Construction: Breaking New Ground

AUTHOR: David Jarrett and Team Editor@ RDJ Publishing and RDJ Group ChiefExecutiveOfficer

Construction is not just about infrastructure but has the ability to stimulate economies when handled effectively. Current infrastructure needs for Namibia will require huge sums of money (with some estimates placing this at north of NAD 200 billion) and the capacity in terms of personnel and resources to implement

Infrastructure challenges tend to surround key areas that then emanate through skilled labour shortages and funding methodology This is very true for Namibia as there is no labour shortage but there is a shortage of skills, while the banking sector reminds us that there is no shortage of funds to lend but there is a shortage of bankable projects or credible borrowers

The recent Census revealing a population of 3 million gives room for the questioning of if infrastructure needs are keeping up or lagging behind? Further, is our materials need local or in need of import? Can “we” afford the bill to keep pace therefore as our population grows, shifts to urban areas and ultimately demands more?

Enter our research and development (R&D) landscape with a notable breakthrough for 2024 in the area of construction materials creating “Weather-Resistant, Flame-retardant Composite Material”, through research spearheaded by Dr Erold Naomab Dr Naomab is the Namibian Principal Investigator of the research project and also is the Vice Chancellor of the Namibia University of Science and Technology.

The material described as a nanocomposite is stated to be stronger than cement-based products and most crucially, to be cheaper than them too. Created over more than a decade, Dr Naomab accepts that R&D is a lengthy process but “well worth it” Other important members of the Research Team include Reinhard Bernd, Becker-Willinger Carsten, Bukowski Mirko, Stuurmann Aibate, Hatago Naomas, Leonoritha Roswitha and Cheikhyoussef Ahmad. The inventors and innovators include four Namibians and their three international partners. The file is stated by NUST to be open for public viewing at https://www dpma de/english/patents/patent protection/in dex html but our team found the link provided a “page not found response”

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable development, research and development (R&D) processes emerge as powerful catalysts for change, poised to reshape the contours of infrastructure development and environmental stewardship While the intricacies of the latest R&D findings may elude our grasp at present, their potential ramifications reverberate far and wide, holding the promise of steering nations towards the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Twin imperatives: economic prosperity and environmental preservation

At the heart of this transformative potential lies the intersection of innovation and sustainability, where novel approaches and breakthrough technologies converge to mitigate the environmental footprint of infrastructure projects. By harnessing the fruits of R&D endeavours, stakeholders stand poised to usher in a new era characterized by heightened efficiency, reduced resource consumption, and diminished greenhouse gas emissions Indeed, the synergy between sustainability and R&D holds thekeytounlockingamyriadofbenefits,chiefamongthem being the prospect of driving down infrastructure costs while simultaneously safeguarding the planet's fragile ecosystems

From renewable energy solutions to eco-friendly construction materials, the arsenal of R&D-driven innovations offers an array of tools to advance the twin imperatives of economic prosperity and environmental preservation As nations strive to navigate the complex terrain of sustainable development, embracing the transformative potential of R&D processes emerges as a linchpin strategy, propelling us ever closer towards a future defined by harmony between humanity and the natural world.

Whatever the outcome, what is clear is that infrastructure will be required to drive development and Namibia cannot afford to be left behind. A palpable disconnect between capital and opportunity, thwarting the realization of Namibia's developmental aspirations. Thus, addressing these twin challenges of skills scarcity and project viability becomes imperative for charting a sustainable course towards infrastructural advancement and economic prosperity

As always, the conversation continues infocus@rdjpublishing.africa

Readings: https://www nust na/sites/default/files/2022-09/Research-Report2021 pdf https://www nust na/nust-vc-secures-international-patent-newmaterial https://www futureofconstruction org/blog/top-4-challenges-facingthe-construction-industry/