. In other cases, larger construction firms have undertaken this burden as part of their risk-based investment to get the work. In consequence of this fragmented approach to early-stage development, there is little consensus on what constitutes bankability. This lack of uniformity is a major obstacle to funding new projects and internationally efforts are underway to standardize an approach to bankability. This is done

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

INFRASTRUCTURE to facilitate funding for the early-stage development which is also becoming unaffordable for many poorer countries. Sustainability is the single most important criterium for bankability. One international initiative is SuRe® (The Standard for Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure) by the Global Infrastructure Basel Foundation. SuRe® contains 76 criteria against which a new project should be measured over the spectrum of governance, society and the environment. Many more could be added to this but the example suffices. The effect of renewed attention paid to early stage project development is the following: – A clear distinction is drawn (from a funding perspective) between the early phase i.e. concept and design (1-5% of project cost), the construction phase (95% of project cost) and operation and transfer phase. – The three most important themes to measure sustainability are a project’s social and environmental impact and the governance regime applicable. – The increasing importance of the environmental and social impact of projects places them clearly in the early-stage development phase as they determine a project’s initial “go” or “nogo” status. – The importance attached to compliance as part of the governance criteria is increasing, to the extent that failure to develop an adequate compliance plan which includes controls, monitoring and reporting, will cause a project to be redflagged. This means that a project will not become bankable without meeting this requirement, and that it will lose its bankable status if there is a subsequent failure to maintain the regime. The same applies to selected aspects of environmental and social impact such as a failure to implement a proper complaint and dispute resolution mechanism. – It is expected that senior funding agreements, if they don’t already make provision therefor, will be adjusted to compensate the funder for failures to maintain governance regimes submitted in evidence of bankability. This aspect further pre-supposes continuous reassessment of every project from beginning to end. – The development of risk management and compliance protocols for a project in the concept and design phase

is no longer something on a project’s “to do” list, but must have been be completed and monitoring begun with in order to attain bankability. On-going monitoring and reporting across the entire spectrum of project endeavours will become the norm – at least until the senior debt has been repaid. Regardless of who actually puts up the funds for early stage project development, the requirements of the senior debt funder must already be met in the design phase and continued to be met for at least as long as any part of the debt remains outstanding. This makes the senior debt funder the most influential role player in determining governance criteria and characteristics, including risk management and compliance. In short, the requirements of the senior debt funder will create the foundation for the project, its governance framework and the manner in which it is managed. Risk management and compliance as so-called “red flag” areas are here to stay. Banks are the main senior debt funders in infrastructure projects. Internationally, banks are also leaders in compliance standards due to very stringent regulatory requirements applicable to them, and it stands to reason that their standards and demands will be set accordingly high for project governance. Moreover, the prospect of reassessment of projects as it transitions from one phase to the other is a real one as confirmation of the project objectives and milestones not only continuously satisfies the senior funder, but also increases the creditworthiness of the project for purposes of ancillary financing or in the event that an equity participant may wish to exit. It is imperative therefore that a regime is developed

January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

which covers all risk and compliance bases and which provides, in its design, continuity between the various phases. A breakdown in risk management and compliance could prove very costly indeed, in more ways than one. Project owners and debt funders have different objectives. The debt funder wishes to see a return of capital at a risk-based interest rate. Owners wish to create wealth and/or improve the living standards of the project beneficiaries. Owners are in for a longer haul than funders and are ultimately the greatest beneficiaries of a project. Project owners also stand to lose most should the project fail or not live up to its expectations. It stands to reason therefore that the project owner should accept responsibility for the development of the risk management and compliance regime. With so much at stake and without detracting from the capacity of individual contractors, independent oversight at a macro level in this extremely important aspect seems to be called for. The efficacy of the compliance regime will be determined by its reporting and mitigation capability in at least the following areas: Legal/political, Environmental, Social, Operational, Contract compliance and Professional standards compliance. (Financial compliance is undoubtedly part of the structure, but not dealt with here as it ought to form part of the internal audit function.) Not only will a risk and compliance management plan developed according to senior financier standards and requirements and integrated across the spectrum of participants serve to provide access to capital, but it will assist in keeping the project on track and provide peace of mind to those with most to lose – the project owners.

NEW PRODUCTS:

Gubbi Enterprises presents new

Autoclaved Aerated Concrete plant

ubbi Enterprises, an Indian based concrete plant manufacturer have launched a new product, Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) plant. Located in Wada, Palghar District, in Maharashtra, Gubbi Enterprises is a leading manufacturer, supplier and exporter of construction equipments. The company boasts the most advanced factory in the concrete machinery sector and are proud of the milestone in their timely introduction of such an efficient plant through their Research & Development. The new plant comprises autoclave as an accessory which cures the blocks, hence additional strength. Blocks in the autoclave are kept under high temperature for 8 to 10 hours, this process makes them more compact as they do not break and instead remain strong and solid for use in construction activities. Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Block Plant is advantageous as it is advanced thus turning out maximum production and also requires minimal labour force.

AAC Block Making Machines are available on order placing basis and will be offered at very reasonable price and will be installed and commissioned at clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s site to their utmost satisfaction. In addition to machine production, Gubbi Enterprises have established a name in the market as one the leading AAC Plant Consultants because of their vast experience in their field. Gubbi Enterprises offer consultancy services to their clients and those who need advice about the technical and operational aspects of their AAC Block Making Machines. They also provide consultancy on site requirements, such as area, power connection, and quality of Fly-ash to be used alongside water & other chemicals. Therefore, their customers can get trained on live production at their plant before transportation of the equipment to the customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premises. Gubbi Enterprises have in the longrun gained superiority in their sector in India, given their adoption of most superior technology and their precision in attending to client needs.

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

NEW PRODUCTS:

Renusol introduces new

flat-roof PV mounting system

erman solar giant, Renusol has introduced its new ballasted flat-roof mounting system FS10-S and FS18-S for mounting south-facing photovoltaic panels. The new Aerodynamic system requires few components and uses especially short rails, making the system cost effective and quick to install. The solar system has little surface area exposed to the wind and is further equipped with wind deflectors, therefore, minimal ballasting is required, making the new mounting system especially suited for commercial and agricultural buildings with lightweight roofs. According to Renusol’s Managing Director, Sven Künzel, Renusol is increasingly emphasizing simple mounting systems that are easy to install at the construction site. He says that their product developers have opted for an innovative screw joint

that works without a nut, meaning that fewer movements are needed. Since the rails are delivered pre-punched, there is also no need to take cumbersome measurements on site, which decreases installation errors, thus added efficiency. All standard framed solar modules can be mounted with the new system. The FS10-S system mounts PV modules at a 10 degree angle, while the FS18-S mounts at an 18 degree angle. Short rails with lengths of 1.38 m and 1.73 m are used with the FS10-S and FS18-S, respectively. Both sizes are easy to transport and maneuver on the construction site. The remaining system components also come with benefits such as easy handling and storage which is an advantage for wholesale customers. The short rails are joined with connectors, making it possible to compensate for unevenness in the roof. In addition, slots in the rail connectors compensate for temperature

expansions, which could otherwise lead the PV system to shift on the roof. “Our customers also really appreciate that solar modules can be mounted up to half a meter from the edge of the roof. This makes it possible to install more modules on the roof and deliver a maximum power potential”, reports Marko Balen, Product Manager at Renusol. The new mounting system is suited for bitumen, concrete, foil and gravel roofs. There is no need to penetrate the roof membrane in order to safely fix the system on the roof. Instead, pavers or concrete slabs are placed in the channels of the wind deflectors. Renusol offers a ten-year product warranty. The system will be available beginning in February and will be presented at Ecobuild in London from 8th to 10th of March 2016.

US based firm B4 Consulting introduces a new mobile application for construction industry

based firm B4 Consulting, industry solutions consulting firm based in the USA, has announced the availability of its Mobility for Construction app. The new mobile app is designed for general contractors and self-perform and specialty trade firms with an aim to facilitate easy tracking, monitoring, reporting and recording worker and equipment utilization in real time. The application is compatible to both iOS and android and can be deployed on multiple platforms including SAP HANA Cloud Platform and SAP Mobile Platform. In addition, the app can connect to any data source or application and it features signature capabilities, embedded weather tracking and geo-spatial functionality. Klaus Schottenhamel, president and CEO of B4 Consulting, said they work with many of the leading engineering and construction companies in North

America and get a first-hand look into what this industry really needs from a mobile app. He added that workers need an app that provides timely and fashionable information on where a project stands against budget. And B4 Consulting is delivering that information in an easyto-deploy, user- friendly mobile app that enables companies to monitor, track and record people and equipment anytime and anywhere, at a highly affordable price. The app is built for construction companies and complements the B4 Consulting portfolio of business solutions for the entire construction industry. Mobility for construction can be used by a variety of construction workers, including: foremen who need to track worker and project progress, field or project engineers recording project progress such as billing, and employees tracking time and breaks or recording injuries. The app creates uninterrupted busi-

January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

ness integration, therefore paving way for real-time collaboration with suppliers and partners as it is cloud-based for easy adoption and affordability Moreover, it has the ability to; monitor labor and equipment allocation, record materials installed and pay quantities, compare actual time, materials and equipment hours to estimates, register equipment usage using a telemetric feed, capture employee and equipment location with geo-spatial functionality, see weather conditions for site and day and view performance against budget and plan. B4 Consulting Mobility for Construction runs on SAP HANA Cloud Platform and is also available from B4 Consulting and through the SAP Store, a digital destination for discovering and buying solutions and services from SAP and its partners. The starting cost is $10/month per user.

NEW PRODUCTS:

Volvo unveils its new A60H hauler

olvo Construction Equipment sets to unveil several new flagship products – including the largest machines the company has ever made at the Bauma 2016 exhibition in Munich. The company will be launching its giant 60 tonne class articulated hauler – the largest ever made by Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE). The new A60H will undoubtedly be a star of the show and the only Big News to be found on Volvo’s dual stands at Munich in April. Besides the A60H, the company will as well introduce several other new products including wheel loaders, compactors, excavators, pavers, and haulers. Nonetheless, there will also be an entirely new approach to customer services, aimed at boosting uptime, fuel efficiency – and productivity. The company continues to develop

productive and innovative machines that help customers thrive in today’s ultra-competitive business as well as meeting the needs of customers requiring maximum productivity. The EWR150E short radius wheeled excavator, EW60E wheeled excavator, ECR35D, EC35D and ECR40D compact excavators will also appear on display not forgetting the single drum rollers (SD75B, SD115B and SD135B), double drum (DD25B), the new D-Series paver and the L50H appearing on the updated display. The company will also demonstrate its customer solutions aimed at machine monitoring, machine control, efficient fuel usage and repair & maintenance

support. Other demonstrations will include attachments and paving demonstration. However, visitors will as well be granted the opportunity to demonstrate their prowess at the controls of an ECR50D short-radius excavator, as they race against the clock to complete the challenging tasks set for them. Martin Weissburg, the company’s President, will host an international press conference during the show, in which he will highlight the company’s future plans, introduce new products and trading conditions. Accompanied at the exhibition is the sister companies Volvo Penta, Volvo Financial Services and Volvo Trucks, the latter who will show its latest generation of construction trucks. If you were ever in doubt, Volvo Construction Equipment comes to the industry’s biggest show having lost none of its confidence in its ability to deliver innovation, productivity and a closer

JICA boosts construction of roads in Tanzania Tanzania recently signed a US$ 400m loan deal with Japan to boost construction of roads in the country. The move is in line with Japan’s international development policy aimed at assisting socio-economic development in partner countries in Africa. rIt is envisaged that road construction in Tanzania will stimulate the growth of business activities in East Africa’s largest country. Masharu Yoshida, the Japanese Ambassador to Tanzania confirmed that Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and African Development Bank (AfDB) will help finance the road construction project in Tanzania. “I have already spoken with President, Dr. John Magufuli, and he showed a great concern in maintain-

ing our cooperation in improvement and construction of road networks; a good thing he was a Minister of Works, therefore he is very aware and concerned with this area,” Masharu Yoshida, the Japanese Ambassador to Tanzania said. The Japanese company will take part in many kinds of projects including the improvement of 230 kilometre Arusha-Holili/Taveta – Voi road; this will be done in conjunction with African Development Bank. They will also provide financial assistance for the new alignment of 100km Kikafu Bridge. JICA aims to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation as well as the sound development of Japanese and global economy by supporting the socioeconomic development and recovery or economic

stability of developing regions. On behalf of the government, Hai District Commissionerin Tanzania, Anthony Mattaka appreciated the role played by the Japanese Embassy and JICA in various projects in the country.

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

CONSTRUCTION

East Africa Rising: Opportunities in the Construction Sector

by Andrew Rose, CEO, Spencon Construction Company Limited

s the international construction market becomes more globalised and competition for untapped markets

increase, Africa especially East Africa has seen extensive influx of foreign capital. Increasingly firms are taking advantage of the lucrative potential of a continent that is still largely lacking access to basic infrastructure, to build adequate transport networks, water supply, functional power grids and formal housing

for its growing population. A recent report by Deloitte remarked that “in a short space of time, [Africa] suddenly resembles a massive construction site” and according to KPMG’s Global Construction Survey, over 50 per cent of senior leaders in the industry see the continent as one of the most popular prospects for corporate expansion. Three key engineering segments are seen as most lucrative for investment: transport, water supply, and power. Forward thinking international construction and engineering firms will find the influx of capital for infrastructure projects of great interest. Particularly in countries like Tanzania, where the industrial sector is expected to be the key driver behind economic growth through development in the mining and manufacturing sub-sectors. This makes not just Tanzania, but all of East Africa a hotbed of opportunity. There is a need for international building

expertise, which the international construction industry can supply. At Spencon, we’ve been working with international firms and development agencies to deliver regional infrastructure projects in East Africa for over 35 years. Against this backdrop, African governments have made infrastructure spending a priority, following Tanzania’s example. In the financial year 2013/2014, Tanzania’s government increased spending on infrastructure to 2,16trn Tanzanian shillings (US$ 9,96bn), up from 1,94trn (US$ 8,95bn). This is not a phenomenon that is restricted to Tanzania. In 2014 alone, over US$ 4bn was raised by private equity funds for infrastructure investment in Africa. This has acted as an incentive for continued investment inflows in the construction industry and underscored the opportunities for international companies in Africa and East Africa. The following areas have proved key for private investors: Transport Business and economic growth in Africa have increased the urgency for a complete revamp of the continent’s crippled transport network. In our 35 years of operation, we’ve seen a surge in demand for implementing road projects to improve East Africa’s transport networks, and have witnessed a growing trend of international experts collaborating with regional firms that have the necessary knowledge and local networks.

January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

CONSTRUCTION Rapid urbanisation, a rising middle class and continued economic growth have created an ample environment for the construction industry. Contd from pg 39

The Portuguese construction giant Mota-Engil, Engenharia E Construcao SA is just one example. The company won the €60m (US$ 67,45m) contract to construct the second phase of the Kampala Northern Bypass in East Africa. Water With water and waste management certain to play a critical role in the near to medium, and long-term future of the continent, international construction firms are well placed to invest in the sector as it is expected the number of projects are likely to grow by two or threefold. We’ve been involved in numerous water and sanitation projects working with international companies for the design, construction, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of water and wastewater

treatment plants. Recently, Spencon, in consortium with Degrémont, completed the design and construction of a 90,000 cubic meters /day water treatment plant in Lower Ruvu, Tanzania. Power. Over the last five years, there have been a wealth of new power projects across Africa as the continent seeks to address its power issues. This includes the $684 million power-plant in Tanzania to plug regional energy shortages which will be built by China National Machinery & Equipment Import & Export Corporation (CMEC) and German engineering group Siemens. As Kenya, Uganda and many other African nations focus on improving their power networks, more of these contracts will become available to international firms. The case for international construction firms to approach the African market is strong. Rapid urbanisation, a

rising middle class and continued economic growth have created an ample environment for the construction industry. Furthermore, increasing collaboration and strategic regional integration within the region have paved the way for cross-border infrastructure projects. Efforts by the East African Community (EAC) to facilitate this growth has also led to increasing demand for expertise, which has opened up opportunities for international construction firms. Over the past decade, Spencon has worked with a number of international firms to implement these cross-border projects, due to our local knowledge and flexibility across borders. Africa is showing exceptionally promising economic growth numbers and as regional integration continues to provide more opportunities for cross-border expansive projects, the time for international firms to get involved is now.

Quality assurance in the construction industry has to be implemented

Dr. Daniel Manduku, Chief Executive Officer, National Construction Authority

he National Construction Authority was established by the National Construction Authority Act No. 41 of 2011. The Authority’s main mandate is to oversee the construction industry and coordinate its development. The Authority is geared towards streamlining, overhauling and regulating an industry that has for years suffered poor legislative framework and has been dominated by unqualified persons. Quality assurance in the construction cannot be overemphasized. One key challenge facing the construction industry has been resistance to change. The industry had largely been dominated by rogue contractors, less informed developers, unskilled labour-force and several informal businesses within the entire supply chain of the construction. As such, trying to professionalize the industry has not been without resistance. Also the challenge of inadequate political and social support from various stakeholders- particularly ignorant contractors, developers and labour force

engaged in the industry. Insufficient staff engaged in the authority to adequately cover the nationwide mandate has been a challenge along with inadequate finance from the exchequer to adequately facilitate quality assurance checks not mentioning the low levels of compliance by developers in project registration and construction levy payments. The authority also lacks enforcement capability and particularly prosecution power. Over 16,000 contractors are registered to date in different categories ranging from buildings, civil works and other specialized contractors is a major achievement for us. To enhance compliance and quality assurance the authority has carried out several sting operations in construction sites across the country. Also through a national wide rapid results initiative the authority has approximately 150,000 registered site workers and supervisors, but not all of them are registered, since accreditation is granted once the registered and the unregistered site workers and supervisors meet a

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

CONSTRUCTION certain criteria. However, through a consultative process the authority has developed and launched the first ever National Construction Research Agenda (Nacra). The agenda has 17 wide construction research areas which execution is aimed at providing practical solutions to most challenges facing the construction industry in Kenya. Even though NCA is a major stakeholder in the slums upgrading programme, the authority is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Devolution. The NCA role in this has been technical design and supervision. The authority is currently playing a similar role in implementation of 20 Huduma Centres across the country. Since last year, the authority has carried out over 15 contractors and construction workers trainings in different parts of the country. To date over 16,000 construction business owners and workers have been trained. Currently the Authority is training youths on civil works in five slums: Kibera, Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Kiandutu, Korogocho and Mathare. As per the NCA Act, no. 41 of 2011, all construction projects are supposed to be registered with the authority. The authority has developed project registration criteria which requires among other things proof of approval of the project by other agencies such as the county governmentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; development control units and the Nema. The authority has also been undertaking joint quality assurance initiatives with county governments for example the Nairobi county government in carrying out building audits and inspections exercise. An initiative to bring the approval functions of the three institutions under one roof is underway to enhance service provision. One of the problems is rogue people

masquerading as contractors. They end up doing shoddy work. Some buildings are also put up without proper design structures. In some cases, buildings donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even have the necessary approvals for instance by county governments. Lack of projects supervision by qualified professionals has also been noted as a concern. The use of counterfeit materials is also a problem. We also have inadequate construction skills in the industry leading to poor workmanship. That is why we have prioritised training artisans at the moment. No contractors have

been blacklisted so far. However; there are a few contractors under investigations following some of the recent incidences of collapsing buildings. Currently the buildings under construction which do not comply with the requirements of the relevant laws are stopped by the authority. The authority gives a copy of that order to the police in the area concerned to ensure the order is complied with. The authority is also managing the issue through legislation, where NCA law requires that a minimum of 30 per cent of value of any contract won locally by foreign contractors will be undertaken by local contractors The authority has already completed the first mapping survey of technical training institutions in Nairobi. A similar exercise which commenced on September 14, 2015 is currently

January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

being carried out in all the counties. The objective of this study is to reveal gaps in the training institutions with an aim of formulating policy recommendations to close them as well as establishing areas of cooperation between the authority and the training institutions. The authority is also working closely with the TVETA to promote technical trainings in institutions of learning. The authority has a well-developed database with approximately 150,000 accredited site supervisor and construction workers. They are from different disciplines such as masonry, carpentry and plumbing from which developers can choose from.To ensure the construction industry regulated to the level best. We have to ensure quality assurance in the construction industry is implemented. It is our plan to enhance research in the construction industry. Our focus also is to build capacity within the construction industry. In the long run, we would want to have a National Construction Training Institutes, National Construction Research Institutes and also see the establishment of construction funds. The funds will be deposited with the local banks in order to avail to local contractor a number of services. These will include cheaper loans and financing of projects, tender security bids, performance bonds and advance payment guarantees. Ensuring that quality assurance in the construction industry is maintained will not only minimize fatalities in the construction industry in the country but also boost investor confidence.

CONSTRUCTION

How to Tile a Roof with

Concrete Tiles

oof tiles are typically fired clay or coloured concrete, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. This article deals with the key skill of tiling any roof, which is setting it out. How to calculate how many roof tiles you need on domestic properties has always been simple, I make an educated guess. By that I mean for estimation purposes I can stand looking at the face or faces of a roof and write down the Width and Height of each individual face of the roof on a piece of paper. Then when you add them up you are going to be left with a square metreage or square footage figure. You can also measure the width from ground level, I find it’s quite easy to work in metres from my minds eye, but then again I’ve done a lot of it. Alternatively get a nice strong tape measure, get up some ladders and measure it. Alernativley ‘Google’ a roof tile calculator like this one: Calculating Roof Tiles Now you have a square metre or square foot figure, ring up your local roofing supplies merchant and they will work out how many tiles you require for your roof. Roofing laths roofing battens Roof lath or roofing battens, two different names for the same thing. Strips of tanalised timber often pressure treated with a wood preservative of some description. These are nailed into the roofing joists or roof trusses beneath and provide support for the roof tiles or slates, fixings can then be made into the roofing lath or batten if required. The most common sizes of roofing lath are •18mm x 36mm (3/4 ” x 11/2 “) Commonly called slating lath or slating batten. •25mm x 38mm (1″ x 11/2 “) Commonly called tiling lath or tiling batten, often used on rafter spans of 450mm or less. •25 or 30mm x 50mm ( 1 – 11/4

” x 2″ ) Mostly used in newer spec tiled roofs, often used on rafter spans of 600mm or less. How to space roof tiles and space roof battens or laths An awful lot of people including Builders and Roofers get the layout of a new roof wrong right from the start, subsequently they end up with a leaking roof, or one that just looks awful. I’m going to show you the right way to space the tiles and battens so your new roof project is correct from the outset. The most common mistake made is that the tiling takes place at the bottom of the roof from the scaffold at gutter height, no thought is then given to whether the tiles will be correctly spaced by the time you get to the top of the roof. When laying roof tiles it’s important just to spend a little time planning tile spacings ( gauge ) first, as it pays real dividends later. The bottom tiles are stretched, the middle is passable with chaos at the top. Once the old roof has been stripped all the way to the bottom, the rafters or roof trusses will be fully exposed. Make sure the rafters are clear of any stray nails or nasty splinters, so they are ready to take the under tiler’s felt or breathable roofing membrane and not rip or puncture it. One full width of 1F roofing felt has been fitted in the picture below and tacked in place using 25mm (1 Inch) galvanised clout nails.

How to lay roofing felt or roofing membrane Start on one edge of the roof and fix with two or three nails then roll out the roofing membrane or felt keeping it taught but with a very slight hint of sag, this will ensure any water that does end up on the felt will run between the rafters and end up in the gutter. Make sure about 30 to 40mm of felt hangs over the fascia and into the gutter, too much felt hanging inside the gutter will impair water flow and encourage dirt build up inside the guttering. On a traditional construction, if there is a cavity wall, make sure you bridge the gap over any cavity with the 1F or membrane. How to start tiling a roof – New 1F under slaters or under tile felt stretched across clean roof rafters. Secure in place with galvanised clout nails, don’t overstretch or go crazy with the nails. The roofing battens will also hold the felt in place when fixed. Fitting under tiler’s felt or installing membrane… •Joining felt or membrane – Avoid joins if possible, otherwise overlap any vertical joins by 100mm ( 4″ ) onto a rafter or truss •Overlapping felt or membrane – When laying the next layer above the pervious overlap, make sure the cover is about 150mm ( 6″ ) •On a Hip – Make sure the felt or

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

CONSTRUCTION membranes overlap goes around onto the next face of the roof about 150mm ( 6″) •On an upstand – Where the roof joins or abuts a wall turn the felt or membrane up the face of the wall for 50mm ( 2″ ) •On the verge – Cut the felt or membrane at the outside edge of the last joist •At the ridge board or apex – Overlap 150mm ( 6″ ) over the top of the roof onto the other elevation How to space roofing lath or battens Next we need to work out the spacing of the tiles and the spacing of the battens up the roof, this is commonly called the ‘Gauge’ , often this will be specified by the tile manufacturer or the roof tile supplier, but to work it out properly you will have to do the math yourself as every roof is going to be a different size or shape. Tiling to top ridge board or apex of the roof and achieving nice even tile gaps is quite simple as long as you think it through a little first. How to space a tiled roof Firstly get two of your roof tiles, and either two full battens or two offcuts of batten and place them onto the roof one above the other. Next place your two tiles, one on top of the other loose onto the battens without anything being fixed. Make sure the tile lugs are seated snuggly onto the top edges of the battens. Roofing battens or roofing laths placed loosely onto the roof with the tiles seated on top of each other. Roofing battens are not fixed at this point to allow adjustments. Now using a tape measure we can work out the basics for your new roof. •Tile overhang – How much tile should be in the gutter •Tile lap – Tile lap or how much to overlap one tile above another •Tile gauge – Tile spacing or spacing of the battens How much roof tile overhang in the guttering The simple answer is not really beyond half way, if there’s too much tile in the gutter the rain water can overshoot the gutter in heavy rain, and make the guttering hard to clean. If the tiles are too short then rainwater can dribble down behind the gutter and be blown against the fascia boards. I think somewhere around 50mm ( 2″ ) is about right in most situations, ( see Figure 1 in the

picture below ). Set the bottom tile gutter overhang now. How much roof tile overlap This is normally specified with the tile manufacturer and it’s advisable to check how much they say a roof tile should overlap, normally on a smooth faced tile the overlap is 75mm ( 3″ ) and on granular or sand faced tiles its 100mm ( 4″ ) however if the roof is shallow pitched, is facing a windy direction or will be prone to moss build up, it may be a good idea to increase the lap by another 25mm or ( 1″ ). ( Tile overlap seen in Figure 2 below ). Spacing roof tiles and battens When setting the necessary tile overlaps with the tape measure, the Ideal tile spacing or gauge is the distance between the top of the first batten and the top of the second as in Figure 3. Here the tiles are overlapped 75mm ( 3″ ) How to space roof tiles – Set tile overhang into guttering – Set recommended tile overlap – Reveal the Ideal batten spacing ( gauge ). How to work out roof batten gauge The initial gauge for this roof happened to be 131/4 inches or 33.5cm measured from the top of one batten to the top of the next. What we need to do next is fix the battens in place with something like a 50 to 60mm galvanised nail ( 2″ – 21/2 ” ) using the edge of the fascia as the reference point for the bottom batten, and the top of the first batten for the second batten. Nail size obviously depends on the size of the lath or batten you are using, but it’s recommended that the nails penetrate through the batten and a minimum of 40mm ( 11/2 ” ) into the rafters underneath. Measure the remaining roof and how to calculate the battens Now we need to measure the remaining roof from the top of the second batten to within about 30mm or 11/4” of the apex or ridge board. This is so we can work out how many battens we require, and work out any changes we need to make to our initial gauge figure so that the batten spacings are equal all the way to the top of the roof. Measure the distance between the top of the second batten and 30mm short of the top of the roof. This will allow the tile lugs to fit nicely into this gap without danger of pinching

January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

or breaking them. How to work out tile and batten spacing in Metric In this case the remaining roof measured 458.5 cm to the finishing position i.e. the top of the last batten. Having figured out earlier that 33.5 cm was the ideal batten spacing we simply divide the 458.5 by 33.5 to get the figure of 13.68 on the calculator. So 13.68 is the amount of additional battens required. Obviously 13.68 rows of batten isn’t a workable figure so we round it up to 14, we now know we will need an additional 14 rows of batten to complete the roof. Now we need to know the spacing measurement for 14 rows to fit in our gap of 458.5cm, so we divide it by 14 and end up with 32.75, this means the new gauge to ensure correct spacing of the battens is 32.75 cm. If you want to double check this figure multiply 32.75 by 14 and you get 458.5 cm Make yourself a batten spacer Now you have your desired batten gauge, consider making a roof batten spacer out of an old off-cut of batten. When cut to the desired gauge it will allow quick and easy placement and fixing of the tiling batten, simply by placing the spacer upright on top of your last fixed batten. Batten spacer – Placed onto a rafter beneath the sarking, every subsequent batten will be accurate and easier than repeated measurement. Just remember to re-check the distances so that all remains parallel a few courses before the top, to make any final corrections if necessary. Fixing the battens to the roof Continue fixing the battens one above another, once you have completed one horizontal run of batten, felt or membrane, you can stand or sit on the battens you have just fitted where they intersect the rafters. Make sure the quality of your batten timber is good and there are no dangerous knots or splits as this can be a health and safety issue. To lay on the next run of membrane or felt, start fitting more batten to the gauge you have worked out, continue this sequence all the way to the top of the roof and overlap the felt or membrane at the apex as 150mm or 6″.

WATER

Creates Kenya’s first Interactive Water Playpark at Garden City Mall

s many as 300 children a weekend are flocking to Garden City Mall to experiene the country’s first interactive water play park, which hosts a plethora of colourful and dynamic water features and fountains - in an innovation installed by Davis &Shirtliff, East Africa’s leading supplier of water and energy equipment. The Garden City play park represents the next level in children’s entertainment and was built along the same lines as the interactive water zone in Washington Park in the US, and the Diana Princess of

Wales Memorial Play ground in central London. “The combination of slides, rides, and dancing fountains is a recent phenomena that has been developed at, so far, few more than 20 children’s playgrounds worldwide, but has been shown to be a source of huge entertainment and children’s delight,” said Alec Davis, CEO of Davis & Shirtliff. “We are really proud to have now installed the first such Play park in Kenya, to a design that interweaves the water features with the play equipment as a

next level in developing this concept,” he said. The new fountain water play park is part of a three acre site at the Garden City Mall with play areas for children. The water spurts in an orchestrated sequence erupting at different heights, seeing children chase across the area as the pop-out jets shoot higher and higher before it all goes momentarily quiet, and then the fountains begin to bubble over again. Situated next to the Mall’s food court, in the open air, alongside Garden City’s central park and children’s playground,

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

WATER

it offers children a different kind of adventure: “The more than 15 fountains provide an opportunity for kids to play with the water shoots and cool off on hot days, in an installation that also required sophisticated pumping and filtration equipment,” said Davis & Shirtliff Pools Manager Stephen Muhia. “The water park area has also been equipped with state of the art water toys, water jets, cascade water features and a water play area with soft flooring to prevent kids from slipping and getting injuries,” he said. The water from the park is circulated through a Dayliff water treatment system to the water jets, which fire the water through various nozzles into the air and it is then collected and send back to the pump room, where it is filtered, treated and pumped afresh to the water play

area. According to Davis & Shirtliff, one of the biggest challenge faced while working on the project was providing adequate drainage to cope with the sheer volume of water being pumped through the fountains and features. Despite this however according to Mentor Management Limited Asst. Project Manager Mr. Kevin Ogutu “The fountain water park has recently been successfully tested and commissioned and is open to use with no entrance fee charge”. The Garden City Mall play ground has been built throughout to a tropical theme, which includes a manmade ‘beach and ocean’ set in tropical and equatorial flora. The park is also well

January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

secured, with security guards at all times and assistants posted to the area to help in any way needed. As well as a kids’ play area, the park features an ultra-modern amphitheatre for hosting social events. “Being a unique recreation facility, it attracts shoppers who just want to see some amazing stuff, people who live around who just come around for leisure and, of course, customers in the many cafes that overlook the park who now have an amazing view over the park,” said Muhia. “The water park will also aid the project in acquiring credits towards achieving the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification, a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices globally.” Interactive water parks remain a relatively new phenomenon globally, but are being installed rapidly in many of the most glamorous parks and recreational areas across the globe, notably in the US, Israel, South Korea, the UK, and in France.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY

5 Safety Measures

Every Construction Worker Must Take

A construction

worker needs to be careful at

egarded as one of the most dangerous occupations, construction work can be considered anything but fully safe. Heights, large and mobile equipment, edges, deep holes, and wobbling stairs are a reality in many construction sites, no matter how modern or careful the contractors claim them to be. Obviously, the employers do need to take care of the safety and security of the workers, but the workers need to keep in mind a lot of precautions themselves when working in such hazardous conditions. Here we look at five safety measures every construction worker must take. Double-Check Your Work Areas Scaffolds are an integral part of most construction sites and are associated with a high number of injuries. So when you are going to be working on them, you must ensure your safety first. Check with your supervisor or find out yourself whether the scaffold has been inspected by a professional or a competent person. Never work on an incomplete scaffold which does not have a strong platform or base. Ladders are other essential construction site tools with a high potential for

danger. Check the ladder thoroughly before using it. If you find any part of the ladder wobbly, do not us it. A ladder should be of proper strength and of a height that always keeps it at least one meter above the landing. All of the steps or slabs of the ladder must be secured properly. The upper and lower end of the ladder should preferably be fastened or secured properly. If not, ensure there is someone manually keeping it secure in order to prevent a fall from height. Be Vigilant with Electricity and Equipment Construction sites require a lot of electrical installations. Lifting equipment mostly involves electricity and weights. When working with such equipment, you need to be extra cautious to see there is no wear and tear in the machine and also to follow the safety precautions listed for the equipment. If you do not know them, seek help and instructions from a site supervisor or co-worker who has worked with the equipment before. If you are using plugged-in portable devices, such as grinders or drills, you should always check that the cables are protected, the metal casing is grounded, and the power supply is provided with

an earth leakage circuit breaker. Never allow the electrical tools to come in contact with water. Never stand or work immediately below a heavy suspended load. And always check that you are not exceeding the permissible levels of load. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need proper training before operating some equipment, including a material hoist and a crane. Ensure the hoist is operated only after the gates are locked properly. Know the working load limits of a hoist and never exceed those limits. Most importantly, when using material hoists, make sure the communication between you and the operator are clearly understood. Any error here can cause a major accident on the site. Maintain Fencing and Prevent Fires Notice the number of fatal injuries and falls that happen in areas where there is no fencing. Dangerous areas that you see without fencing or with broken and damaged fencing should be avoided until they are completely repaired or a proper fencing is in place. If this is not happening in time, inform your site supervisor immediately. With the machinery that is present,

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY along with combustible chemicals and welding operations, there is always a possibility of fire on a construction site. Be alert and take some measures to prevent them. Open flames should be kept away from construction sites because of the presence of flammable materials (especially on oil rig sites). All workers should know the escape or exit route if a fire occurs. Knowing where the fire extinguishers are and how to use them may prove to be very advantageous in many situations and is therefore highly recommended. Employers should train workers to use this emergency equipment.

worn. Anti-slip footwear and protective apparel are necessary for those working in toxic or dusty environments. Make sure you wear them. Fall harnesses are very important for every construction worker. Ensure your harness is sturdy and secured to a strong anchorage point when you are working at heights. At sites where there is a lot of movement of heavy vehicles, workers should wear highly visible clothing so that they can be located and seen easily. Because construction workers have to be working outdoors regardless of weather conditions, they also should have some climate protective gear and clothing.

Protective Apparel and PPE Employers are supposed to provide their workers with proper protective gear and clothing. If you as a worker do not have them, demand them from your employer and wear them correctly. Well-fitted helmets and protective eyewear are a must. Ear plugs or muffs for working in noisy areas and protective gloves when dealing with toxic chemicals should be

Keep First Aid Close While it may not be possible for workers to carry first aid supplies with them all the time, both the site supervisor and contractor should ensure that first aid is always accessible to the workers. If as a worker you find that first aid you will need is not around, inform your supervisor immediately. Basic first aid for minor burns, cuts, and falls should

be available on site so that the required medical assistance can be provided to the workers immediately. This is beneficial to the employer, as well, because this ensures that after resting for some time, the worker can return to his work as soon as possible. Some injuries when treated immediately helps in limiting the damage immensely and prevents infections from spreading. Final Thoughts A construction worker needs to be careful at all times. Areas that are not properly lit must be avoided until proper lighting is provided. You should also avoid playing with work equipment. Always follow instructions during an emergency; if you notice any unsafe condition, such as a floor opening that is uncovered or not fenced, inform your co-workers and supervisor immediately. Construction workers play one of the most important roles in our modern society. It’s their job to provide safe buildings, bridges, and many other assets for society; the workers owe it to themselves and their employers to work safely.

6 Steps to Planning a Successful Building Project

here’s a strong temptation to dive straight into home remodeling projects. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be done, right? Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way if you haven’t done some essential planning up front. Each design professional and contractor runs his or her business in a different way, but homeowners usually need to follow the same steps to get to the construction phase. Here are six crucial steps to help you plan for a successful home renovation, and the reasons they’re so important for any project. 1.Choose a design professional. To create a plan and detailed scope of work, most homeowners hire either an architect or interior designer, and sometimes both. Every company does things a little differently, and design licensing varies in each state. Many designers work on projects that don’t involve major

structural work or additions, and also offer assistance with material and color selections. Architects may take on a wide range of work, or work only on floor plans and permits, and leave the details of the electrical plan, baths and kitchen to another designer. Selecting a design professional usually starts with an in-person meeting, which can take a few weeks depending on how many companies you are interviewing. This is your opportunity to understand the services that each firm offers and make sure they match up with what you are expecting. It’s also critical that you have a budget for your project in mind that you communicate clearly to the firm you hire, so the design can align with what you are planning to invest. Find an architect or designer near you 2. Create a plan. After choosing a design firm, it’s time to start making a plan. There are usually

January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

at least two and sometimes three good ways to reach your design goals. Recommended by Forbes The plans are called schematic designs; they usually involve a rough layout of the floor plan and some simple views of the exterior of the home if there is an addition. It takes time for the design professional to work these out, and then usually another week or two for the homeowners to consider them and make decisions. If the project is larger or the homeowners want additional changes made to the schematics, this initial design phase can take several months. 3. Interview contractors. Contractors are frequently brought into the process once a final schematic design has been selected. Usually there is at least a general idea of how the home will look from the outside, a dimensioned floor plan and some preliminary material selections. With this much

PROJECT MANAGEMENT information, it’s possible to provide preliminary estimates of cost. Contractors are often asked to estimate the schematic design as part of the interview process. It may take a couple of weeks to set up the interviews and generally at least two to three weeks after interviews to receive the estimates. Altogether it could take four to six weeks to interview candidates and receive estimates. After that you may want to call references, visit jobsites or do additional research before making a decision about the contractor you will hire.

goes well, you will work on this step and the previous one concurrently and finish at the same time.

work with a structural engineer on how the project will be built and put in the details required for permitting. If it all

5. Get your permits. Depending on the scope of your project and where it’s located, permitting can take a day, months or even years. You should have some idea ahead of filing for permits about the length of the process, which will allow you to identify a likely start date for your project. Permit fees can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on where you live and how big your project is.

4. Go shopping while others are engineering. Love to shop or hate to shop? This may determine whether you enlist a designer to help with your material selections. Even those who like to shop may be overwhelmed by all the options and want professional input. Do not underestimate the number of things that need to be selected, from doorknobs and windows to countertops and light fixtures. To really keep a handle on your project cost, it’s best to select every last thing ahead of construction. This will allow your contractor to tell you the prices for what you’d like and properly schedule material purchases based on lead times. Allow yourself one to two months to choose everything. While you are shopping for tile and hardwood floors, your architect or designer will finalize construction drawings,

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016

January/February 2016 | East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | November/December 2015

East Africa Infrastruture & Engineering Review | January/February 2016