The Engineer-November 2016 by Fortune Publications

Engineer The

VOL.2/NO. 7 • NOVEMBER 2016

FNB Namibia financing commercial property purchase

N$20.00

NAMIBIA’S PULSE OF TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

How Namibian contractors can survive Chinese competition

Drilling Windhoek N$300 million & 12 large diameter boreholes:

Inside the City’s new water plan

The next dimension in project design Worley Parsons RSA is propelling its integrated project design tools into the next dimension of project engineering and construction management, providing tangible and pre-emptive design solutions to project delivery.

The Engineer | November 2016

Get your property plans off the ground.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re buying, renovating or extending your business property, turn to the experienced and knowledgeable FNB Commercial Property Finance team for expert and trusted advice. Utilising a wealth of specialist knowledge across all aspects of property development, as well a variety of financial tools, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the perfect people to help build a deal especially suited for you. Call one of our experts today and start building your dreams.

Terms and conditions apply. www.fnbbusiness.com.na Axel Cramer Head: CPF acramer@fnbnamibia.com.na Tel: +264 61 299 7560 Cell: 081 129 0370

Margot Ackermann CPF Manager mackermann@fnbnamibia.com.na Tel: +264 61 299 2828 Cell: 081 142 1972

The Engineer | November 2016

Cliffy Nauses CPF Manager cnauses@fnbnamibia.com.na Tel: +264 61 299 8633 Cell: 081 122 0424

Jeffrey Katjivena CPF Manager jkatjivena@fnbnamibia.com.na Tel: +264 61 299 2489 Cell: 081 122 7657

Mark Kissler CPF Manager Mkissler@fnbnamibia.com.na Tel: +264 61 299 8631 Cell: 081 146 9018

Natasja Slinger CPF Manager nslinger@fnbnamibia.com.na Tel: +264 61 299 2606 Cell: 081 442 9954

CONTENTS

Top project Management Challenges within corporate projects

PG 21

Namib Hydrosearch CC is a Windhoek-based company which has provided consultancy services to the Namibian geo-science industry for the past 25 years.

Aquatica Trading cc The health of Namibia’s population is of utmost importance as the nation adopts the Harambee Prosperity Plan to further enhance all citizens’ quality of life and provide the economy with a productive workforce.

PG 19

Namib Hydrosearch cc

PG 27

PG 9

COMPANY PROFILES

PG 10

Absolutely Pure Water

ENGINEER(S) OF THE MONTH

PG 4

Our company was established in 1999. Our primary business is the importation and marketing of single filters, distillers, dispensers, reverse osmosis water purification systems and parts.

Engineered Plastic’s & Linings Engineered Plastics & Linings Is a specialised company for plastic manufacturing needs. The company was established 1994 under the name of Automotive Plastic Repairs, but was later renamed to Engineered Plastics &Linings in 2002

PG 11

Founded in 1992 by Kobus Prinsloo, Prinsloo Drilling has established itself as one of the most successful drilling companies in Namibia.

WorleyParsons RSA is propelling its integrated project design tools into the next dimension of project engineering and construction management, providing tangible and pre-emptive design solutions to project delivery.

PG 16

PG 8

Project Design, the next dimension

Financing your commercial property purchase

PG 22

If you’ve found a property you’d like buy to for your business, the next challenge is to apply for a bond. Here are some frequently asked questions about finding finance for commercial property.

Feature: Chinese Construction Chinese companies are in Africa to stay or at least

How City of Windhoek until they accomplish their mission here. has put in place an emergency water supply project. PG 26 African Telecoms Market to reach $51bn in six years

Editor editor@theengineer.com.na 081 122 6850

Executive Editor Confidence Musariri

Business Development Kenneth Karamata business@theengineer.com.na

Group Marketing Manager Greg Goeda Business@targetnam.com

Admin & Accounts Marizaan Bock admin@targetnam.com

Graphic Designer Keith M. Tuwelo

Production Manager Wesley Urassa

Printer: Solitaire Press

Makingvv hearing loss prevention among mine workers a reality

Distribution Benjamin Mutarini distribution@targetnam.com 081 368 2352 Marketing Etty-Doria Kilembe marketing@theengineer.com.na

The Engineer is a magazine published once a month and circulated to 10 000 senior engineering decision makers in Namibia. Subscription Rate: N$20 per copy per month / N$200 per year (Discount on multiple copies and multiple years)

Engineer Engineer E ngineer Engineer Engineer The

Vol.1/No.1 September 2014

The

NAMIBIA’S PULSE OF TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

Bulk Materials Handling & Logistics go hand-in hand

How much do governments Green skylines on the rise rake in?

NAMIBIAS PULSE OF TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

First edition

… as top Namibian consultancy firm wins Africa’s green building award

In each issue, The Engineer offers advertisers the opportunity to get to the front of the line by placing a company, product or service on the front cover of the journal. Buying this position will afford the advertiser the cover story on pages and maximum exposure. For more information on cover bookings contact on Tel: +264 61 254 005/081 363 0336

Mining giants come clean on taxes...

The nexus • Construction opportunities in Africa of taming • Using floor-to-ceiling walls and sound masking Namibia’s • Social Security role during a site accident oldest building How hybrid subcontractors can replace current tender system

Inside

The truth behind Neckartal Game changer: Namport’s Luderitz rail connection

N$20.00

VOL.2/NO. 6 • OCTOBER 2016

Vol.2/No. 5 • September 2016

Vol.2/No. 4 • August 2016

The

LOGISTICS

N$20.00

NAMIBIA’S PULSE OF TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

Vol.2/No.2 May/June 2016

ISSN: 2026-8041

HEALTH & SAFETY

PG 5

Prinsloo: The Drilling for Hope

PG 14

REGULARS PG 12

Where are all the women in the Construction Industry?

NAMIBIA’S PULSE OF TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

D&M

explains Continuous

NUST DRA grows Welded Rail revolutionises its ports and Innovations Namibian women harbour in Computing & experience Informatics Scaling up solar power

Pipe relining solutions making inroads into Africa

NSFAF to meet Namibia’s energy needsaids ABB’s upcoming electrical engineer

Northern and Kavango road rehabilitation to cost US$39mil

Harvesting the sun

Time to Regulate Rigging; says Precision

NUST hosts International computer science conference

6 Diina Shituula

Engineer of the Month Find out how City of Windhoek civil engineer Reinhard Boehmer oversees the Capital’s contract management. His troubles with contractors most specifically.

Transition: Bicon Namibia

Changes Guard “We compete with government funded organisations especially thoseEngineer from Asiaof who are bankrolled by their governments and do not importPetru duty on their plant” Namibia Construction thepay Month:

Cover opportunity Babyface project focus grows

Christian Mueller: crafting NBL’s recipe

Petrus Shimpanda 1

The Engineer | November 2016

CONSTRUCTION

Top project Management Challenges within corporate projects Project management is a demanding task. From balancing time, managing risk to ensuring projects are completed on time. In Africa there most of the projects are done in corporate levels as there are many investors and entrepreneurs in the land.

o help put things in perspective, here is an overview of the top project management challenges that project managers can encounter on the job.

1. Undefined Goals Most “bosses” give project managers jobs to carry out and yet they don’t have clear or identified goals and this can lead to a team loss. The upper management need to agree on what to do and define the realistic goals that need to be achieved. The project in question typically has little chance of succeeding. The project manager must ask the right questions to establish and communicate clear goals from the outset.

2. Inadequate Skills for the Project

P. O. Box 11546 Windhoek, Namibia With a stageringKlein26 years of Tel: +264-61-220400 Fax: +264-61-230934 experience in the business (Registration 90/335, CC/2004/2213)

Established 1990

• Groundwater exploration, quantification, modelling & management; • Groundwater contamination and remediation studies; • Aquifer testing and resource evaluation; • Geophysical surveys; Remote sensing

Sometimes each and every project requires its own capabilities and skills and therefore some project managers may not be able to deliver is some field. Project management training can help a project leader determine the needed competencies, assess the available workers and recommend training, outsourcing or hiring additional staff.

3) Lack of Accountability When dealing with corporates more so in Africa most of the project managers lack accountability and this is caused by the few ‘grid’. This has made most of the projects come to stand still or even major companies lose great contracts that affect their business.

4) Improper Risk Management Learning to deal with and plan for risk is another important piece of project management training. Risk tolerance is typically a desirable project manager trait because projects rarely go exactly to plan. Gathering input, developing trust and knowing which parts of a project are most likely to veer off course are aspects of the project manager’s job.

We have been privileged to have served a number of Public, Private and Donor entities and institutions across Namibia as well as in the neighbouring countries of Angola and Botswana over the years. Alice Hengari (Mrs) - Administrative Oﬃcer: +264-61-220 400

+264-81 840 3028

+264-61-230 934

alice@geonamibia.net

Fax2Email: 0886527700

PO Box 11546, Klein-Windhoek, Windhoek, Namibia

The Engineer | November 2016 Members: A L E Simmonds, D Sarma

INFRASTRUCTURE

Prinsloo: The Drilling of Hope

By Grace Dube The company has grown from a six-men team in 1992 to a 45-strong workforce by 2006. “We were severely affected by the economic crunch and downsized by half as the mining and drilling sector suffered greatly from the 2008 economic dip,” says Kobus. Over the years, the drilling sector developed and this subsequently resulted in the expansion of the company to countries such as Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Jordan.

Operations A member of the Namibia Drilling Association which comprises most active drillers in the country, Prinsloo drilling specialises in the drilling of private wells, exploration mines, technical investigation works for construction and large diameter wells.

“

We were severely affected by the economic crunch and downsized by half as the mining and drilling sector suffered greatly from the 2008 economic dip.

The company has also been involved in dewatering of mines, mini bulk sampling and with bigger mining companies such as BHP, Transhex as well as numerous open and diamond mines. “Currently, we are involved with a drilling project at the Windhoek Townlands- a project which will see City of Windhoek having additional water

“

Founded in 1992 by Kobus Prinsloo, Prinsloo Drilling has established itself as one of the most successful drilling companies in Namibia.

supplies to meet the city’s drought threatened supply. This is not new to us. Over the past 24 years we have drilled countless of boreholes in all the regions of Namibia and beyond,” he says.

The company utilises drilling rigs, heliportable drilling rigs for remote areas and is capable of drilling boreholes 600 millimetres in diameter. Water wells range from 50 meters to 500 metres in depth depending on region and geological conditions.

Successes Currently there are no drilling schools in Southern Africa therefore all knowledge or expertise in the drilling sector depends either on overseas training or experience. Kobus Prinsloo’s success with the company has depended on the latter. “By learning and investigating a problem deeply, you become more acquainted with the complexities of drilling. Also, because each drilling job is different from the others, new things are always up for learning. The growth of our company has largely depended on the experience we have amassed over the years,” he says.

The Engineer | November 2016

INDUSTRIAL

Industrial Automation & Engineering cc An Automation and Engineering Company Operating from Namibia Competency Profile A list of Competencies of IAEcc and its Members In line with the accelerating trend world wide and also in Namibia towards automation in manufacturing, utilities, processing and mining, but also a variety of other environments, Industrial Automation and Engineering cc (IAE) has recognized a market niche for a company specializing in these fields. IAE has extensive experience in the field of turn-key complete industrial plant projects and systems implementations, as well as comprehensive automation solutions for entire manufacturing plants, or parts of such plants. The main areas of expertise are the following: -- Consulting services in the electrical, electronic and automation fields. -- Turnkey industrial plants and installations, planning, engineering, execution, documentation and management. -- System integration (SI). -- Re-engineering, modification and automation of existing plant and equipment. -- Maintenance of and modifications to existing automation systems. -- Back-up assistance services on a call out basis.

Automation solutions that work for your business! 6

The Engineer | November 2016

The general mode of operation in connection with project work is to consult with the client and co-operate with him/her in the definition, scoping and specification of a project, and to contract and integrate engineering and other disciplines in the manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and project management disciplines to deliver an optimized final product. Subsequently, a short summary of the most salient functions and features of IAE: -- Definition of scope and performance requirements in co-operation with the Customer. -- Drafting of performance, quality, and other technical specification documents. -- Preparation of tender documentation and drawings to obtain supplier quotations. -- Evaluation and recommendations of supplier quotations and tenders to assist the customer in the tender adjudication process. -- Preparation and submission of quotations to customers. -- Detail design of electrical, automation, instrumentation, process and control systems, including comprehensive manufacturing, installation, and other documentation as required. -- Assistance with Hazop study and corresponding design change specifications. -- Construction of automation and control panels up to factory acceptance testing (FAT). -- Workshop and site supervision of construction, manufacturing, erection and installation of support infrastructure, plant and equipment. -- Preparation of project plans, including definition of tasks, allocation of resources, cash flow schedules, technical and financial mile stone definition, critical path analysis, and flowsheets in the form of Gantt or Perth diagrams or bar charts. -- Project management according to project plans, including reporting on deviations and recommendations on suitable preventive action, or taking of such actions. -- Recommendations on progress payments to customer, or preparation of payment certificates. -- Supervision of testing and cold commissioning. -- Testing and cold commissioning. -- Supervision of hot commissioning. -- Hot commissioning.

-- Plant performance testing according to specifications. -- Preparation and submission to customer of handover certificate. -- Preparation and submission of as-built final documentation. -- Convening of project post mortem meetings, compilation and submission of post mortem reports.

Track Record Some of the projects completed by IAEcc and its members: 1. Automation of the polymerization batch process for polyethylene manufacturing at Safripol, Sasolburg, South Africa, with AEG CP80-A400 PLC. (1981) 2. Complete electrical subproject of the 6000t/h overburden removal system for ISCOR/ Sishen South Africa, including 11kV incomers, 3,3kV motor control centres (MCC’s), 380V MCC’s, complete LV utility power distribution, and the entire automation system with 7 x AEG CP80-A400 PLC’s and telecommand and telemetry system for the total plant system consisting of crusher, apron feeders, conveyors, tripper car and stacker. (1981 – 1982)

PO Box 80683, 136 Mose Tjitendero Street, Olympia, Windhoek Tel: +264(0)61 30 53 13. Email: info@iae-nam.com Company Reg No. CC/2002/1637 • Vat No. 3080831-01-5 • Vat Import No. 3080831-01-6

1. Automation (12 x AEG CP80-A500 SEAB networked PLC’s) and complete electrical MV and LV subproject for the quadruple direct reduction rotary furnace plant (DIRRED) for ISCOR Vanderbijlpark, South Africa. This was a world first production plant for the direct reduction of iron ore to sponge iron by making use of a similar process to cement manufacturing. (1982 – 1984) 2. Complete electrical, electronic and communications consulting services for Swakopmund State Hospital, including design, compilation of specifications, tender process, site supervision, and documentation control up to project completion. (1987 – 1989) 3. Complete cellar process automation for Namibia Breweries Ltd. with Siemens S7-400 decentralized and networked (Profibus DP, Profibus FMS, industrial Ethernet Siemens H1) PLC system and Wonderware InTouch SCADA system implementation, including interfacing to the company intranet for web browser-enabled reporting system based on Wonderware InSQL database and I/O server systems. (2004 – 2005) 4. Development of reservoir, pump station and bore hole automation systems including local Siemens PLC’s communicating via optical link or data radio link with Schneider Citect and Siemens WinCC SCADA systems for Windhoek water supply division. This included the program installation and commissioning for a variety of existing and new stations, the central Siemens S7-400 control PLC and the SCADA system. (2009 – 2013). 5. Complete new packaging plant automation and control system including scoping, process functional design, electrical design, control panel manufacture, distributed I/O stations, optical fibre link, SCADA and PLC design, programming and commissioning for Namib Mills. (2013). 6. Extensive assistance with Anixas power station PLC and SCADA automation system commissioning, as well as design and implementation of a reporting system, and various other work including data communication implementation to Windhoek control station. (2012 – 2014) 7. Automation of Gam hybrid solar power plant with Siemens S7-1200 PLC and Wonderware SCADA, including data logging and reporting. Included in this is a GPRS based data link to a mirrored Wonderware SCADA system in Windhoek for remote monitoring and control, as well as data logging.We have been working together individually or as a company with many prominent international players in the engineering field, such as Lurgi, GEATuchenhagen, APV, Huppmann, Krones, KHS, Union Engineering, Siemens, and many others, but have also cooperated with a many Namibian and South African contracting partners such as Wonderware/Futuristix/ EOH, Krupp, IMS, Genrec, E L Bateman, Alpret, APV, ASE, Barloworld and others in various engineering fields.

we are a proudly namibian company dedicated to improving water consumption for communities anywhere and everywhere in our growing reach. we aim to produce healthy consumable water. Our Water is carefully collected through quality testing conducted regularly to ensure a premium quality by removing chlorines and THMs through a daily-monitored activated carbon filtration process.

Please feel free to contact us for references. IAE can deliver some or all of the listed services, as required by and agreed with the customer. IAE are appointed representatives for ABZ Aggregatebau GmbH, of Germany, who specialize in the manufacture, supply, installation and commissioning of turn-key standalone or multi-generator set multi-Megawatt diesel power stations for in-house or containerized applications, including black start systems for big power stations. Please have a look at their web site at www.abz-power.com/en/company , or google “ABZ Aggregatebau GmbH” on the net. Please feel free to contact us for a personal introduction and conversation. We are prepared to submit sample documentation and a more comprehensive list of reference projects completed by IAE staff if required.

Fountain of pure water. suitable for all ages, lifestyles, and uses.

+264 81 354 8835/081 802 0655 aquaticafountain@gmail.com

Demineralization removes unwanted minerals (through reverse osmosis) whereby selected minerals are added to cater to the consumer taste preferences.

we are located at AUAS VALLEY WINDHOEK The Engineer | November 2016

DESIGN

The next dimension in project design WorleyParsons RSA is propelling its integrated project design tools into the next dimension of project engineering and construction management, providing tangible and pre-emptive design solutions to project delivery.

“The unique 5D integrated project design approach has already been applied to some of our major current projects and is proving to bring added value to customers by providing design accuracy, the ability to look preemptively forward and create a scenario plan,” says Russell du Plessis, project engineering manager for WorleyParsons RSA. “There is accuracy of design data control, a very high level of detailing, and the ability to have foresight by shifting the base line in the schedule so you can anticipate how it will affect a construction schedule,” adds Du Plessis, who has been leading the integrated project design development. Du Plessis explained that the 5D model is creating by taking the content of a 3D design model and segmenting it into components, and then associating those components with cost and schedule. An engine running behind this data enables a moveable timeline which builds a graphic display that accurately calculates cost on any given day of the project timeline.

The Engineer | November 2016

“We integrate all the physical components of a 3D model with time and cost and produce a 5D model both ourselves and the customer can work from. The concept is to deliver an intelligent and integrated projects scope that runs from design phase right through to construct. By integrating everything, we have better control in terms of risk, we can avoid delays and exceeds customer expectations,” says Mushir Khan, manager of engineering at WorleyParsons RSA.

“

There is accuracy of design data control, a very high level of detailing, and the ability to have foresight by shifting the base line in the schedule so you can anticipate how it will affect a construction schedule.

“

he company began developing its integrated design projects tools five years ago, taking 3D design to the next level by integrating 3D intelligent design data mapping with over 20 different engineering processes and programmes to create a visual 5D design scope that incorporates schedules and cost.

The system generates a plant breakdown structure which interfaces with the work breakdown structure (WBS) and provides numerical values for the projects so that every single component is connected to an item on the schedule from a time and cost perspective. Errors and related rework are minimised through the principles of centralised relational data management of multiple design environments. Scope changes during the project lifecycle are also managed automatically to generate seamless updates of all engineering deliverables associated with the updated data. The integrated 5D model is capable of being applied not just in the design phase but can be utilised right through to project construction. “If a shipment arrives late, for example, customers can adjust schedule and see any cost implications. This is something that we have never been able to do on a construction site before. Now you can sit in a boardroom with the 5D model in front of you and know exactly what should be happening on site on any given day,” says Du Plessis. WorleyParsons RSA intends to incorporate this integrated approach to future projects as a standard value added service.

“This also means that we can better define the inputs into a quantitative risk analysis, which can result in better understanding contingencies carried on the project. In addition, being able to play out various scenarios in the supply chain, we are better able to manage risk and possibly reduce contingencies on the projects,” states Khan.

The Engineer | November 2016

COMPANY PROFILE

Namib Hydrosearch CC Namib Hydrosearch CC is a Windhoek-based company which has provided consultancy services to the Namibian geo-science industry for the past 25 years. The Company provides technical and project management services for groundwater, environmental and mineral exploration projects. The company commenced business shortly after Independence in 1990 and concentrated its activities primarily within the groundwater sector. In 1992 the company merged with the Norwegian multinational company Interconsult A/S and thereafter operated as Interconsult Namibia. We operated as Interconsult A/S for the next 10 years after the merger, and now operate as Namib Hydrosearch cc.

he merger broadened the scope of work from groundwater exploration to include environmental assessments, GIS-based mapping and soil survey programmes. In 2003, after the sale of Interconsult Namibia, Namib Hydrosearch re-commenced operations under its original name, retaining all staff and equipment. The Company has added capability in groundwater resource evaluation and environmental assessment, and is equipped to carry out extensive hydrogeological investigations including numerical flow modelling. In addition, the Company has been involved in environmental rehabilitation of mineral exploration areas. Since 2003, Namib Hydrosearch ventured into mineral exploration work carrying our remote sensing and geophysical data interpretation, geological and geophysical surveys, geochemical sampling, drilling supervision and logging, GIS and databases, data evaluation and project management.

LIST OF CAPABILITIES GROUNDWATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSEMENTS

-- Groundwater exploration and development of water supply scheme and its management

-- Integrated regional hydrogeological data interpretation using GIS techniques -- Hydrogeological assessments, conceptualisation and numerical flow modelling -- Mine related groundwater evaluations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; environmental impacts and monitoring, surface and ground water quality assessment and mine dewatering design and evaluation -- Test pumping, slug tests, and constant head tests and data evaluation in porous and fractured aquifers -- Infiltration studies -- Hydrocensus and water quality sampling -- Hydrogeological monitoring and data evaluation GIS AND IMAGE PROCESSING -- Setting up geodatabases with raster and vector datasets for geological and hydrogeological data and maps -- Geostatistical analyses of data -- Specialised geochemical and geophysical surveys maps -- Custom borehole logs, sections and profiles and 3D plots for presentation of geology and interpolated parameters -- Image processing for hydrogeological applications (aquifer delineation and fracture mapping) -- Satellite image processing for mapping alteration zones, lithology and classification -- Co-processing of satellite data with geophysical and geochemical datasets -- Target generation for hydrogeological exploration -- Target generation for mineral exploration GROUNDWATER AND MINERAL EXPLORATION (GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS) -- Magnetometers -- Horizontal loop electromagnetic survey (Apex Max Min and EM 34) -- Resistivity profiling and soundings -- Scintillometer surveys

STREAMBED AND SOIL SAMPLING -- Several experienced teams are available for soil and streambed sampling. The teams are equipped with 4x4 vehicles, camping equipment, maps and GPSs. They are capable of reading maps and navigating to pre-loaded GPS waypoints. -- Statistical and GIS based analyses of data DRILLING SUPERVISION, LOGGING AND SAMPLING -- Geologist capable of managing geological and hydrogeological drilling programmes, detailed logging and sampling -- Experience of carrying out sampling for a variety of mineral exploration programmes from base metals to uranium. -- Familiar with sampling procedures for different drilling techniques (such as core splitting and sampling diamond core; sampling of pulverized samples without dust loss). -- Sample handling, record keeping and preparing samples for dispatch to laboratories. SPECIALISED SAMPLING -- Channel sampling of exposed rock faces -- Hand auger sampling on soil and unconsolidated formations -- Water quality sampling (including deep installation pumps for down hole sampling) -- Environmental rehabilitation of exploration sites -- Teams and equipment are available to rehabilitate explorations sites following sampling, drilling or trenching programmes. -- Specialised rehabilitation measures for sensitive desert areas PROJEC T MANAGEMENT -- Overall design and management of groundwater and mineral exploration projects including data collection, interpretation, reporting, and selection, appointment and management of contractors. -- Experience in management of a variety of hydrogeological and mineral exploration projects requiring varied specialist inputs.

-- Radon cup deployment and collection

The Engineer | November 2016

ENGINEER(S) OF THE MONTH

DIGANTA SARMA Namib Hydrosearch CC PO BOX 11546, Windhoek, Namibia Tel: (264) 61 220 400, (267) 81 275 3927 Fax: (264) 61 230 934 e-mail: diganta@geonamibia.net

Education 1989 - 1992

Master of Technology (Applied Geology) University of Roorkee (now IIT Roorkee), Roorkee, India

1985 - 1988

Bachelor of Science (Geology Major), Cotton College, Gauhati University, Assam, India

Key Qualifications • Experience in groundwater exploration, development, resource evaluation and management. • Groundwater numerical flow modelling. • Hydrogeological environmental assessments. • Pumping test design, data collection, analysis and interpretation. • Image processing, databases and GIS techniques. • Water chemistry and environmental isotope data interpretation and modelling. • Project planning and management. Professional Experience 2002 - present

Senior Hydrogeologist / Member of CC Namib Hydrosearch CC, Windhoek, Namibia Responsibilities include management of the company, business generation, project management, reporting and liaison. Involved in groundwater projects in Namibia, Botswana and Angola.

Recent Representative Projects 2016

Emergency expansion of the Omaruru Municipal water resource - Exploration of groundwater in the Omaruru Alluvial Aquifer and Hardrock targets. Municipality of Omaruru. Siting, drilling and testpumping with supervision at Groot Aub for the Khomas Regional Council through engineering consultants Consulting Service Africa, Windhoek. Review of hydrogeological conditions - Biopio alluvial aquifer Catumbela river, Benguela province, Angola. Arenitos e Águas de Angola and SonAngol.

2015

Investigation into brine leakage and sand ingress affecting production at Walvis Bay Salt Works, Walvis Bay Salt Refiners, Namibia. Resource evaluation and development of groundwater in the Khaudom National Park, Kavango Region . Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Namibia

2013-2014

Hydrogeological study for EIA of proposed Okanjande Graphite Mine in Otjiwarongo, Gecko Graphite, Windhoek, Namibia.

2012

Groundwater exploration for supply to Okanjande Graphite Mine, Otjiwarongo for Gecko Graphite, Windhoek, Namibia. Numerical Flow modelling to optimise dam release for managed aquifer recharge of Oanob Aquifer. Aquifer delineation with geophysics and drilling data, evaluation of test pumping data, groundwater flow modelling. Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, MAWF, Namibia. Hydrogeological study for assessment of dewatering requirements of the Kombat Copper Mine, Namibia for Pan Terra Industries Inc. , Vancouver, Canada

The Engineer | November 2016

ENGINEER(S) OF THE MONTH

SIMMONDS ALAN

Education 1983

MSc. (Sedimentology) 1983 University of Port Elizabeth, South Africa

1974-1979

BSc. Hons. (Geology); BSc. (Geology) 1974-1979 University of Natal, Durban, South Africa

Key Qualifications

Namib Hydrosearch CC PO BOX 11546, Windhoek, Namibia Tel: (264) 61 220 400, (267) 81 275 3927 Fax: (264) 61 230 934

• Geologist. • Thirty seven years of geological experience in southern Africa, with twenty six years as project leader/ manager in groundwater and mineral exploration projects. • Past 10 years devoted to the Kalahari Copper Belt in Namibia and Botswana. Acquisition of exploration licences, securing of funding and management and direction of prospecting operations.. Professional Experience 1997 - 1998, 2006 - present

Hydrogeological Association of Namibia (founder, chairman

Llife Member

Geological Society of Namibia

Employment Summary 2003 - present

Managing Director Namib Hydrosearch, Windhoek, Namibia.

1992 - 2003

Managing Director Interconsult Namibia (Pty) Ltd, Windhoek, Namibia.

1990 - 1992

Managing Director Namib Hydrosearch, Windhoek, Namibia.

1989 - 1990

Senior Geohydrologist Department of Water Affairs, Pretoria, RSA.

1985 - 1989

Principal Hydrogeologist Department of Water Affairs, S.W.A./Namibia.

1979 - 1985

Mining Exploration Geologist Gold Fields of South Africa Ltd.

Professional Experience (selected projects) 2007 - Present. Exploration for strata bound copper mineralisation in what is believed to be continuation of Kalahari Copper Belt strata in central eastern Namibia. Airborne mag interpretation, satellite imagery and soil sampling (on-going) 2005-Present promoter, principal in exploration for strata-bound copper mineralisation in Stellent (Pty) Ltd, Ghanzi Copper Project, Botswana 2007-2008, Water supply feasibility for proposed Omitiomire Cu Mine, Steinhausen Namibia 2004-2007, Promoter, principal in exploration for diamondiferous kimberlite in the Hukuntsi area of western Botswana. 2004- 2007 Project manager exploration for epigenetic gold and base minerals, AfriOre International (Barbados) Limited, Otjiwarongo District, Namibia 2002-2003 Team Leader/project manager groundwater exploration and development in Kunene Province Angola for Ministério da Energia e Águas, Direcção Provincial de Energia e Águas do Kunene, funded by UNICEF. Training of local capacity in application of geophysical methods and data interpretation.. 2-week training course presented to DPEA Kunene (Xangongo), March 2003. Course manual in Portuguese presented to participants. 2000-2002 Team Leader, Tsabong Groundwater Investigation, southern Botswana, for Department of Water Affairs. Investigation of a semi-arid region leading to the successful identification and development of fractured aquifers in quartzite. Higher success rates and yields were achieved than in previous investigations although analysis of test pumping data suggest that sustainable pumping will only be possible at significantly reduced rates. 2000-2001 Project manager, study of groundwater pollution vulnerability of Windhoek Aquifer leading to development of a groundwater pollution potential map to be used in future development planning of the city. 1999-2000 Investigation into sustainable water supply for Okorusu Fluorspar Mine, existing supply assessed and new resources explored. 1999 Project manager, Pre-feasibility study on water supply for the proposed Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine in the Namib Desert.

The Engineer | November 2016

PROJECT FOCUS

Water Drilling: Accessing Windhoek’s larger slice The City of Windhoek has put in place an emergency water supply project that forms part of its initiative started in 2015 to accelerate the implementation of the Windhoek Managed Aquifer Recharge Scheme (WMARS) to its full design potential.

We chat with the City’s Chief Engineer Johan de Vos on this project development as well as the laying of collector pipelines from boreholes to the south and east of the City. Q: Give us a brief background on the project of the Windhoek Managed Aquifer Recharge System? The Windhoek aquifer is estimated to hold approximately 6 million m3 of water with minimal losses (+/-3%) when compared to surface dams. The current phase of the project will allow the access to underground water in times of drought, provided the aquifer has been fully/partially recharged to allow abstraction.

It is important to understand that, if about 25 Million m3 is extracted, it will take about 14 years to replenish the aquifer through normal, average precipitation. The scheme is therefore developed so as to allow for the artificial recharging of the aquifer in times of abundant availability of surface water (dams in excess of a predetermined level) thereby effectively acting as a water bank. This will greatly reduce the amount of water captured, but lost through evaporation while safeguarding the capital city against droughts. The Windhoek Managed Aquifer Recharge System can also act as an enormous balancing facility which can aid to significantly reduce the size of future supply infrastructure. Q: What then is the current scope of the City of Windhoek’s drilling activities? The current contract allows for the drilling of 12 deep-well, large diameter boreholes. This in essence means a casing-size of +/- 350mm and boreholes drilled to approximately 400m-450m deep. The objective is to access to a larger “slice” of the water stored in the aquifer which can be utilised in times of drought. At present 8 boreholes, have been drilled successfully, with two drilling sites ongoing at present. Q: But how do you rate your success? The eventual yield is estimated depending on the water-bearing geological structures encountered during the investigation-stage. Depending on these perceived yields, the optimum borehole position is obtained but actual yield can only be determined after the borehole has been sunk and physical pump tests are executed. Up to now, all eight bore holes tested equal or better than the predicted yield. Q: What have been the key challenges? It’s important to realise that, despite a lot of diligent preparatory work done the final outcome is still dependent on a number of variable and unpredictable factors.

The Engineer | November 2016

The water-bearing geological structures are extremely fragmented and fragile and has proven itself to be very difficult to drill. In addition, the time pressure on the project strains the execution with very little leeway for errors. The City of Windhoek has been fortunate to secure the services of two of the best drilling contractors in Namibia which leads to less-than-anticipated stoppage. The execution of the work however does not stop with the drilling of the boreholes. In addition, the procurement of service providers and suppliers for the installation and connection of the boreholes has proven quite a challenge.

“

he primary objective of the WMARS is to increase the internal long-term sustainable water supply capacity of the City by injecting water into an aquifer during times of high rainfall and abstract it under controlled conditions during times of drought. The aquifer allows for long term safekeeping of water with limits of losses to approximately 5% compared to conventional dams with losses up to 50%, an excerpt from the newsletter reads.

Cumbersome public procurement processes, long lead times and the availability of specialised equipment and limited contracting capacity are some of the major challenges experienced given the tight timelines surrounding the implementation of the project. Q: Talking of procurement and infrastructure on-site, what special machinery has been used in this project? The drilling rigs required for the project are standard but it was prescribed that the drillers must be able to alternate between different drilling methods as to allow for both rapid drilling, in hard-rock, and more controlled drilling in the broken areas. Apart from having access to the right equipment it is also extremely important that the drillers would have the proper experience

and know-how given the challenging drilling circumstances. Specific requirements included additional boosting-capacity to allow for deeper drilling as well as reverse-flow circulation drilling to prevent unnecessary scouring of the borehole-sides which again will increase the risk of structural failure of the latter. In terms of installation, specialised borehole specific pumps that could deliver high volumes when installed at great depth are needed. This comes with a significant power requirement and complex installation techniques.

Q: Would you mind sharing the cost of the project thus far? The project budget is around N$ 300 million with just short of half the estimated funds expended to date. Q: What are the structural developments regarding the pipeline connecting the southern boreholes to the City’s water supply network? The pipe network connecting the boreholes to the existing City infrastructure is developed in such a way that it can be used for abstraction or in revers for recharging as well.

DE VOS IN BRIEF

e Started out as a civil engineer and worked his way into strategic planning, facility management and project management. De Vos has extensive experience in the planning, conceptual and detail design as well as construction of infrastructure ranging across the spectrum from water retaining structures to services to commercial and residential developments. His responsibilities ranged from detail design, site-management and administration, project management, design and site-meetings with clients, stakeholders, architects, engineers and contractors, site inspections, preparation of contractual documentation, et al. “Though I have a "soft spot" for airports and related operations, my experience lies in infrastructural development and facility management in all areas,” he says. Specialties: Site management- and administration Project Management and Control, Airport Infrastructure Development, Strategic Planning, Facility Management

In addition, a number of sensors would be installed at each production site to monitor and control among other water level, temperature, etc. Q: So what are the remaining timelines of this project? The ultimate deadline for the project is to install boreholes of sufficient capacity to replace the supply lost when the supply system from NamWater fails – expected in December 2016. All boreholes should be drilled by mid-December unless very unfavourable underground soil conditions are encountered. In addition, a significant number of concurrent projects are ongoing where boreholes are subject to geohydrological testing, installed with pumps complete with the associated civil, mechanical and electrical installations and connections to allow for the extraction and delivery of water into the reticulation system. The entire first phase of the project is scheduled to be completed by April 2017.

There is a total of seven phases to interconnect production and recharge boreholes. The city has effectively implemented Phase 1 and Phase 2A. Phase 2B, which will connect boreholes from the east of the City with the Central reservoir-group is currently ongoing and should be completed by September 2017. Q: Would you say these are the biggest successes of your department? The department started with the accelerated implementation in September 2015 though there was, at that time, still only a possibility of an impending drought. With the current water demand management, the access to water from the aquifer and the normal water reclamation, the effects of the drought was greatly reduced. This has also proven to be the only viable mitigation to Windhoek running out of water when supply on the side of NamWater fails (expected Dec 2016). Had this implementation not started early in 2015 there would not have been sufficient time for implementation after the 2015/16 rainy season failed to supplement the available supply in the surface reservoirs.

Chief Engineer: Engineering Services City of Windhoek January 2014 – City of Windhoek Owner Project Solutions CC October 2010 – December 2013 Head: Project Management Namibia Airports Company June 2007 – September 2010 Responsible for the entire annual capital expenditure as well as Infrastructural Planning and Development at all eight airports of the NAC. Senior Engineer Bicon Namibia October 2003 – May 2007 Responsible for the planning and detail design of civil- and structural engineering projects throughout Namibia. Senior Engineer NamWater January 1997 – September 2003 Planning and design of water-supply systems and reticulations throughout Namibia. Assistant Engineer Department of Water Affairs January 1995 – December 1996

“Though I have a "soft spot" for airports and related operations, my experience lies in infrastructural development and facility management in all areas,” Johan de Vos

The Engineer | November 2016

FINANCE

Financing your commercial property purchase If you’ve found a property you’d like to buy for your business, the next challenge is to apply for a bond. Here are some frequently asked questions about finding finance for commercial property. Q: What is a commercial property? A: A property that is legally zoned (permitted) to have a business conducted from it. Properties that can be financed through a commercial property loan are: • Shops, offices or blocks of flats • Warehouses, showrooms, factories or similar industrial premises • Sectional title complexes (zoned for business purposes) including individual units in these complexes • Existing residential properties which are primarily used for business purposes and which have business rights or consent use Q: How can I prepare before I apply for a loan? A: The criteria for a loan will depend on who you approach. Do some research – websites are generally a good source – about who you can approach and what they expect from prospective lenders. Have your business plan ready and all the research you have done on the property you intend to buy. A lender will want you to convince them that this is a good investment, so compile the documents to this effect. Q: Can I approach any bank for a loan? A: Finding someone to back you is not as difficult as it used to be. You have to go to a bank or a financier that deals with commercial property. There are also various private and government-supported funds geared towards SMEs that may give you a loan. Have a look at our Finding Financing category for the names of organisations to approach. Q: What kind of interest rate will I be charged? A: Just like you would if you were buying a home, you can shop around and see which bank will give you the best interest rate. Q: Are there any other costs I should be aware of? A: Make sure you know what costs are included in your loan. Most financiers will charge administration fees and VAT, so get the exact amount and ask whether it

will be included in the loan amount or if it’s payable separately. Also factor in the cost of the legal fees associated with your loan, such as transferring attorneys, etc. Q: Do I need a deposit? A: No matter who you are asking for money, your loan will have to meet with certain requirements. Most lending institutions will expect you to have a certain percentage of the loan to put down as a deposit. The exact requirements will depend on who you approach, how they work and on the viability of your property purchase.

A: Investments are structured using equity, shareholders’ loan accounts and term loans or any combination of these. Individual solutions are structured once the level of risk and the potential return investment of the venture have been assessed.

A: Most institutions do loans over a 10 year period, while we can structure repayment according to your specific cash flow or rental income requirements. This normally also varies according to whether you are buying the property to occupy yourself, or if you will be renting out space to tenants. Q: What else will be required to secure a loan? A: It is often recommended and sometimes a requirement that your loan is supported by suretyships. If you will be renting out space to tenants, this will count in your favour as long as you can prove that lease agreements have been ceded. Q: Who is responsible for insuring the property? A: Essentially, the property will be registered in your name, making you the legal owner. You are therefore wholly responsible to have the property adequately insured. Get advice from experts in this area, to ensure that you have all the necessary insurances in place.

We believe in continuously evolving and improving our commercial property product offering to better serve you. Our national footprint ensures CPF representation in all major business centres and our property experts possess a wealth of property knowledge and experience to provide you with helpful advice.

of property (commercial, industrial, retail, residential development and affordable housing development). The team believes that consistency in processing creates trust with its clients, and allows clients to align to its processes. CPF provides a personalised service with the reasons for declines are given.

Customers wanting to own their own commercial or industrial building from which their business operates (owner occupied property), customers that wish to obtain properties for investment purposes (tenanted property), developers

The CPF team are the practical on the ground team and does not provide one size fits all solution. It has various team members with specialist and diversified experience, and who solve diverse problems as a team.

The Engineer | November 2016

Q: Is there a service provider that offers finance, broking and management solutions all in one?

Q: What loan term can I repay the loan over?

Introducing the FNB Commercial Property Finance Team

FNB Commercial Property Finance team.

The structure of each investment is made using FNB Namibia‘s unique investment models, designed for the entrepreneur with viable multi-tenant property investment opportunities - and which caters for a viable business for those who wants to purchase his or her own premises. As with any purchase of this kind, it’s important to get sound financial advice from an expert in this area. Before you even consider buying a property and approaching a financier for a loan, get a financial planner in conjuction with a property expert to look at your finances and determine whether it’s in your best interest (and the best interest of your business) to buy a property.

The team are as follows: Axel Cramer - Head: CPF acramer@fnbnamibia.com.na; Tel.: (+264 61) 299 7560 Margot Ackermann - CPF Manager mackermann@fnbnamibia.com.na; Tel.: (+264 61) 299 2828 Cliffy Nauses - CPF Manager cnauses@fnbnamibia.com.na; Tel.: (+264 61) 299 8633 Jeffrey Katjivena - CPF Manager jkatjivena@fnbnamibia.com.na; Tel.: (+264 61) 299 2489 Mark Kissler - CPF Manager Mkissler@fnbnamibia.com.na; Tel.: (+264 61) 299 8631 Natasja Slinger - CPF Manager nslinger@fnbnamibia.com.na; Tel.: (+264 61) 299 2060

INDUSTRIAL

Internship experience inspires boilermaker By Toini Martin

Jason Amwiigidha is a vocational graduate boilermaker artisan, from Windhoek Vocational Training Centre (VTC). Fired from his first internship at the Windhoek National Fabric in 2009 before his six months were up, Jason is aggrieved at the way interns are treated country-wide particularly in the engineering field. “Interns are not always treated humanely. If they are not fetching water for the bosses, then they are being sent into town, all this has nothing to do with the nature of the job studied,” he says. In 2010, Jason got an opportunity to sample the treatment of interns in bigger firms like Rossing Uranium from whom he credits for nurturing the boilermaker in him, to the extent of starting his own business, Web Steel Construction.

WEB STEEL CONSTRUCTION CC Employing Quality Full Time

“Internships seem like a win-win situation at first-companies receive extra help and interns get to learn the ropes of the industry. In Namibia’s high labour-cost market, interns are considered an inexpensive resource that can be easily expended for various purposes.

The company specialises in steel construction of any type and fabrication of steel products and vehicle’s body crafting, modifications and fitments. “The only challenge my internship did not help me with is bookkeeping. I am a technical person and bookkeeping is a challenge.

But a closer look at the different experiences of interns reveals the ugly truth about internships offered across all industries. Mismanaging and maltreatment of interns is more common than imagined, with many interns expressing disappointment with the way their internship turned out. Common grievances include relegation to menial tasks, being forced to work outside of their job scope, unreasonable or empty hours, and a lack of overall guidance,” he says.

I wish there could be internships on being your own boss, then I would be complete,” he jokes adding, “Just imagine, an intern who is guided by a mentor and given opportunities to display his own capabilities in a work environment might just turn out to be a valuable addition to the team.”

Satisfied with his work at Rossing, in 2011 Jason embarked on being an entrepreneur. By the year 2016, web steel construction had completed its first project at the Ohorongo cement through good principles and management.

In the year 2017 Web steel construction will be a full supplier of the yellow plasters to most of the building retailers in the Namibia. The project was affected by the water challenges in Windhoek, hence the decision to commence it next year, although supply agreements with Agra and Pupkewitz are already in the offing.

Web Steel Cosntruction cc is maily focused on providing construction services throughout Namibia both to individuals and corporations as well as to the Government specialising in steel works. At Web Steel we guarantee our clients high quality workmanship and our products achieve the necessary required standards both internationally and locally recognised.

Contact us: +264 61 249 930, Jason +264 81 316 2171, Alan +264 81 4831089, | Visit us: 744 Eveline Street, Katutura, Windhoek, P o Box 2822, Windhoek

PRINSLOO DRILLING FOR ALL YOUR DRILLING REQUIREMENTS

Large diameter Dewatering well in Zambia, drilling size 504m/m

Prakla RB50 drill rig at Rooibank near Walvisbaai, large diameter water wells for Nmawater

The result of large diameter water well drilling

Services

Large diameter water well drilling contract for the CITY OF WINDHOEK

Large diameter water well Drilling Large diameter de-watering wells Coning...PQ, HQ and NQ Exploration Drilling Mini diameter Bulk Sampling, 508 m/m and smaller Large diameter Bulk Sampling...1200m/m plus Geotechnical investigation SPT Tests Pump testing Auger drilling Any specialised drilling work Field of operation: Namibia, SOuth Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, DRC and Angola

Drilling of De-watering wells on a Copper mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Tel.: +264 61 257 769 | Fax: +264 61 257 712 | Mobile: +264 81 124 7564 E-mail: kobus@prinsloodrilling.com | 6 Thorner Street, Klein Windhoek | P O Box 90661, Klein Windhoek, Namibia

FEATURE

How local contractors in Namibia can survive the competition from the international firms Chinese companies are in Africa to stay or at least until they accomplish their mission here. Through Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) and aid, they have invested in sectors such as transport, telecommunications, construction, energy, waste disposal and port refurbishment.

heir timely completion of projects like modern highways has earned them admiration from many of our Namibian politicians.

The trade volume between the two countries reached US$863 million in 2014 with Namibia exporting US$318 million worth of goods to China and importing US$545 million worth of products from the Asian economic giant. From January to May 2015, the trade volume between the two countries stood at US$286 million, an increase of 0.56 percent compared to the same period last year. There is no doubt that their presence in Namibia has had a positive impact especially the improved infrastructure. This is in sync with our vision 2030 which identifies infrastructure as one of the sectors that will drive economic growth. However, the critical question remains: “who has really profited from China’s intervention?” it is obvious China is driven by its own need for economic prosperity and not the solidarity with any government. Namibia is an important partner of China in the African continent and President Hage Geingob last December said Namibia is willing to push forward cooperation with China in areas such as infrastructure, agriculture and new-energy exploration.

“Our collective determination to bring about development on our continent is tempered by the understanding that we cannot do it alone. To this extent, our partnership with China is one built on long lasting and historic solidarity, as well as mutual respect. It is therefore offensive when we are lectured by certain nations and warned about the so-called Chinese colonization of Africa,” stressed Geingob during the 2015 two-day summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Chinese companies operating in Namibia created more than 6 000 jobs for locals in 2015. The Chinese government encourages enterprises to actively take part in the construction and operation of transport facilities, ports and other infrastructure in the African country to promote its economic and social development. However, most of the Chinese corporations operating in Namibia are either fully or partially owned by the Chinese government, therefore have access to very low cost capital and can operate with a longer repayment period. Through their government’s “going global strategy” Chinese companies enjoy four types of incentives: a) Special and general tax incentives b) credits and loans C) foreign exchange allowance d) favourable import and export regime. Compare this with locally owned firms who have

Additional writings by Madrin Wanjiru Maina, a Civil Engineer who has been practicing since 2010 in the telecom, real estate and energy sectors. to work with commercial loans which attract a high interest rates and a shorter repayment periods and it is clear the Chinese have an upper hand. Chinese firms are funded by the Export-Import Bank (Exim) of China which is a state bank solely owned by the Chinese government. In cases where the Chinese government are the lenders, the Namibia government has to demonstrate that it is a Chinese contractor who will handle a project. In this case, local contractors are disadvantaged but this can be turned around to become a win-win situation for all parties involved. There must be a way in which Chinese interests can be met and local firms protected as well. Though local contractors had a reputation of being corrupt, incompetent and delivering substandard work, blanket condemnation should not be used to deny them contracts. Governments in Africa, Namibia included, are desperate to attract and retain foreign investors and at the same time diversify their sources of funding from the traditional IMF, World Bank and western governments. This desire should not be met by encouraging or overlooking practices that may spell doom to local firms and deny Namibians lucrative job opportunities. Local contractors have continually decried the rate at which the Namibian government is awarding tenders and consenting to Chinese investments. Local firms need to be empowered such that they will be in a position to undertake mega infrastructure projects in the future on their own. This can be done if structures are put in place for knowledge transfer and capacity building as current projects are being implemented. In this day of Harambee, local firms should petition the government to adopt policies advocating for the following:

Joint Ventures The government has in the recent past raised the demands on firms and their personnel during tendering of projects like requiring experience on big projects. To counter this shortcoming for local firms, it can be made mandatory for Chinese and other foreign firms bidding for infrastructure jobs in this country to enter into legally binding joint ventures (JVs) with Local firms and to subcontract a higher percentage of work to local firms.

The Engineer | November 2016

therefore cheaper than locally manufactured ones. The same should be done for equipment and machinery. A foreign contractor should demonstrate that a certain machine or equipment is not available locally either for buying or hire before they are allowed to import the same.

Bid Evaluation

This way, local firms can gain technical skills, build experience and bid competitively for big projects in the future. They will also be in a position to maintain the infrastructure successively once it has been handed over to the government. Arab Countries have done before this in order to protect their infant industries. Employing locals in casual positions is not enough to facilitate knowledge transfer and capacity building. Failure to have inbuilt partnership system to allow transfer of technologies and knowledge from Chinese firms will breed a culture of dependency and Kenya will find itself in a position where it cannot maintain the infrastructure after handing over.

Labour With a fast-growing population and a high unemployment rate Namibia’s main priority is jobs. China is providing excellent infrastructure but has brought its own workforce. Many Namibians complain that Chinese projects do not employ enough Africans or do not transfer enough of skills and technology. The Chinese should make available to Namibians top level managerial and technical jobs so in the future they can be in a position to run projects undertaken by local firms. Currently, Chinese firms offer all their managerial and technical jobs to their nationals. Locals are engaged in low skill activities, which they have to compete for with the Chinese as well. The companies also do not have structured training programmes to facilitate upgrading of skills and professional development for workers. Locals have little or no control over the construction and production processes in those firms. The Chinese deliberately do not pass skills to the locals because they prefer to communicate in their language. The machine operators cannot or do not speak English, Otjiherero, Oshiwambo or Afrikaans, so it is difficult to pass on skills they have to local workers.

The policy that the lowest technically qualified bidder must be awarded the tender should be revised. Some foreign firms have been known to deliberately underquote for projects in order to ensure they are awarded tenders. In such a scenario, the contractor is unable to deliver the entire project scope in time and within the required quality specifications. Through feasibility studies, economic evaluation of a project by consultants and by studying previous projects of similar magnitude in other parts of the world, the government gets to know the approximate cost of a project. With this knowledge, it should have the right to award the tender to the lowest, most reasonably priced and technically qualified bidder and not just the lowest.

Restrictions on Bidding by Foreign firms Through consultations with industry players, caps should be put in place to restrict the type of projects that foreign firms can bid for. This criterion should be according to project scope, size in terms of money and the technological aspects. This will reduce unfair competition and protect local firms. Affirmative action by the government during bid evaluation should be encouraged. The Namibian government should make sure that 10% of the marks are given free to local contractors. That would mean that if the pass mark is 75%, then a local contractor needs only 65% as they have already earned 10% ahead of the foreigners. On their part, local firms can increase their competitive edge through the following:

Improved standards Local firms should aim towards achieving and maintaining global standards of operation, technical know-how and project delivery. They should adopt modern technologies that are in use globally to increase their competitiveness.

They should invest in the training of their workforce through institutions of higher learning, conferences and seminars and make sure their knowledge and skills are at par with international standards. This will endear them not only to the government but the private sector as well which has in the recent past engaged the services of Chinese firms to put up their structures.

International Exposure Local contractors should be aggressive and bid for international projects in Africa and especially within the SADC since governments and trade relationships have improved tremendously. They can also work as subcontractors to the main contractors in this projects. This would provide good international experience which in some cases is usually a requirement for some projects in Kenya.

Joint ventures Local firms should embrace Joint Ventures to improve their chances when bidding. Local firms have a problem inviting each other to join in order to boost their chances at winning tenders. This has always resulted in them always falling short of the minimum requirements during evaluation. If the locals combined firms, and this is usually allowed for as long the legal framework is in place, then local contractors will get more work. The joint venture approach will work very well with Financial Institutions, as the main failure of contractors is financial capability.

Financing Instead of relying on loans from commercial banks, local contractors can look into other ways of acquiring project financing. An example is investment firms. Currently, two investment firms in Kenya for example, i.e. TransCentury and Centum, are involved in mega energy generation projects (US$130 million 50 MW wind power plant and a coal powered power plant respectively) through partnerships with contractors. With this kind of partnerships, local contractors can have the financial capability to bid for big projects without having to pay high interest like for commercial loans with strict short repayment schedules. With such policies in place, Namibia and other African countries will reap long term benefits from foreign Chinese investment into the country.

Materials and Equipment The government should make it mandatory for foreign firms to use locally available materials like cement, reinforcement bars, paint etc. for their construction works. This will increase the participation of local industries in projects. In some past instances, the Chinese have imported these materials which are exempted from taxes and

The Engineer | November 2016

City of Windhoek City of many faces

Water leak detection Water leak detection Consumerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s responsibility

Leaks are always unexpected.

Leaks are costly. Early leak detection saves water & money.

1. Conduct a monthly/annual leak test over a period of at least 6 hours (overnight). Small leeks only register after some time. This is good practice.

flow direction Water supply from COW

GUIDELINES:

Take regular monthly water meter readings, to know your consumption and to identify leaks early.

Were leaks continue, a thorough investigation is required by analyzing separate supply areas and the water consumption of various outlets. Good practice: Install isolating valves (and water meters) on each branch line to a building. If not satisfied, disconnect the water pipes and install an above ground/temporary pipe from the water meter to your building(s), (connection points), and verify water consumption. When old leak pipes need to be replaced, do not to follow Early detection savesyou water &have money. Conduct a the old pipe trench. Identify the best root, disconnect the old monthly/annual leak testconvenient over a period pipes and install the new pipe at the location. of at least 6

Leaks are always unexpected. Leaks are costly.

hours (overnight). Small leeks only register after some In the case of is no good leak, however a high consumption, start time. This practice. monitoring the consumption of various activities, the gardener, cleana irrigation (electronic) valves, Wash Were leaks continue, thorough investigation (electronic) valves, machine Wash machine and other. is required by analyzing separate supply areas (Take regular water meter and other. (Take regular water meter readings, 3x per dayreadings, 3x per day and the water consumption of various outlets. and record activities during that time) and record activities during that time) Good practice: Install isolating valves (and water theappropriate high consumer activity and apply Identify the branch high line consumer activity andIdentify apply meters) on each to a building. appropriate remedies. remedies. If not satisfied, disconnect the water pipes and

Self-readers will eliminate mistakes by verifying there consumption.

2. Replace old Galvanized Mild Steel pipes, since install an above ground/temporary pipe from live span is limited, especially if you have the water meter to your building(s), (connection 2. Replace old Galvanized Mild Steelthere pipes, since there live had two leaks within 12 months. points), and verify water consumption.

span is limited, especially if you have had two leaks

Report Municipal water leaks or sewerage defects at: Tel: 290-2402, 290-2162, or after-hours at 248905 Water Demand Management Tel: 290-2014 E-mail: Dieter.Tolke@windhoekcc.org.na

NOTE: All pipes should be at least class 12, Whenwithin old pipes12 need to be replaced, you do not months. installed in sand bead; stones may puncher have to follow the old pipe trench. Identify the the pipe over time. Installation depth, at least best root, disconnect the old pipes and install the surfacein level. Compact backfill to new pipe the convenient location. NOTE: Allatpipes should be at least class600mm 12, below installed sand avoid sagging. Frost may damage above ground bead; stones mayhowever puncher time. Installation In the case of no leak, a high the pipe over pipelines. Consider sleeve pipes to protect water consumption, start monitoring the consumption pipes depth, at least 600mm below surface level. Compact backfill to of various activities, the gardener, clean irrigation

avoid sagging. Frost may damage above ground pipelines. Consider sleeve pipes to protect water pipes All leaks upstream of the water meter, is the consumers responsibility.

The Engineer | November 2016

COMPANY PROFILE

Absolutely Pure Water Our company was established in 1999. Our primary business is the importation and marketing of single filters, distillers, dispensers, reverse osmosis water purification systems and parts.

e also carry ample stock of all replacement parts of the products we market. This enables us to honour our warranties.

Our technicians are capable to perform any maintenance required on any of our products. We are more than able to recommend the best solution to any water related issues. Absolutely Pure Water is committed to excellent services and high quality products (ISO 9001 standards). We maintain a data base on which we record all our customer details.

This allows us to keep an accurate customer service history. Our office notifies clients when it is time to replace the filters, and we also make use of agents throughout Namibia to bring our service to our clients. The high technology of reverse osmosis receives numerous praises, honours and approvals. In terms of quality, the purified water we produce is of the best available. The water purifiers we offer produces pure water with a very low TDS (total dissolved solids) reading. What is in a sparkling glass of water may look pure, taste pure, smell pure, but you will still have to drink it at your own risk. At Absolute Pure Water we constantly strive for a mineral-free and chemical-free water, as this is the only kind of water our bodies demand.

Windhoek

Water Purifiers

Distillers Household Purifiers - RO Semi-Industrial RO Purifiers and / or Filtration Water Fountains Water Coolers / Dispensers Watercooler Rentals Servicing Of Any RO Purifiers

Water Treatment Whole House Filtration Water Softeners Ceramic Filters etc Filters Chlorinators

Bettie van Vuuren 061 250 053 Shop 9, Old Powerstation, Armstrong Street, Windhoek

apw@iway.na

Quality Reliability Support

Because of the drought, we must make use of every drop available. It is also a reality that the quality of the water becomes a big concern. More people try to get solutions to recycle water and to use the water available to them. The problem is that all the water available is not suitable to use. Sometimes chemicals in water can become excessive; at other times negligible; yet at all times the minerals will be there. Bad water is not only harmful to our bodies, but also to our appliances. Therefore, we strive for purified water and water without minerals and chemicals. Our equipment removes sediment and chlorine very effectively. The water softners are the most effective and costly way to remove lime and to treat hard water. Contact us for a free quotation and let us stand together to find the best solution to use every drop of water in our lovely Namibia.

The Engineer | November 2016

City of Windhoek City of many faces

Bestuer you water meter De belangrekste hulp middle vir die bestuur van water is die water meter. Gelukig is daar geen nuwe vereistes nie. Dit is egter belanrik om die water meter gereeld te lees (ten minste weekliks) en om die actueele water verbruik in verhouding to forige verbruik seifers te vergelyk. Desdae met die Excel program is dit maklik om record te hou. Die belangrikheid van private water meter records kan nie genoeg beklemtoon word nie. Indien enige condisies buite die normal opgemerk word kan dit dadelik met die Bulk Water & Waste Water Afdeling van die COW komunikeer word. Fur lekasies is daar geen rabat gedurend drogte periodes. Dar is verskye reedes vir die besluit. Die hoof reede is, ons her nie water om te mors nie. Die grootste uitdaging van ons se water tekort mag dalk in die komende jare beleef wort. Daar is geen versekering ten opsigte van die hoefeelheit reen water ons sal ontfang om die dame an te fill nie. Verandwordelike water bestuur is die enigst opsie op die stadium.

City of Windhoek Die reedes hoekom privat record stelsels implimenteer behoort the word is:

Vision: To enhance the quality of life of all our people

REPAIR WATER LEAKS

Om you water verbruik te wee. Die verbruiks patroon te ontwikel. Baje mense weet nei eens wat hulle water ferbruik is.

Om te weet waar en hoefeel water gemors of gebruik word. Baje ferbruikers anfaar dat hulle water ferbruik reg is. Indin hulle sou ondersoek indtel sin n mens dalk n duidelike patroon van onnodige water verbruik (vermorsing).

Read water meter regularly, (Minimum Weekly) Calculate monthly consumption:

Om n water verbruiks patroon te ondersoek, gee die montlikheit om te verstaan waar en vir watter activityte meer water benodig word an hoe die verbruik van water bestuur kan word.

Keep your water meter clean and accessible.

Dit is maklik om te se die water meter is foutif. Ons moet onthou dat water moet flui on die suifers te dreif na n hoer lesing. Die meters is meganies en nie electronies. Dus is dit belanrik om record te hou, om enige argument ten opsigte van foutive water meters te bring. Die COW het hull water recorts fir die betalings struktuur. Dus kan die COW op daardie flak argimenteer. As n ferbruiker sonder eie records n argument will addresser, sal jy moet anfaar wat op jou rekening is. Met die oog op die “Rebate sisteem” wat gedurende drogtes nie van toepassing is nie, is dit belanrik om nie deur lekasies verras te word nie. Behalwe die groot water koste, is daar nog die herstel koste. Dit kan n enorme finansieele belasting veroorsak. Die toe maak van die hoof water toefoer indin n perseel meer as 24 ure beleef word nie, is n belanrike process. (Dit mag nodig wees om n addisioneele isoleer velvet e instaleer, weens die swak quality van die ball valve.)

The Engineer | November 2016

To evaluate your water consumption, to reduce water consumption (save water) and to identify water leaks.

To Consumer: Maintenance of pipes after meter is Customer’s Responsibility

Litre

How to Test for water leaks: • • • •

Read water meter. Do not use water during test. Take reading after ±6 hours. No change in reading = no leaks.

Note:

WHITE NUMBERS RED NUMBERS

Kilolitre Counter (m3) Decimal Counter

FLOW

• • •

Water supply from City of Windhoek

Share the responsibility to save water and avoid the burden of water restrictions. More info: www.cityofwindhoek.org.na

Report water leaks and for enquiry, contact: Tel.: 290-2402 or 290-2162 After Hours: Tel.: 290 2423 or 21 1111

COMPANY PROFILE

+264 81 354 8835

+264 81 802 0655

P O Box 86962, Eros, Windhoek, Namibia

aquaticafountain@gmail.com AUAS VALLEY WINDHOEK

REG: CC 2016/00100 | INCOME TAX: 7129661-01-1 | SOCIAL SECURITY: 30104229

• Bottled Pure water: We provide ready to drink and pick chilled and non-chilled bottled pure water. You will have access to drink pure water at a wholesale price. • Glass Tank: customers can refill their own bottles at the provided tanks. • Customer care: guaranteed outstanding customer care you can hardly get from similar establishments. • Location: The water purification system shop is strategically positioned and can be accessed from the Mandume Ndemufayo Road. The Aquatica shop is located on the ground floor of Auas Valley Shopping mall, adjacent to Pick n Pay, Bank Windhoek Branch and Agra Supermarket. Thus, make it safer, visible and easier to direct customers to the shop. Introduction and Background The health of Namibia’s population is of utmost importance as the nation adopts the Harambee Prosperity Plan to further enhance all citizens’ quality of life and provide the economy with a productive workforce. Health remains a government priority clearly as demonstrated by the Ministry of Health and Social Services receiving the second biggest share of yesteryear’s national budget. Historic spending on health has led to an improvement terms of output to improve health such as access to clean water. Therefore, effort to achieve a noticeable impact on outcomes in health sector requires individual participation of all Namibian citizens.

This is a copreneur business of Mrs. Helena Megameno Hakweenda and Mr. Cleophas Pohamba Hakweenda. Both promoters have a wide work experience in different fields such as education, business management and community development, investment promotions of key economic sectors and international economic affairs. It is against this background and after a detailed feasibility study that the promoters identified a solution to improve the provision of health drinking water to Windhoek residents and Namibia at large.

The long-term goal of Aquatica is to become the top choice in Windhoek for accessible pure drinking water suitable for all ages, life styles and uses. We plan to create a welcoming environment that outshine the standard fare for ordinary city resident. Expanding our exposure via the available tools and introducing the fountain of pure water shop to people.

Market Segmentation

Aqua Trading provides a healthy drinking water to consumers either own bottling or fresh bottled water with capacity of ten thousand 10,000) liters purified water per day.

Aquatica pure water business target market strategy is based on first choice for potential consumers and various corporate companies looking for that healthy living lifestyle. We commissioned ourselves to a multi-faceted success.

There are six (6) different sizes of bottles. The bottled water ranges from 330ml to 20 litres.

The market for Aquatica is segmented in three segments, namely:

Aquatica is a fountain of pure water supply focusing on quality, pure, yet affordable, healthy drinking water to customers in Windhoek.

- The public (individuals and business personalities within and /or nearby Auas Valley Shopping Mall buying pure water for own consumption.

Services

Our target groups are those who do their shopping at Auas Valley mall and those located from nearby suburbs namely Suiderhof, Pionerspark, Academia, Olympia, Klein Windhoek, Eros, ludwigsdorf, and Auasblick, and Cimbebacia respectively. We strive to have healthy drinking water accessible to all residents of Windhoek.

- Corporate (companies, government and other organisations buy pure water bottles for meetings, workshops, retreats etc) - Regular customers or visitors at the shopping mall (Individuals visiting and shopping in this the mall).

Having the health strategy at heart, one of the step to assist is by creating an enabling environment and thus, venturing into the supplying purified water to the public, which entirely assist in job creation and in improving the health status of Namibians that will aid to perform at the required level of output to reach Vision 2030. Aquatica Trading CC is a fountain of pure water outlet operates in Auas valley Mall and is to be established at other identified malls around Windhoek. An indigenous Aquatica Purification outlet (hereof to as Aquatica Trading CC) is registered as a close corporation as per the Namibian companies’ registration Act, 1988 (section 19(2)) and opened its doors to the public in December 2015.

The Engineer | November 2016

HEALTH & SAFETY

Make hearing loss prevention among mine workers a reality Despite two decades of regulation and best efforts by mining companies, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) continue as to be recognised as one of the major occupational health risks in the South African mining industry. Despite these statistics, it is a false assumption to believe that noise-induced hearing loss is simply the price one must pay for working in the mining industry, says Honeywell Safety Products director of hearing conservation Brad Witt.

IN SHORT Studies have indicated that nearly three out of four South African mine workers are being overexposed to hazardous noise levels, says health and safety solutions provider HSE Solution GM STEPHEN BURROW.

While a mining operation in many ways presents one of the most difficult challenges for hearing conservation, with loud heavy machinery in confined reverberant space, coupled with a need for critical communication among co-workers; several companies have successfully reduced the rates of hearing loss among their noise-exposed workers by adopting best hearing conversation practices, says Witt. These include offering a variety of hearing protectors, ensuring the protectors allow good communication, providing training in their use, and implementing fit-testing to document good protection. “Because mine workers do not have the luxury of distancing themselves from the noise source, it becomes the responsibility of the employee to conserve the hearing of its noise-exposed workers by investing in noise conservation efforts.” Accomplishments in hearing conservation come at a price – often an investment in better product, training and monitoring. But most employers believe their investments are well worth the effort and have returned manifold benefits, including reduced claims activity and rates of recordable hearing loss.

The Engineer | November 2016

Tips to reduce workplace hearing loss Witt has identified several common denominators that are cited by employees in their hearing conservation efforts. “On the surface, some of these tips seem too simple to have a significant impact, yet each one of these strategies was mentioned multiple times as a key ingredient for reducing workplace hearing loss,” he notes.

Variety Ear canals come in different sizes and shapes, affecting both fit and protection levels, as well as comfort of an earplug. A mine site that only offers one size or style of earplug sabotages its own hearing conservation efforts as few workers will be adequately protected. One of the real benefits of offering a variety of hearing protection sizes and style is the fact that it can generally be accomplished with little or no increase in cost. Whether a worksite offers 1 000 earplugs of one style, or 250 earplugs of four different styles, the cost would be quiet similar. But the bigger variety will go far in providing a better fit for more ears, and protecting significantly more of the workers. Like a cork in a bottle, an earplug that is too large or too small will never achieve an acoustic seal; and just like shoes, earplugs come in different sizes, and there is no such thing as a “one-size-fitsall” earplug.

“

Like a cork in a bottle, an earplug that is too large or too small will never achieve an acoustic seal; and just like shoes, earplugs come in different sizes, and there is no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” earplug.

“

urrow notes that hearing conversation is attainable through the use of adequate hearing protection products such as earplugs and earmuffs-which Honeywell Safety Products provides through its southern Africa distributor HSE Solutions.

TIP: Offer a variety of hearing protectors to provide a better fit for the workers. What would be a recommended mix of sizes or styles to optimise the fit of earplugs at a mine site? Results from thousands of fit-tests conducted across several worksites shows that the following four earplug styles would be an optimal offering: • • • •

Large foam earplug Smaller foam earplug Large reusable earplug Smaller reusable earplug

TIP: Look for hearing protectors designed with ‘uniform attenuation’ across frequencies, which makes them more communicationfriendly. Allow workers to select the protectors that provide adequate protection without sacrificing communication.

Automation solutions that work for your business!

Communication In a noisy mine filled with warning signals and moving equipments, the common excuse heard from workers for not wearing hearing protection is ‘I would rather lose my hearing than lose my life.’ But is a myth to assume critical communication and hearing protection cannot co-exist. If a mine worker feels the earplug is isolating him from co-workers and simply insert them halfway, providing minimal protection. Employers can effectively eliminate this major barrier to workplace protection by offering a selection of (co-workers, warning signals, radio and communication systems, maintenance sounds from machinery) more naturally while still protecting from harmful noise levels.

Training Noise-exposed mine workers have few inherent incentives for protecting themselves from loud noise. After all, unlike other injuries in the mine, NIHL causes no pain or visible trauma, leave no visible bruises or scars, is unnoticeable in its earliest stages, and generally takes years to diagnose. Instead, the motivation to protect hearing must focus on how using hearing protection today affects longterm health and well-being tomorrow. Studied repeatedly show that for fitting hearing protection, the best training format is individual training. One-onone training far exceeds group training in effectiveness of hearing protector fit, even if just a one-minute explanation of how to fit earplugs at the time of new hire orientation. Workers who had any level of individual training in fitting earplugs have proven to be much better protected, and more

likely to achieve the protection levels that are shown on the package. Any employer who provides earplugs with no training is laying the groundwork for NIHL on the job. Many hearing protector manufacturers can provide training tools to assist in this effort: how-to videos, posters, and training materials to ensure good fit. TIP: Provide individual training in how to fit earplugs, perhaps at orientation or during the regular audiometric evaluations TIP: Provide fit-testing of hearing protection, first for new hire employees, and then as time allows, for other noiseexposed workers.

Fit-testing Fit-testing of hearing protection, now adopted by many mining companies as a best practice, provides the one-onone training so critical to protection. A short test can be administered in the field under headphones, using the worker’s own earplugs, to measure the protection levels of the earplug just the way they were inserted by the worker. If protection levels are found to be inadequate (as they often are), the worker can be immediately trained in how to achieve a good fit, or a different size/style of earplug can be tried.

IAE Automation Solutions give your company a competitive edge in a globalised marketplace by employing cutting edge automation technology. We are committed to the highest quality standards, customer support and satisfaction. Think innovation, think IAE! IAE’s team of highly experienced and skilled automation technicians and engineers has established a track record of excellence and quality in the following areas: • Small-and Large Scale Factory and Plant Automation including PLC’s, Industrial Networking and SCADA Systems. • Automation and Control Panel Design and Manufacture to International Standards. • Turn-Key Industrial Plant Scoping, Design, Installation, Coordination and Supervision, Documentation, Project Management. • Automation System Hardware and Software Upgrades and Refurbishments. • We deliver: • Real Time Management Information. • Enhanced Process Control and Reduced Scope for Human Error. • Reduced Downtime and Improved Productivity. • Enhanced Process Visibility. Your partners in small and large scale industrial automation

In addition to ensuring each worker is adequately protected, fit-testing provides to employers good documentation of protection. If a spurious claim for hearing loss is filed, the employer who has administered fit-testing can show that a worker was properly fit with adequate protection, and properly trained in its use.

+264 61 30 53 13 info@iae-nam.com

+264 88 61 54 95 www.iae-nam.com

Windhoek Tel: +264 61 256 700 Fax: +264 61 255 549 namibia@cedarsolar.com

CEDAR SOLAR

Contact Cedar Solar to assess the potential to install a solar system for you and you could be saving money in a few easy steps. Step 1: Consumption and Pricing Assessment Step 2: Consumption Profile

Step 3: Solar Yield VS Consumption

Step 4. Feasibility and Cash-flow

Cedar Solar will do a complete assessment of your current energy profile as well as a feasibility study on a proposed solar system free of charge. 24

The Engineer | November 2016

www.cedarsolar.com

Windhoek Tel: +264 61 256 700 Fax: +264 61 255 549 namibia@cedarsolar.com

Why should we consider solar electricity as a option in Namibia Financial Benefit • • • •

Generating your own electricity at a lower rate than that of the grid tariff Hedging against future price increases Tax benefits for businesses Solar systems increase the value of property by more than the installed cost

Sunshine Potential in Namibia

Industrial and Commercial Consumption Profiles are Ideal for Savings

Environmental Benefits • • • •

Solar reduces air pollution Solar reduces water pollution Solar reduces our dependence on fossil fuels Solar would limit the effects of climat change

Cedar Solar is a company committed to making a positive impact on our environment through renewable energy solutions, while giving our clients the ideal system to save them money in the short and long term. 21 Nachitigal Str Ausspannplatz Windhoek We are dedicated to achieve a win-win solution for every customer. Tel: +264 61 256 700 | Fax: +264 61 255 549 | namibia@cedarsolar.com

www.cedarsolar.com

The Engineer | November 2016

TELECOMS

African Telecoms Market to reach $51bn in six years

Sub-Saharan Africa’s telecommunication services market will be worth $51-billion in 2021, with retail telecoms revenue set to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.1% between 2015 and 2021, a new Analysys Mason report reveals.

arim Yaici, a senior analyst at the research firm, noted that this figure would increase from the $41-billion it reached in 2015.

the demand for data connectivity and the development of innovative digital services.

Analysys Mason predicts that 2G will remain the The sub-Saharan Africa telecommunications predominant technology in sub-Saharan Africa, market report for trends and forecasts from 2016 to while 3G’s share of connections will increase to 2021 further indicated that mobile services would 38% in 2021. 4G, however, will account for only 7% represent more than 88.4% of total mobile connections in of the telecommunication 2021. services revenue in 2021, The number Meanwhile, the report indicates with mobile handset data of broadband connections that investment in fixedservices being the largest wireless and fibre technologies source of retail revenue in sub-Saharan Africa will will help drive the adoption of growth in the region, increase from six-million in fixed broadband. contributing $8-billion.

“

2015 to nearly ten-million

“This will be driven by in 2021, but this represents population growth, expansion into rural areas an overall penetration rate and a high demand for of only 4.2% of households, mobile data services. Mobile mainly because of the lack voice will remain a key revenue contributor and of reliable and affordable connections and traffic will fixed broadband options. increase, but there will be greater commoditisation and bundling of voice minutes,” Yaici explained.

“

The report further highlighted that the increased availability of low-cost smartphones, improved third-generation (3G) coverage and the deployment of 4G networks were driving

The Engineer | November 2016

The number of broadband connections in sub-Saharan Africa will increase from six-million in 2015 to nearly ten-million in 2021, but this represents an overall penetration rate of only 4.2% of households, mainly because of the lack of reliable and affordable fixed broadband options.

Government-led national broadband plans, coupled with operators’ investment in fibre networks and fixed wireless technologies, such as TD-LTE, will boost coverage.

These plans have already helped improve broadband adoption in markets such as Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa. Along with figures and forecasts for the region as a whole, Analysys Mason’s report includes data from Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

COMPANY PROFILE

Engineered Plastic’s & Linings Engineered Plastics & Linings Is a specialized company for plastic manufacturing needs. The company was established 1994 under the name of Automotive Plastic Repairs, but was later renamed to Engineered Plastics &Linings

Track System

in 2002. The new name was necessary because the company started to install pool covers and began to subcontract for Engineered Linings (Pty) Ltd. (Our previous name Automotive Plastic Repairs was a misleading name.)

Leach pipe Iallation, Treck Kopje

Sealing S/steel container lined with PVC

Engineered Plastics is a 100% Namibian owned Company. We manufacture pool covers for our local and international market. DIY-kids are exported to South Africa, Botswana, Angola and even as for as Mali and Spain.

Engineered Plastic’s & Linings is an specialist contracting company, concentrating on the supply and installation of geosynthetic liners and associated products for the purposes of containment and environmental and corrosion protection. We have over 18 years experience in various applications related to Mining, Waterproofing, Environmental, Industrial and Agricultural sectors.

Hook System

Onawa Sec. School, Oxcidation Ponds

Customised Water & Fuel Tank for Hilux Camper

AKS installation at Von Back Water treatment plant, corrosion protection of concrete

Computer monitored Butt welding

Complicated pipe work installations are no problems for an experienced company like Engineered Plastic’s & Linings: See below the new filter plant room at the COW recreational swimming pool in Olympia, Windhoek

Hook System

City of Windhoek semi-purified Water Resevoir, Grove Mall

Liner for Brick Resevoir

Corrugated resevoir with additional roof liner

Our company is also offering the service to join pipe installation by computer monitored butt welding machines ranging from 63mm dia up to 450mm dia and joining of pipes by electrofusion. In addition to various plastic welding fields we also provide a service to the agricultural sector by means of rehabilitating old leaking brick or corrugated farm reservoirs. To keep the water clean from debrie the reservoir can be seeled with a roof liner. This is an advantage if irrigation is used to prevent nozzle clocking. It also prevends algie grow.

Contact Mari-Leen: Office: +264 61 219 716 Fax: +264 61 255 782 Cell: +264 124 7765 e-mail: epl@poolcovers.cc Contact Rainer: Cell: +264 81 124 0060 e-mail: epl2@poolcovers.cc Web: www.poolcovers.cc The Engineer | November 2016

WHO CAN HELP ME DECIDE HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH

LETS TALK OLDMUTUAL WEALTH Integrated Wealth Planning requires expertise, and you. Choose: • Real conversations about what matters to you • Tailored wealth planning that fits your goals • Over 170 years of financial planning experience • Tried and tested investment returns and expertise • Realistic fees matched to focussed planning Contact our Wealth Advisers and Wealth Brokers today at (061) 299 3999.

INVESTMENTS | SAVINGS | INSURANCE