Keeping you cool in summer
HIGH PERFORMANCE ALUMINIUM FOIL INSULATION FOR USE UNDER TILE AND METAL ROOFS Keeps your house cooler by up to 10°C in summer
Reflects 97% of heat coming from the roof covering
Wind driven rain runs down the foil and out the eves
For more information: www.coverland.co.za | info.sa@monier.com
WATE R THE ESSENCE OF LIFE
@ApexSteelLtd
@ApexSteelLtd
@apexsteelltd
CALL +254 20 6969000/1/2, + 254 733 640150 / 722 828850 E: marketing@apex-steel.com W: www.apex-steel.com
THE PERFECT FIT
MANAGING EDITOR Robert Barnes DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Francis Makari FEATURES EDITOR Dennis Ayemba COUNTRY EDITORS Kenya - Anthony Kiganda Uganda - Betty Nabakooza Nigeria - Boladale Ademiju South Africa - Jimmy Swira WRITERS Yvonne Andiva, Dorcas Kang'ereha, Pascal Musungu, Nita Karume WEB & GRAPHIC DESIGN Augustine Ombwa, Bonface Kimunyi, Caleb Larum Sales and Marketing Manager Ken Okore ADVERTISING Kenya: William Mutama, Fred Okoth, Trizah Njoroge, Lilian Khavosa South Africa: Thuli Nkosi, Winnie Sentabire, Angeline Ntobeng, Uganda: Nobert Turiyo, Selina Salumah Namuli
CON October 2017 Cover samples.pdf 1 9/9/2017 7:18:31 PM
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In the next issue we look at Africa's geothermal potential and how the market has progressed in terms of the implementation of geothermal power plant projects in the continent.
Africa's geothermal potential how the market has progressed C
M
Y
CM
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CMY
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Botswana: Dickson Manyudza, Gerald Mazikana
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Ethiopia: Haimanot Tesfaye, Ruth Girma Tanzania: Tom Kiage Malawi: Anderson Fumulani Ghana: Samuel Hinneh, Caleb Donne Hadjah Zambia: Susan Kandeke Zimbabwe: Chiedza Chimombe Rwanda: Collison Lore Nigeria: Seni Bello China:Weng Jie
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Send your letters to: info@constructionreviewonline.com Construction Review is published eleven times a year and is circulated to members of relevant associations, governmental bodies and other personnel in the building and construction industry as well as suppliers of equipment, materials and services in Africa, the Middle and Far East. The editor welcomes articles and photographs for consideration. Material may not be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher. The publisher does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or authenticity of advertisements or contributions contained in the journal. Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Š All rights reserved.
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REGULARS Editor's Comment 5 Corporate News 6 Association News 7 Events 8 Product News 9 Management 10 Opinion - Africa shows rising interest in green building design
COVER STORY:
12
12
Aerial work platform: operations and the weather Coating Application: The Basics and Benefits of Airless Spraying
22
Solar Energy: New Energy Regulations in Kenya a Boon to Suppliers
26
Steelstone Kenya Ltd: Smarter life, better planet 32
Published by Group Africa Publishing Ltd Kenya Office: Consolidated Bank House, 4th floor, Koinange Street, Nairobi 00100 Kenya, Tel: +254 772642042, +254-20-2213607 Email: info@groupafricapublishing.com Uganda Agent Projects Unusual Uganda Ltd. Jemba Plaza, Luwum St. Kampala, Uganda Tel: +256 776 883181 bettykatongole@yahoo.com Tanzania Agent The Hub Ltd No 4 Oysterbay Shopping Centre
P O Box 2972 Dsm Tel +255 68 308 3000 moses@hubafrica.com Botswana Agent Cadline (Pty) Ltd. P/Bag 494 Gaborone, Botswana. Tel: +267 318 7101, Fax: +267 318 102 E-mail: botswana@groupafricapublishing.com South Africa Agent College Publishers CC 1st Floor, 267 Oak Avenue, Oakfields, Randburg, Johannesburg Tel: +27 11 781 4253, Fax: +27 11 781 4287 Email: info@collegepublishers.co.za
TENTS
September 2017 Volume 28 No.9
Editor's Comment
The importance of concrete waterproofing
Urban Africa is definitely on the rise
Today there is an extremely wide range of available solutions to waterproof a building, from foundation to roof. Many of these products are new, sometimes valid and multi purpose, however, many are badly failing as they are being applied wrongly.
18 Security in Buildings The African market has seen a great shift into the digital age with regards to building security. There seems to be a big demand for access control because if a system has a flaw or loop hole it will be exploited by intruders
24 Xinhua to get new home in Kenya
34
Pacific Construction Company Limited
36
R&D Contracting 38 The community-centred renaissance
40
Fostering social integration through recreation 42
The African continent has recorded a gradual increase in economic growth in the new millennium. Urbanization is also an aspect of the economy that has since registered growth in terms of infrastructure development. However, even with all these noteworthy aspects, the continent lacks in high-rise buildings. Case in point the Carlton Centre, at one point the tallest building in the entire Southern Hemisphere at 732ft still retains the title of tallest building in Africa. However, projects of a similar caliber are now taking root all across the continent. One is Hope City; The $10Bn building which is located in Accra Ghana stands as an architecturally stunning high-tech tower cluster. It is also aimed at making Ghana a goto destination for the information and communication technology (ICT) industry. The tallest tower is planned to be 886 ft. In the meantime, the Al Noor Tower in Casablanca is designed to represent the 54 countries of Africa. The tower presently stands at exactly 540 meters (1,800 feet). 2018 is projected as the date of completion. In Addis Ababa, the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia recently launched the construction of its new 198-meter headquarters. South Africa is not far behind in this venture as well. If built, its Centurion Symbio-City will soar to a height more than double that of the Carlton Centre – 447 meters (1467 feet). It will also feature a rooftop garden and be complete with embedded wind turbines. One thing is for sure, Africa will not be kept down. Just like urban areas in other continents it is ready and willing to play its role. Its expectations are definitely high.
Robert Barnes
Ethiopia Agent Haymi Advertising Services 22 Mazoria, Genet Bldg 4th Flr P.O. Box 1316 - 1110 Addis Ababa Tel: +251 118 955 855, Cell: +251 930 099 152 Email: ethiopia@groupafricapublishing.com
Kenya Agent Northwest Ventures Ltd P.O. Box 16414 - 00100 G.P.O Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 20 2679809 I 2679808, 2091305 Email: kenya@groupafricapublishing.com
Rwanda Agent
Ghana Agent Image Consortium 1st Floor, The Ecobank Building, Tesano. Tel: 233(0)30 223 2728 I 233(0)274807127 I +233(0)206299159 Fax: 233(0)24 882 8286 Email: ghana@groupafricapublishing.com, Calebhadjah@gmail.com
Nigeria Agent Rahma Associates B23/24, Aishetu Emoewa Plaza, 196, Iju Water Works Road, Ifako Ijaye Lga,Agege, Lagos. Tel: 234-1-7347860 Email: nigeria@groupafricapublishing.com
Zambia Agent
Kolline & Hemed Inc., B.P. 3328, Kigali, Rwanda Tel: +250 03 748106 E-mail: rwanda@groupafricapublishing.com Website: www.kollinehemed.org
Dayflex Limited, 4th. Floor Tazara House Dedan Kimathi Road, Lusaka, Zambia. Tel: +260 211 230 529 / +260 977 756 663 Email: makukasue@mail.com, dayflex06@gmail. com
CORPORATE NEWS
Aveng Infraset builds new concrete roof tile factory in KwaZulu-Natal Aveng
Infraset
has
begun
the construction of a multimillion-rand concrete roof tile manufacturing facility on its premises in Effingham, Durban. Bechtel received the construction project of the year award from Platts for the massive scale of engineering and construction work in the Curtis Island LNG programme.
Bechtel selected to build first high-speed expressway in Kenya Bechtel, has been selected by the Kenyan National Highways Authority to build the first high-speed expressway in the country. The new 294-mile (473-kilometer) route will greatly improve the connectivity, efficiency and safety of road transport between Nairobi and the country’s main sea port, Mombasa, and will reduce the journey time from over 10 hours to under four hours. The expressway will serve as a central part of Kenya’s national transport system, helping to promote trade and development in Kenya and further into landlocked Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. “This contract shows continued international investor confidence in the Kenyan economy,” said Amjad Bangash, general manager for infrastructure – Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Bechtel. “Bechtel has more than 70 years’ experience building and project managing infrastructure projects in Africa and we are delighted to be working with the Government of Kenya to deliver this important expressway,” he added.
The new roof tile factory will provide the KwaZulu-Natal roof tile market with high quality, affordable roof tiles. Moreover, this will address housing and building needs in the region. It will also deploy the latest roof tile manufacturing and packaging technology. “The decision to establish the roof tile factory using Aveng Infraset’s existing infrastructure
and
resources
makes good business sense. We will be able to increase revenue and improve profitability for the business unit through the dilution of overheads,” says Stephan van Niekerk, General Manager at Aveng Infraset.
Aurecon launches new plans for engineering in Africa Aurecon, a global engineering and infrastructure advisory firm has launched a pioneering approach to engineering in Africa. Known as Afrikan Design Innovation (ADI), the approach focuses on fusing traditional technical skills with design thinking to find new solutions to problems confronting Africa. Committed to connecting the dots between various global events and developing humancentric solutions, Aurecon believes that ADI has the potential to revolutionize the way engineers approach Africa’s problems.“These case studies will provide the blueprint for a movement that will be replicated in projects across Africa as we collaborate with several continental and global organizations to futureproof Africa,” said Abbas Jamie, Aurecon’s Director for Innovation and Transformation, Africa.
Sheffield Launches New Laundry Equipment in Partnership with Fagor Leading Commercial Kitchen and Laundry Equipment dealer Sheffield recently launched new laundry equipment in partnership
6
with Fagor Electrodomésticos; a large domestic and commercial appliance manufacturer based in the Basque Country, Spain.
The new solutions are unique in terms of their quality, convenience, output, and technological aspects for instance one can operate the equipment from another location through a computer software. They also have potential strengths in unique and varied requirements. In partnership with Fagor, Sheffield will support and package the entire solution through design, supply and service for new and existing laundry facilities. The laundry equipment include: washer extractor, tumble dryers, ironers and other support accessories. Sheffield Africa has grown exponentially since inception
owing to its unique business proposition and quality of project execution. Today, Sheffield executes end-to-end turnkey projects for leading companies in East Africa with physical presence in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda. Sheffield Africa’s expertise extends from innovative facility layout design and planning to civil work, manufacturing, equipment selection and installation, and to support and maintenance. They also represent a number of leading international equipment brands and are able to offer the world's best for the clients' requirements.
CR | September 2017 www.constructionreviewonline.com
ASSOCIATION
Hydro-Geologists Seek Severe Punishment for Indiscriminate Borehole Drillers Mr.
Charles
President
Olumese,
of
the
New Bill Seeks to Bar Quacks from Construction Industry in Kenya Players in the building and construction industry in Kenya must register with the Association of Construction Managers of Kenya (ACMK) before they undertake any construction work in Kenya. The
Nigerian
Association of Hydro-geologists, last week called for severe punishment for those involved in indiscriminate drilling of boreholes across the country. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Olumese said “it was saddening to note that the perpetrators of this act failed to understand the consequences of
their
activities
on
the
environment.” He also said that if deliberate policies were not put
The experts, who also include project managers, must register with the new professional body (ACMK) before they can be allowed to practice in Kenya. ACMK says Construction Project Managers & Construction Managers Bill 2017 will deal with malpractices that have characterized the Kenyan real estate industry leading to collapse of buildings. The Bill comes against the backdrop of incidents of collapsed buildings that have killed many Kenyans in various parts of the country, especially in Nairobi. “This sector has been a field for all and has been dominated by quacks and cartels who are out to make quick money at the expense of safety of Kenyans. There has never been any legal framework to guide construction and project managers,” the association’s chairman Nashon Okowa said. ACMK unveiled the Bill during their launch, where Mr. Okowa further stated that they want to present to the National Assembly before MPs break ahead of elections.
Master Builders Association Opines on Construction guideline The Master Builders Association of the Western Cape (MBAWC) has
welcomed
the
recent
publication of a guideline to the 2014 Construction Regulations by the Department of Labour. MBAWC Occupational Health and
Safety
Manager,
Deon
Bester, says that while this has provided clarity on certain definitions and sub-regulations, a number of items have not been addressed, resulting in them being open to personal interpretation which can create conflict on construction sites. Some of the
in place to address the challenge,
items addressed by the guideline
there would be depletion of the
which Bester feels are beneficial
country’s aquifer, salt intrusion
to the industry include the
and degradation of water quality.
clarification of the definition
Olumese,
of
therefore,
called
‘agent’
and
elaboration
upon the Federal Ministry of
on the responsibilities of this
Water Resources to provide
position – namely supervising
a
the overall construction work on
solid
foundation
for
the
implementation of the code of practice for the construction of water wells. He noted that contaminated
drinking
water
is a major contributor to the high in
infant
and
rate
The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association signs partnership with EE Publishers
particularly
The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) is
Nigeria. “The need for proper
pleased to announce that it has partnered with EE Publishers which
and
Africa
mortality
The bill being unveiled during the launch of the association
effective
regulation
of
groundwater abstraction is of great importance.” According to Olumese, it is important that the authorities enact stiffer penalties to punish those found culpable of this practice.
means that Energize magazine will now be used as the “Official Journal of SAPVIA.” Through this partnership SAPVIA has also gained access to the Vector publication targeted at electrical contractors to promote the newly launched PV GreenCard programme. As part of the agreement each SAPVIA member will receive a hard copy of this publication and will be notified via email when online publications are
behalf of the client and ensuring the management of health and safety on a construction project. Bester
also
appreciates
the
Department’s addendum to the phrase ‘competent person’ to include more detailed criteria for determining the appropriateness of an individual in relation to the work being done. The guideline states
that
an
all-inclusive
assessment should be made on their knowledge, training and
experience
and,
where
appropriate, qualifications.
available for ease of use. The partnership has been structured to benefit SAPVIA members while promoting the best Solar PV has to offer in the South African market. The content submitted to ENERGIZE will include SAPVIA and its member information, success stories, features on socio-economic and enterprise development, articles on work done by specific technical and other working groups in the field of Solar PV.
www.constructionreviewonline.com September 2017 | CR
7
EVENTS NEWS
Sub-Sahara Africa Power Summit
The Africa Renewable Energy Forum
In November 2017, Lusaka, Zambia will play
The 2nd annual Africa Renewable Energy Forum
host to Sub-Saharan Africa’s No.1 Business
(ARF) will return to Morocco from 30th November-1st
to Business Power summit, which will bring
December 2017. Following the inaugural installment of
together the senior decision makers from
the Africa Renewable Energy Forum held in November
across the Sub Saharan African continent.
2016, this meeting will once again bring together the
The SSA Power Summit hosted by Vale
public and private sector to drive forward the development
Media Group, will provide a platform to
of renewable energy projects across the continent. For
address some key challenges of improving
more information please visit the: Africa Renewable
aging power infrastructure, developing new
Energy Forum website or email: ARF@energynet.co.uk
power infrastructure, more cost effective temporary power solutions and much more.
Event: Africa Renewable Energy Forum (ARF)
With Sub Saharan Africa needing to develop
Date: 30th Nov-1st Dec 2017
its power infrastructure to keep pace with its
Venue: Morocco
growing economies many large scale projects are planned, but until these large scale projects happen there is still strong demand for temporary power solutions to help sustain the grown within Africa. Event: SSA Power Summit Date: November 2017
Kenya
- Association of Consulting Engineers of - Kenya - Association of Professional Societies of East Africa APSEA) - Kenya Property developers Association
- Concrete Manufacturers Association
and Quantity Surveyors (AQSRB)
- Construction Contractors Association of Ethiopia
Nigeria - Association of Consulting Engineers Nigeria
- Zimbabwe Institute of Quantity Surveyors
- Association of Professional Women
- Zimbabwe Institute of Engineers
- SAICE
- Khuthaza ( Women for Housing)
- Tanzania’s Registration Board of Architects
- Ethiopian Association of Civil Engineers
Zimbabwe
- Institution of Surveyors of Kenya
Surveying Profession
- Construction Regulation Board (CRB)
- Association of Ethiopian Architects
- Institute of Engineers of Kenya
- South African Council for the Quantity
- Tanzania Institute of Quantity Surveyors
Ethiopia
- Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya
Association Partners
Tanzania
- Institute of Botswana Quantity Surveyors
- Architectural Association of Kenya
- The Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe (Cifoz)
Ghana - Ghana Institute of Engineers
Engineers Of Nigeria - Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria - The Nigerian Institute of Architects - American Association of Petroleum Geologists Africa Region
- Green Building council of SA
- Architects Registration Council
- Nigeria Society of Engineers
- South African Property Owners Association
- Ghana Institute of Surveyors
- Nigeria Institute of Architects
- Master Builders South Africa
- Ghana Green Builders Association
- Building and Construction Skilled Artisans
Uganda Institute of Surveyors of Uganda Uganda Institute of Professional Engineers (UIPE) & Uganda society of Architects
Botswana 8
Discover world-class strategies to ensure successful and costeffective turnaround operations by attending Salvo’s Advanced Shutdown, Turnaround and Outage Management Masterclass! The course will be held on the 6th-8th November, 2017 in Lagos, Nigeria.Based on the Carcharodon “best of the best” Model of Excellence, delegates will learn strategies that will convert turnarounds from a high-risk nuisance to a blueprint for success. The model builds on Tom Lenahan’s (published author and Carcharodon associate) work, together with inputs from some of the world’s most experienced shutdown specialists. Date: 6th-8th November, 2017 in Venue: Lagos, Nigeria
Venue: Lusaka, Zambia
South Africa - ASAQS
Advanced shutdown, Turnaround and Outage Management Masterclass
- Ghana Institute of Planners - Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana
Namibia
Association of Nigeria (BACSAAN)
Zambia - Zambia Institute of Architects (ZIA)
Institute of Namibian Quantity Surveyors
- Association of Building and Civil Engineering
Association of Consulting Engineers of Namibia
Contractors (ABCEC).
CR | September 2017 www.constructionreviewonline.com
PRODUCTS NEWS
World’s first hybridelectric horizontal drill halves fuel consumption Finnish
manufacturer
Bauer’s new MC 86 Duty-Cycle Crane Bauer Maschinen GmbH recently introduced its new generation MC
Visedo
has co-developed the world’s first hybrid electric horizontal drilling machine for groundwork applications.
This
is
in
86 that replaces the MC 64 small cutter carrier in Bauer’s duty-cycle crane range. The MC 86 Duty-Cycle Crane includes new 30-ton free-fall winches with high speeds and cable capacity. There is also a complete overhaul of the rig to accommodate a main cable diameter of 34 mm and a universal mast head for gripping and lifting work. An
EvoQuip launches new Cobra 230 impact crusher EvoQuip has launched the Cobra 230 impact crusher, ideal for several applications including construction
&
demolition,
asphalt recycling, quarrying and
conjunction with Dutch industrial
optional fly jib allowed a maximum payload of 35 t on the auxiliary
drilling equipment manufacturer
line. When developing the MC, a focus was placed on seamlessly
product line director at EvoQuip
Normag. Visedo manufactures
combining the design with Bauer-specific special equipment in
describes the Cobra 230 Impact
electric power for heavy duty
particular. Bauer duty-cycle cranes are equipped with powerful
Crusher as an ideal solution for
vehicles on land and sea. The
diesel motors. For example, the MC 76/86/96 middle platform series
all applications as it provides
hybrid powertrain developed for
is equipped with a 570 kW engine. Compared to a lifting crane of
class
the new steerable-drill system can halve fuel consumption and associated emissions. The first Visedo-Normag
performance.
leading
unmatched
productivity,
versatility
and
excellent fuel efficiency. The Cobra 230 has been on test with
reported
J & V Construction in Ireland
fuel consumption as low as
and has managed to surpass
18 litres per hour. Previously
the
with
rig,
handling a mix of difficult
consumption was 58 litres per
rock and heavy-duty recycled
hour. The new Visedo-Normag
concrete with ease, and turning it
drill system can dig horizontal
into products J& V Construction
channels of up to 1.2 m diameter
has been able to reuse on its
through subsoil for distances of
construction sites according to
3 km, while performing drilling
director at J & V Construction,
duties. The system can also
Gerd
channel for pipework and wiring
moves from the feeder through
for power and other services
the impactor on to the product
a
rig
the same load bearing capacity, this engine provides double the
contract crushing. Matt Dickson,
diesel-hydraulic
in fully developed urban areas. The machine also offers greater flexibility in remote locations where
other
diesel-hydraulic
Dezzi launches new backhoe loader in South Africa Desmond Equipment SA, recently introduced a new backhoe loader
belt,
company’s
McCann.
each
expectations,
As
section
material
becomes
wider, ensuring an unrestricted flow. The Cobra 230’s ideal comes from the greater under
systems have difficulty gaining
into the market. The company, based in Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal
access. At the same time, it can
is an original equipment manufacturer in SA. It recently got into a joint
short distance from the crusher
provide significant operational
venture with Cukurova Machine Industry (CMI). This, according to the
discharge to the magnet. The
cost savings as well as the environmental benefits of less fuel consumption and associated pollution.
firm’s director Carl Gutzeit will highly influence Dezzi’s engineering and manufacturing capability. He also expressed confidence in the firm’s capability as a dealer for CMI. He further added that they would
crusher clearance as well as the
equipment is also able to lower the
product
running,
conveyor
making
it
while suitable
across a range of applications.
provide a suitable platform for the product into the market. Dezzi will distribute the Dezzi CMI in South Africa as well as offer aftersales service through its national service network. This will be through its branches and dealers in Port Shepstone, Cape Town, North West, Port Elizabeth, Camperdown, Gauteng, Bloemfontein and Dalton. www.constructionreviewonline.com September 2017 | CR
9
MANAGEMENT TIPS
5 things your architect will not tell you a template contract that many architects use, and it covers the size, or “scope,” of the project; the homeowner’s budget; a time frame for the project; and a payment schedule. My drawings are not really builder-ready Before you can start shopping for a contractor, you will need your architect’s finished drawings so contractors can bid on them. The problem comes in an architect’s lack of construction expertise, but it can also be the result of the homeowner’s not knowing what kinds of drawings to ask for. Unless you’re doing a very small project, be sure to ask for
B
“construction-level” or “builder”
ringing in the right architect can mean the difference between dream home and disaster area; especially when one puts into consideration the things your architect will not tell you. To ensure the former, first make sure your architect is licensedand not just someone with an education or background in architecture. Once the blueprint’s done, I’m outta here The design phase of a home takes an average of about a month, depending on how often the architect and clients can meet to discuss plans. Once construction begins, a good architect should visit periodically to make sure
" 10
that the building is adhering to the design and to make sure no corners are being cut. Make certain that your contract spells out how often your architect will reappear once construction begins. Another way to keep the architect coming back is to structure the payment plan using time as an incentive: Pay a third of the fee up front, another third when most of the documents are done and the last third when construction is at least substantially complete. If I cannot read your mind, I will just design things my way While you can get a good sense of an architect’s sensibilities
A nother way to keep the architect coming back is to structure the payment plan using time as an incentive.
looking at his past projects, it is up to you to make sure which parts of his style do and do not surface in your home. To help avoid surprises, talk early on and in as much detail as you can about what you visualize.
drawings. These should also include “specifications,” which describe finishes and quality of workmanship. Your contractor and I have communication
I see your budget as an opening bid and my payment plan may take advantage of you Whatever you think your budget is, say it is 10 to 20% lower. Things happen, such as small building glitches, “or you may change your mind” about details or finishes along the way. Such cases often end up with the client having to spend above their budget limit. On the other hand, once you decide that you like an architect’s basic ideas, you should sign a contract to get the terms in writing. Most architectural associations have
issues At the extremes, architects are in this for the aesthetics while contractors and builders are more concerned with logistics, so it is only natural that tension can arise between the two, or even worse, they may just not be interested in dealing with each other. Problems may arise because the contractor could not translate the architect’s plans. To get off to a secure start, try have the architect actually meet (the prospective contractor) before signing on.
CR | September 2017 www.constructionreviewonline.com
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OPINION
Africa shows rising interest in green building design
T
he UNEP Sustainable Buildings and Climate Initiative attributed 30% of annual carbon emissions to the global building sector. In response to this and the commitments made by numerous states to reduce their carbon emissions in line with the Paris accord, green building design has become integral in the design and construction of buildings in many parts of the world, as well as in Africa. Over the last six years – in particular – there has been significant uptake of green buildings. In fact, building green or building for sustainability and climate change mitigation is increasingly becoming an industry standard in the South African market – where the industry is doubling every year, and as the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) introduces more rating tools, the uptake for green buildings will continue to grow exponentially. Added to this, similar market interest in and movement towards green buildings can be seen throughout Africa in the past four years where the GBCSA continues to assist in establishing Green Building Councils north of South Africa’s borders. Through these efforts, to date, GBCs have been established in Namibia, Zambia, Mauritius, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya and Ghana. Additionally, six buildings have been accredited under the Green Star ratings credentials, including three in Namibia, one in Rwanda, one in Kenya and one in Ghana.
and water is influencing a mindset change in that savvier consumers are realizing the benefits of being more “green” and, for example, offsetting as much of their energy consumption as possible. Added to this, in the long-term, not only are these green building design adoptions financially beneficial due to reduced energy consumption, but the use of renewable and more sustainable energy resources also has the propensity to reduce the carbon emissions emitted by these buildings and provide increased resilience to Alison Groves, regional director and sustainability consultant, WSP Africa Ms. Groves was honoured with the Established Green Star accolade at the Green Building Convention by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) in 2015.
case. The shift is also largely being driven by continuous and growing pressure being placed on the ‘built’ space to address inadequate energy resources, carbon reduction targets and revised building energy efficiency standards. Architects and consulting engineers are therefore constantly coming up with alternative and cost-efficient building designs to offset the impact of the building on its immediate environment. The green design elements may be vast, and vary between buildings, but will most certainly at the very least include things like; the materials used in the building construction, energy efficiency – use of natural light and Proven economic business case floor air flow that might lesson the use of This progressive uptake of green building artificial lighting and air-conditioning, for principles is not surprising as the industry’s instance – as well as water consumption and shift to embrace sustainable practices has a waste to landfill considerations. proven and significant economic business While previously it was thought to be more costly Opportunities to make a difference, fostering to make the upfront capital and supporting a green economy, exist investments to go green, within every project or business initiative. volatility in both the cost and availability of power
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uncertain service delivery. Social agenda maturing in Africa In Africa, the social agenda is maturing at a rapid pace and cookie-cutter solutions of the past have now made way for more mature and in-depth engagement. As market awareness grows on building for sustainability, so too does exposure for the skills that exist within the continent that can develop and drive unique or customizable green building design solutions for different markets and climates on the continent. From a sustainability point of view, this is a crucial aspect of every design endeavour – from technology specification to materials selection and labour practices. Opportunities to make a difference, fostering and supporting a green economy, exist within every project or business initiative. As such, it is conceivable that in 10 to 15 years from now, the rest of the world may be looking to Africa for original solutions, experiences and expertise in the careful balancing act of optimizing equally social equity, economic prosperity and environmental stewardship.
CR | September 2017 www.constructionreviewonline.com
Acquisition of KAP Plastics Transformed Apex Steel into a One-Stop Shop for Construction
F
or nearly 50 years, Apex Steel Ltd has continuously raised the bar in the manufacturing of steel bars in East Africa, becoming a benchmark of quality and
innovation in the construction, engineering and fabrication industries. Encouraged by the company’s sustained success in producing high quality steel, Apex directors made the decision to acquire Ken Aluminium Products, now known as KAP Plastics, in 2010, effectively becoming a one-stop shop for all construction-related needs in Kenya. Founded in 1978 in Industrial Area, KAP Plastics initially focused on the importation, marketing, and distribution of aluminum products, specialising in injection of moulded plastics and the production of household products such as plastic hangers, jugs, plates, and rubber door stoppers. The company is built on its early success by investing in new machinery and in 2004 KAP Plastics became the first company in Kenya to manufacture Poly Propylene Random (PPR), which were rebranded as “Hydro-flo”, and High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, radically changing the plumbing industry from galvanized pipes to plastic, saving plumbers substantial time and money. Hydro-flo has been awarded KEBS certification and is the preferred choice for plumbers and contractors looking for quality and durability. It is manufactured from virgin material with no fillers or additives, ensuring sustainability in quality and performance to last over 50 years. Following KAP Plastics’ seamless integration into the Apex Steel family, the company has continued to be at the forefront of plumbing innovations, introducing a series of new plastic and piping solutions to the Kenyan market including round pipes, wall plugs, toilet seat covers, garden hose pipes, ferules and tubings. The group’s unwavering commitment to quality was eventually recognized by the Dutch-based global leader in piping and plumbing solutions, Wavin, leading to a partnership that saw KAP Plastics begin manufacturing PPR, PVC (drainage pipes, electrical conduits, pressure pipes, and rain water down pipes) and HDPE pipes at its state of the art manufacturing facilities in Athi River under stringent quality measures and manufacturing direction from Wavin. The pipes and fitting supplies produced through the Wavin partnership are marketed under the brand name “Apex Water” and include above ground systems, plumbing and heating systems, below ground drainage systems, water management systems, ducting systems and water and gas distribution systems. www.constructionreviewonline.com September 2017 | CR
13
COVER STORY
Aerial work platform operations and the weather
T
he aerial work platforms market in Africa is ever growing with new customers and applications being
operators need to be trained effectively that
set specifications in terms of the maximum
weather conditions can change very quickly.
permissible wind speed/gust as well as how
Additionally, there is need for consideration
to reduce the crane power under windy
created daily. According to Gregory Bloom
for the same both during the planning and
conditions to avoid damages.
the Sales Manager at Skyjacks a supplier of
execution of a Boom lift or Scissor Lift.
AWPs in South Africa, more customers are
“A buyer should verify the features of the aerial platforms on the user manual, to know
learning that AWPs are safer, quicker and
Wind
the special recommendations concerning
more precise than traditional working at
Shrewdness is a skill required when assessing
the maximum permissible wind speed as
height methods. However, weather conditions
the level of the wind and the suitability of
the wind can adversely affect aerial work
are known to affect aerial work platform
lifting operations with regards to the same. As
platform lifting activities,� she adds.
lifting activities. Mr. Bloom mentions that
Sara Bassetti of the Marketing Department at
However, in cases of lack of information
weather conditions could definitely have
CTE Spa a manufacturer of AWPs in Italy
on either the load chart or in the operating
adverse effects on lifting activities therefore
mentions, different manufacturers have some
manual instructions, the crane manufacturer
14
CR | September 2017 www.constructionreviewonline.com
should be consulted. Additionally, maximum allowable wind speed/gust and derating information is posted conspicuously in the cab or right on the load chart. According to Craig Pieterse of SA Platforms a supplier of AWPs in South Africa, all aerial platforms are designed to withstand a wind speed of 12 meters per second. Obviously some units can handle this with relative ease, while for some units it is about maximum of what they can tolerate. Notably, in the absence of manufacturers’ specific written advice, one should put into consideration postponing the lift should the wind speed/gust between the range of 1520 mph (7-9 m/s). Wind speeds above 20 mph (11 m/s), call for a cancellation of the lift altogether. In such cases loads must be landed and secured, the boom stowed. The following must also be met prior to resuming operations: Elimination of immediate threat should be done to ensure there’s enough time to secure all loads and stow the crane, 30-45 minutes, of wind speeds reaching the 20 mph reading. These wind speeds will be recorded at 30 ft. above open ground or by the 10 meter height of the BNL tower.
Moreover, Mr. Pieterse adds that when purchasing an AWP, it is all about flexibility in the structure of the booms and the overall feeling of strength and comfort. “If a unit feels ‘flimsy’ without evidence of strong winds, chances are that the aerial platform will handle the legal limit with a small margin only. If the unit feels solid when operating under normal conditions it would withstand stronger winds a lot better than a unit that feels flimsy,” he asserts. Mr. Willem Mostert of Crane & Forestry equipment in South Africa further mentions that, the buyer should look for a solid product, a product with years of testing and operation, one that has proven itself. “One of the main factors regarding wind will be to use a unit with as little play possible between the booms and extensions as well as a unit that has sensitive controls. A small and slow movement should result in a smooth and slow movement of the platform; you would like to have as much control as possible. And off course have an accredited installer to install the aerial platform,” he adds. Crane & Forestry equipment does truck mounted platforms that mainly range between insulated and non-insulated platform.
Wind from behind a crane Wind blowing from the rear of the crane increases the radius and decreases the crane capacity, and as a result causes the load to be blown away from the crane. All the same, the buyer should know if he wants to work in- or outdoors with the aerial work platform. Some machines have in- and outdoor approvals, some just indoor approvals. But all the same, the buyer should always consider the permitted wind specifications; this is according to Daniel Yassini of PB Lifttechnik GmbH a manufacturer of AWPs in Germany. Wind from the side of a crane Wind blowing from the side can put a load on the side of the boom and blow the load off vertical; which, in turn, places an additional side load on the boom. According to Daniele Lanzini of Centro Elevatori SRL a supplier of AWPs in Italy, there are no new technologies that have been designed to overcome the impact of wind; however, it is important to pay close attention when using aerial work platforms in case of strong wind. “It is therefore advisable to have a normal basket, it is not recommended
Different manufacturers have some set specifications in terms of the maximum permissible wind speed/gust as well as how to reduce the crane power under windy conditions to avoid damages.
www.constructionreviewonline.com September 2017 | CR
15
COVER STORY
a glass fiber basket or a closed basket because it increases the impact of wind on a larger closed surface,” he says. Furthermore, Mr. Gabrielle Valli of Comet a manufacturer of AWPs in Italy adds that, frankly speaking it is highly recommended not to operate with aerial platforms in case of strong dominant wind. “However, nowadays aerial platforms are very firm and safe and comply with the health and safety regulations imposed by relevant authorities,” he says. Operating a crane between structures The wind tunnel effect, where air
“
blows around obstructions, can cause local areas of increased velocity that may exceed the safe lifting limit. This is notwithstanding the general wind speed, under which conditions an anemometer should be fixed to the boom point; according to Serena Mingardi of Palazzani a manufacturer of AWPs, in Italy, this will help to measure the exact power of the wind and evaluate if there are good working conditions or not. Furthermore, the anemometer can be installed in the cage and connected it to the platform’s control system so that it can stop all movements of the equipment if it gauges a wind speed more than the safe
A buyer should verify the features of the aerial platforms on the user manual, to know the special recommendations concerning the maximum permissible wind speed.
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16
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limits; this is according to Anton Du Plessis the Regional Sales Manager at Palfinger Southern Africa a producer of truckmounted knuckle boom cranes. “All machine operators should however follow the basic practice of not creating a sail effect on or with the machines, this means, no banners or signage should be hung from the machines. A further technique that can be used is to always try and point either the nose or the tail of the machine into the wind. This is part of the guidance to increase safety and all standard work-at-height safety rules and regulations should be adhered to,” says Mr. Chad Pope the Business Development Director at EAZI Africa’s market leader in the rental, sales, servicing and training of work-at-height and material handling solutions. Cold Weather Cold weather can have a negative impact on cranes and aerial work platform operations. Along with making the operator extremely uncomfortable, cold weather can affect many systems in an aerial work platform. Ms. Richelle Fichter of Ahern Companies a dealer in high reach equipment, which permits the safe lifting of people or materials to work at height in the UK, mentions that, cold temperatures cause the thickness of hydraulic fluids to rise significantly, potentially resulting in cavitation in pumps, slow operating speeds, response issues, and poor lubrication for many components. Some of the widely-known problems include freezing of the block and cooling systems, hard starting, dead batteries, and diesel fuel gelling. “Certain steel components cannot withstand extreme cold, which may result in warping
of the machinery. In these conditions, impact loads can cause steels to act more as a brittle material instead of the normal ductility that is expected with a steel product in warmer temperatures,” he adds. When temperatures drop below 10F, consultation with the Plant Engineering Division’s Crane/Hoisting and Rigging Inspector and/or Plant Engineering Division’s Rigging Supervisors is highly recommended. Cold weather lifting restrictions start from below -15oC to -30oC, where all operations involving hydraulic cranes are to be conducted with regard to potential failure of hydraulic components. For critical lifts, cranes should be powered down by at least 25%. For temperatures below30oC to -40oC cranes should be powered down by 40% for all lifts, and halting of all lifting activities should be considered. Lastly, for temperatures below40oC all lifting is prohibited except for extreme emergencies. According to Giuseppe Tesei of Cela srl a designer and manufacturer of Truck mounted aerial platforms in Italy, it is important to purchase units that are tested and certified to a particular temperature. “Our standard units are tested and certified for -25°C of temperature, we also make some special units tested and certified for -40°C” he says. “The growth of the aerial platform (MEWP) market into Africa has been steady due to the efficiency gains that users experience through access equipment, however the current macro-economic market does have its elements of concern, especially for capital intensive industries such as our own,” says Mr. Pope of EAZI.
CR | September 2017 www.constructionreviewonline.com
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CONCRETE WATERPROOFING
The importance of concrete waterproofing here are infinite ways of protecting concrete waterproofing: physical barriers (bitumen rolls, liquid
T
many other situations a good waterproofing
Buildings
applicator
such
Concrete waterproofing in a building is vital
membranes, HDPE, synthetic membranes),
as special waterproofing emulsions and
for the long protection against humidity and
osmotic barriers (cementitious products
cementitious
different
negative agents like CO2 or SO2, gases
added with polymers or acrylic components)
characteristics, depending on the problem.
present in the air due to cars pollution or
and even additives for the mix. The most
For example, UNOLASTIC from Index
fumes generated by burning hydrocarbons.
common waterproofing installation is the
SpA is a waterproofing emulsion based
These agents along with the moisture in
application of bituminous membranes in
on bituminous acrylic resins, water based,
the air penetrate and modify the concrete
rolls; the application is easy and fast, non-
suitable for any application, easy to apply,
alkalinity
toxic, shows high resistance to the most
multi-purpose, resistant to ponding water and
preserving the metal reinforcements inside
severe conditions, not expensive, easy to
UV rays.
the concrete against the risk of oxidation.
repair, long life expectancy and UV resistant
When the flame cannot be used or in considers
alternatives
products
with
Importance of Waterproofing in
which
has
the
function
of
It is a product capable of solving most
These components in presence of concrete
problems.In case of underground infiltrations
of a poor quality reduce the life of the same
Polymer-modified bituminous membranes
with negative pressure, the best and cheapest
because of the “carbonation” that causes
have been introduced in the market in the ’60
option is OSMOSEAL, a simple single
the steel bars to increase in volume due to
years and the experience is so long in the
component
with
the rusting process; eventually the re-bars
construction culture that everybody knows
osmotic crystallization function on concrete.
could expand up to six times bigger than
about the versatility of this product; today,
All the above installations require specialists
the original size and its expansion can break
with the most modern technology, APP
as a wrong application will not perform well;
or crack the concrete. This is the beginning
membranes have reached a high standard and
no product is good enough if the applicator
of a dangerous, no-return process that
has multiple applications.
does not know it and understand it in full.
threatens the safety and the very stability
for several years.
18
cementitious
product
CR | September 2017 www.constructionreviewonline.com
of the building. It is very important during construction to ensure the good quality of concrete and to waterproof the same if exposed to oxidation agents to avoid the deterioration caused by the humidity along in the years (rain, condensation, infiltrations, and so on). In effect, the key of this quality starts in the mix of cement, sand, ballast and water in right proportions, possibly including some additives like fluidifying agents which help the workability of the concrete during the preparation using less water. As a result of this, you have a more compacted and harder concrete which already has some waterproofing characteristics. Challenges in the Kenyan Market In Kenya, waterproofing is often a challenge as in most cases it is not adequately considered at design level; in most cases buildings are being erected and the waterproofing specialists are not consulted on time. This is partially due to the low professionalism of many applicators that are willing to offer guarantees in very dubious situations, just
Concrete waterproofing in a building is vital for the long protection against humidity and negative agents like CO2 or SO2 in the air.
to get business and regardless of the final
professionals should work hand-in-hand for
performance of their installation. A good
a perfect result. There is an extremely wide
waterproofing approach should start with the
range of available solutions and materials to
co-operation of the waterproofing expert with
waterproof a building today, from foundation
the structural and civil engineers as the three
to roof. Many of these products are new,
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www.constructionreviewonline.com September 2017 | CR
19
CONCRETE WATERPROOFING
sometimes valid and multi-purpose, they can be used for roofs, foundations, for wet areas and pools as well; however, many are badly failing as they are being used for the wrong purpose, or wrongly applied by incompetent staff. In a traditional market like Kenya, it is always advisable to stick to traditional solutions until the new ones are tested and proved effective; the technical gap between Europe/US and the African continent is getting smaller by the day due to Internet and the specifications issued by foreign professionals for Kenyan projects. So, naturally, the new, performing products that are used abroad will soon naturally enter the market and become popular while the poorly performing ones will not stick around for long. About Scala Scala Enterprises Ltd is under the umbrella of Italbuild Group which was established in Kenya in July 1997 registered and certified as Building Works Contractors-NCA 1, Civil Engineering-Water Works-NCA 2, and Civil Engineering-Road Works-NCA 3. They are renowned Roofing and Waterproofing Specialists with; Polyglass (part of the Mapei Group), TEMA (technologies and Materials), Tegola Canadese Shingles, Mapei, and Index. They provide solutions for foundation slab waterproofing, retaining wall waterproofing and protection before backfill, floor slab humidity and wet areas, façade waterproofing and cladding. Scala is the first company in East Africa to introduce a multi-layer waterproofing solution for the installation of GREEN ROOFING SYSTEMS, which allow flat roofs, balconies and ground floor slabs above basement parking’s to have the possibility of being landscaped and have natural greenery grown. Some completed projects are The Swiss Embassy Annex and The Haveli Towers in Parklands. With TEMA, they also provide land erosion solutions for landscaping around buildings and waterproofing solutions for areas that require drainage in the case the client wishes to install AstroTurf. The high quality standards that Scala applies in the selection of the suppliers of their range of products and the strict co-operation that the company has with them for suggestions, improvement, suitability with the local environment and the peculiarity of any single project is what makes their products unique in the market. They work closely with the suppliers to improve the workmanship standards of their applications. The staff undergo constant training in Europe and their suppliers come to Kenya to familiarize with the Kenyan environment and the differences with Europe. Scala is also a distributor and certified installer of Polyglass from Mapei Group which is the most advanced manufacturer of polymer modified bituminous membranes. The ones they import are tropicalized for best performance. Most of the products Scala sells and applies are adjusted and tested for best performance in tropical climates. 20
CR | September 2017 www.constructionreviewonline.com
COATING APPLICATION
The Basics and Benefits of Airless Spraying Fast and cost-effective way to apply high-quality coatings the tip is less than the maximum flow rate of your sprayer. For example, a 15 thousandths tip (.015) has a rating of 0.91. Hence, the sprayer must be capable of pumping at least 0.91 lpm. Why use a tip with a lower flow rate? When the tip wears, the orifice becomes larger, and the flow rate increases.
What is airless? In airless spray, the fast moving, highpressure liquid stream provides the energy necessary to overcome the fluid’s viscosity and surface tension to form a fine spray. A simple, everyday example of an airless spray system is a bathroom shower. In an airless system, fluid is pumped under high pressure through a spray tip; the tip size and pressure determine the material flow rate. The tip also creates the fan pattern. Airless is in contrast to air spray systems, which inject compressed air into the fluid stream of a fluid such as paint to achieve atomization.
The thickness of the material It’s easy to determine which tip size to use when you know the type of material you’ll be spraying. Lower viscosity (thinner) materials, such as stain or lacquer, require a spray tip with a smaller orifice or hole size. Heavier materials, like latex, require a tip with a larger orifice. Extremely heavy materials like elastomerics and blockfiller might require spray tips larger than .035.
Advantages of airless sprayers Airless sprayers provide an easy and economical way to apply coatings no matter the amount of solids present. Indeed, professional painting contractors prefer to use airless sprayers for three key reasons: Speed: Airless spraying is up to four times faster than brushing or rolling, enabling more jobs to be completed in less time, and reducing labor costs. Quality: Airless sprayers produce an even coat of paint on all types of surfaces, leaving a high quality finish. Versatility: Airless sprayers can be used for a wide range of coating materials, including interior and exterior jobs, and can easily be transported from job site to job site. Airless sprayer tips While the fluid section, pressure controls, and power sources are important components of airless sprayers, if one refers to the pressure controls as the “brains” of the system, then the airless spray tip is definitely the heart of the system. An airless spray tip helps determine the fluid flow or the amount of coating applied, and determines the spray pattern (i.e. fan width). All Graco airless sprayer tips are made out of the highest grade of tungsten carbide, the most abrasive-resistant material used for airless spray tips. 22
Choosing the right tip Selection of the correct tip is essential to maximize productivity, as the tip determines the fluid flow and the size of the spray pattern – the fan size. Using the right tip results in maximum control and minimum overspray, which means faster work and less paint usage, which ultimately means finishing the job quickly without wasting paint. To choose the right spray tip, several factors need to be considered, such as the material thickness, the sprayer’s maximum flow rate and the best fan size for the job. Knowing when a tip is worn and why to replace it are also important. Spray tips are rated in terms of liters per minute (lpm). Before determining which tip to use, the following factors should be considered: The sprayer’s maximum flow rate For optimum performance, the sprayer must have a maximum flow rate higher than the flow rate of the tip, so be sure the flow rate of
The best fan size for the job Fan size – the width of the spray pattern – determines the area covered with each pass. For a given tip orifice, a wider fan delivers a thinner coat, less defined spray pattern, more overspray, and faster coverage on broad, open surfaces. A narrower fan delivers a thicker coat, more defined spray pattern, less overspray, and better control when spraying small or confined surfaces. To maximize productivity and reduce labor costs, choose a tip with the right fan size. In general, a larger fan size increases production with less control, and a smaller fan size decreases production with more control. Tips for extending the life of spray tips include: • Spray at the least amount of pressure necessary to atomize material. • Strain the coating material prior to spraying, using a nylon strainer bag. • Use correct size filters. • Clean filters after each use. • Use a soft bristle brush to clean tips.
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CR | September 2017 www.constructionreviewonline.com
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SECURITY
Security in Buildings
T
he African market has experienced major changes in building security over the years. According to Mr. Muhammed of Crown Hyper a world renowned
company, that provides premium brand products in the field of Electronics and IT in South Africa, the market is now open to innovation and it is a place that closely follows technology; therefore projects are taking place based on standards preferred by investors. The best products produced in countries like Turkey and France, are brought to Africa where the projects are. As a matter of fact, many international companies carry out production and testing in Africa. Therefore, many technological developments are spreading from Africa to the rest of the world.
" 24
most companies are doing a shift to cloud computing where the data is not stored locally on a hard drive but in secure servers all over the world.
Building Monitoring The way to achieve efficient monitoring is by installing an integrated system, this is according to Mr. Cem Atam of Kekova a security consulting firm in Turkey. It is possible to control the system with a single center (more than one spare structure according to need) and less hardware. This will reduce both operational and maintenance costs, increasing your business strength, enabling you to increase profitability in your business and have a long-lived facility. “The Turks have a proverb; “from being one, strength is born.” In other words, we should think of our facilities as a living organism; we have to follow every functioning or stationary point and watch the changes. This plays an important role both in terms of security vulnerabilities and control of the system’s good operability,” he says. Documentation of security matters Every client has unique documentation requirements for their project. Depending on the type of facility and the regulations, codes, construction and service technical information
CR | September 2017 www.constructionreviewonline.com
required, the extent of required or requested documentation can vary radically. In the design and engineering stage, this may mean submittals to authorities, architects, owners or other stakeholders. Proper process and form for this type of documentation matters. The security designers should possess the ability to create specialized output of documentation. This include electronic forms such as AutoCad, Building Information Management (BIM) or other systems. The consultant should work with you to design the documentation package that you require, from design, to construction and to post-delivery support. According to Sibusiso Dhlamini the Sales and Marketing Executive at Tagtron Solutions a specialist in EAS and RFID solutions offering a range of hardware security equipment in Sub Saharan Africa the best way to document data is to have it done automatically using software. If you are using RFID, simply saving the RFIDs ID number with a timestamp in a database saved to the cloud is all you need. Then you can analyze the data at a later stage. As long as you have the data you can always compile new reports from it. “We find that most companies are doing a shift to cloud computing where the data is not stored locally on a hard drive but in secure servers all over the world. This means if your company burns down or a virus deletes everything your data is still secure. Most cloud servers can even back track stored data for a few months meaning that even if someone deleted all your data on the cloud you could still recover everything,” he adds.
emissions, etc. Some of these certifications can be taken during
Government policies Governments in most manufacturing countries have formed commissions to provide regulations and standards in the market. Manufacturers develop products that meet these standards to ensure quality and good service. These commissions include: the European standards committee (CEN), British Standards Institution (Bsi) and Turkish Standards Institution (TSE), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) etc. These commissions document matters with regards to: information security, durability, energy consumption, carbon
consumers of security services are not only becoming savvier to
the production phase and during the usage phase. For example, like a LEED certificate. Considering the importance of these commissions, Mr. Atam advises that, it is paramount to develop policies that follow technological developments, overlap with life and regional conditions, and have vision. Choosing the right security system Generally, most countries have institutions that formulate certain standards by which the products in the market are usually shaped within. These standards are generally based on regulations or standards of neighboring countries and producing countries. When it comes to choosing the right product, it is very important to talk to experts in the field. “It is highly advisable to meet with a few consulting firms and present your ideas or vision, then go for the best system. The choice that you make should be guided by your expectations for tomorrow, not today. This means that the products should have a low failure rate, a large service network and low operational and maintenance costs. Moreover, the consumer should ensure that the product is certified regardless of the price; a certified system has passed many tests and has a good design,” asserts Mr. Atam. Nevertheless, Mr. Albert Abincha, a Business Executive at Cathexis Technologies a leading IP Video Management Software Developer, specializing in Surveillance Solutions for the international market in South Africa mentions that, the technological changes but are also seeing the value in consulting with skilled installers and integrators who can provide them with the best consultation on the right type of system for their operations. According to George Mutai a Sales Engineer of South Africa’s Axis Communications, a leader in network video; by coming up with a needs analysis, finding the right partners and following best-practice. The selected solution should be able to address the needs that the client wants addressed.
The way to achieve efficient monitoring is by installing an integrated system which is possible to control from a single center .
www.constructionreviewonline.com September 2017 | CR
25
SOLAR ENERGY
install and use solar heating systems. An owner of premises, Architect and an Engineer engaged in the design, construction, extension or alteration of premises shall incorporate solar water heating systems in all new premises designs and extensions or alterations to existing premises. • An electric power distributor or supplier shall not provide electricity supply to premises where a solar water heating system has not been installed in accordance with the Regulations. The affected premises effectively includes all domestic dwellings or residential houses, commercial buildings (including hotels, lodges, clubs, restaurants, cafeterias, laundries, eating places and similar premises), health institutions (including hospitals, health centres, clinics and similar medical facilities), educational institutions (including universities, colleges, boarding schools and similar institutions). While owners of pre-existing affected buildings still have a two-year window to install solar water heaters in their premises, developers, owners, architects and engineers engaged in the design and construction of new buildings and extensions or alterations of pre-existing affected buildings have to comply immediately. For new or upcoming buildings, the regulations are likely to have far reaching effects because they impose an obligation on any electric power distributor or supplier (including the Kenya Power) to refrain from providing electricity to any affected buildings if solar water heaters have not been installed in accordance with the regulations. Although the rules came into force in May this year, the ERC granted a further extension of six months to enable property owners to arrange for financing and installation of hot water systems in their premises. Upon the expiry of this extension, the organization is empowered by law to carry out inspections for purposes of enforcement and has already indicated its readiness to do so. The ERC’s preliminary audits show that 150,000 of three million buildings (both new and old) have installed hot water systems – leaving thousands in the regulator’s crosshairs. The hospitality industry has recorded the best compliance for both sets •
New Energy Regulations in Kenya a Boon to Suppliers
I
n 2012, the Energy Regulation Commission (ERC), a Kenyan state body whose mandate among others includes
Regulations, 2012. Broadly, ERC would
regulating electrical, renewable and other
of local authorities with hot water
forms of energy, announced a raft of new
requirements of a capacity exceeding
regulations aimed at reducing reliance on
one hundred litres per day shall
traditional non-renewable energy sources and
install and use solar heating systems.
putting Kenya on a path to institutionalizing
require that: •
•
All premises within the jurisdiction
Within a period of five years from
the use of solar power, which is not only
the effective date of the Regulations,
clean but also free and inexhaustible.
all existing premises with hot water
The new requirements were contained
requirements of a capacity exceeding
in the Energy (Solar Water Heating)
one hundred litres per day shall
26
CR | September 2017 www.constructionreviewonline.com
of buildings. Boarding learning institutions are among those that have shown poor compliance. The solar kits are expected to help conserve energy and lower demand for electricity as increased economic activity and connection of more homes to the grid put pressure on existing power generation plants. Besides, installing solar panels could help homes slash electricity bills by up to 20 per cent and water heating costs by up to 60%. But property developers have cited prohibitive costs of solar heaters as a deterrent to increased uptake. The cost of a complete solar water heater system for domestic use ranges between KSh125,000 and KSh150,000 (approximately US$1,200 and US$1,400) per unit and between Sh600,000 and Sh2 million (US$ 5,700 and US$19,000) for commercial buildings. While the new rules have been received by the affected parties with some dismay due to cost implications, they are a boon to suppliers of solar water heaters and related services. Already, many of these companies are reporting a surge in enquiries and sales of solar water heaters unlike in the past where they relied on salespeople to push their products in the market. The number of new entrants in the sector is also rising with many companies rushing to supply the soon-to-be lucrative market. In the coming months, competition is guaranteed to be even fiercer and the determinants of success in this sector will largely depend on pricing, quality and aftersales service. Suppliers As the deadline for compliance with the ERC’s Solar Water Heating Regulations draws nearer, companies in this sector a preparing to reap the windfall. The uptake of solar water heating systems is already on an upward trend with many developers now obligated to provide the facilities at the conception stage of projects. Existing users are also realizing that they may get caught up in last-minute rush and are slowly but steadily installing the systems. Quality and pricing as well
commissioning and maintenance of solar systems both for water heating and power generation. For water heating, they offer both split/ centralized solutions and thermosiphon systems from a low capacity of 100 liters to as much as space can allow. According to David Maranga who is a Product Manager with the company, adoption of solar energy systems is a prudent decision owing to the rising cost of living and doing business. “Many people have started to appreciate that solar is a worthy investment with a very short payback period and long-term benefit,” he says, adding that technology has changed over the last few years making it more affordable and efficient. He however cautions that in a market filled with cheap solutions, due diligence is important.
as ability of suppliers to provide reliable after-sales service will play a huge role in determining a customer’s decision to select a particular supplier. Being a fairly huge investment, few buyers are willing to stake their money in a product that is unlikely to serve them efficiently for a reasonable period. Customers, especially individual home owners and institutions, would also be looking for a return on investment through significant reductions in energy costs within the first three or four years after installation. There are a number of reliable companies that supply quality solar water heaters among a myriad other energy-related products. Some of these are fairly new in the business while others are established organizations that have amassed substantial expertise in these products. Most of the solar products are sourced from Europe and Asia (mostly China). Hotpoint Appliances Limited Hotpoint Appliances Ltd has been in the East African market for the last over 30 years and has become a household name trusted by the market. In the last eight years, the company has diversified into engineering and five years ago started offering renewable energy solutions. Hotpoint Appliances offer complete solutions i.e. design, supply,
Chloride Exide Chloride Exide is another well known name in the solar energy sector. Established more than 50 years ago, the company has been at the forefront of renewable energy solutions including solar and wind power harnessing. Their solar water heating systems are long lasting, efficient, user-friendly and low maintenance. Negawatt Limited Negawatt is a relatively new entrant on the solar energy solutions market though the people behind the company have extensive experience in the field. The company supplies and installs Led Lights, Solar PV, Solar Water Heating, Solar Street Lights, Solar Consulting and Feasibility studies. Their products are sourced from Germany, UK, France, Australia, India and China. Operations Manager Isaac Kiunga says Negawatt distinguishes itself from the competition by offering affordable Tier 1 products with robust design. The fact that they systems are turnkey and financing arrangements can be made for the customers are other attributes that attract customers to the company. According to Mr. Kiunga, there has been “a tremendous uptake” of solar products in the last few years. He advises prospective customers to go with experienced suppliers who can guarantee quality.
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SOLAR ENERGY
Orb Energy Kenya Limited Orb Energy is an international company headquartered in India and has been operating in Kenya since 2013. It provides solar energy solutions to both residential (home owners) and commercial (industries, schools, hospitals) customers looking to harness solar energy. The company’s products are made at its manufacturing plant located in Bangalore, India. According to Mr. Dennis Otieno, who is the company’s Marketing & Communications Executive, Orb Energy is setting new standards in the solar industry. “We have uniquely designed solar photovoltaic and solar water heating systems, and we manufacture, sell, install, and service these through our own branch network to better control the customer experience,” he says. “We service residential and commercial customers, and we work with banks to enable our customers to take solar loans,” he adds.
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For solar water heating, the company offers its Sunstream Solar Water Heating System which is available in 150, 200 and 300 litres. When it comes to choosing a supplier especially for projects, Mr. Otieno advises: “Your solutions partner should have diverse experience in systems integration and commercial project management, with a demonstrated track record of delivering projects on budget and on time. The company should be well-versed in local and national building codes as well as detailed reporting and organization.” He also cautions against dealing with inexperienced suppliers with questionable products and no after-sales service. “With the infiltration of many subpar systems into the market, it is best to be sure of the quality of systems being purchased,” he says; adding that, as with everything else, in solar energy products, cheap is expensive.
most companies are doing a shift to cloud computing where the data is not stored locally on a hard drive but in secure servers all over the world.
Go Solar Systems Limited Go Solar Systems Limited has been supplying solar products and services for more than 10 years. Based in Nairobi, the company sources its products from Germany, Turkey, United States of America and China. These include integrated solar street lights from 5W-60W; LED Floodlights from 10W to 110W; LED Streetlights 30W and 60W; Rechargeable LED Floodlights 20W and 30W and Hot Water Systems from 100l to 300l. According to Mary Omanga who is a Marketing Executive with the company, there has been a tremendous growth in energy efficient heating and lighting systems in recent years. This has brought down costs. She also notes a rise in smart systems that are remotely controlled. Davis & Shirtliff Davis & Shirtliff is well known as a leader in water and energy solutions. The company’s Dayliff Solar Water Heaters have a capacity of between 160 and 320 litres. Dayliff solar heaters are tried and tested and with the
CR | September 2017 www.constructionreviewonline.com
Contact: |+254 737 555 222 |+254 713 530 288 |+254 721 857 176
SOLAR ENERGY
benefits of a high efficiency Turkish sourced collectors and long life GRP cased tanks are particularly suitable for local conditions. Makilite Energy Solutions This is a relatively new company specializing mainly in solar water heaters. Its products are manufactured in Greece. Beatrice Kagochi, who is the company’s Sales Administrator, says the company’s products are low priced but high quality and advises consumers to invest in solar water heating to reap savings in electricity cost. Tafsiri Pure Energy Solutions Ltd Tafsiri Pure Energy Solutions Ltd is an eight-year old company that supplies, installs and services solar water heating units for domestic homes, hotels, lodges, serviced apartments, schools and institutions. Their products are made in Turkey and Spain. Managing Director Ken Macharia notes that even though the new law has resulted in an increased uptake of solar water heating products, many developers, home owners and
institutions have been gradually transitioning to solar energy for some time. Argos Group Limited Argos Group Limited is another player in the sector. The company offers a wide range of solar related products. These include commercial and domestic solar water heating systems, commercial and domestic solar pool heating systems, solar based LED lighting solutions, solar road signs, solar floodlight systems and solar power storage devices (batteries and power banks). Others include solar chargers for small appliances, small solar lighting units and solar power generation systems from 500Watt to well over 10MW. “We also tailor-make solar systems to meet any customer demands for the need that they have,” says Anthony Chacha, the Group Executive. He advises prospective clients to choose their solar solutions wisely and not compromise on quality. “Solar is a long term investment and the wrong quality will result in a long term regret due to poor and dismal system performance,
not to mention the obvious loss of money involved in the transaction. Cheap is very expensive,” he adds. Helios Agrosol Limited This is a relatively new company on the Kenyan market. Helios Agrosol Limited offers solar water heating solutions from a capacity of 120 litres to 9,000 litres. The company serves homes, hotels and hostels. Its products are imported from Greece. According to Managing Director Mahesh Halai, Helios Agrosol products are reasonably priced and are manufactured using the highest quality of raw materials. “We offer a 5-year warranty for every system we supply and install,” he adds. Mr. Halai advises customers to understand the product, taking into consideration the installation location, water quality and hot water requirements to be able to make an informed choice. He says although price is an important consideration, warranty, aftersales service and availability of parts are of utmost importance.
The CHEAPEST and
CLEANEST ENERGY
is the energy you don’t use!
Building Automation Systems Energy Efficiency Products Energy Consultancy Services Utilities Management HVAC / Energy
2nd Floor Unit 93, Thika Road Mall, Thika Rd P.O. BOX 13916-00400, Nairobi (Kenya) KE: +254 710 777 909 / +254 (20) 44 00 820 UG: +256 784 237 228 / +256 703 898 373 info@negawattea.com, www.negawattea.com
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AUTHORIZED DEALERS & SUPPLIERS OF:
CR | September 2017 www.constructionreviewonline.com
PROFILE
solutions and turn-key engineered solutions centered on mechanical and power solar; with the aim to provide every client with continuous preferences over the long term. According to Eng. Arvinder Singh, this is the only company with a modern support centre in Eastern and Central Africa, which manufactures customized products to international standards.
Haier H2O heater is solely supplied and distributed by SteelStone
Steelstone Kenya Ltd Smarter life, better planet
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teelstone Kenya limited has consolidated its footprint as one of the leading manufacturer, supplier and installer of solar water heating and
electrical systems; all kinds of mechanical engineering, auto engineering, grinding and fluting of flour mill rollers, fabrication services and among other customized services. With more than 15 years of experience, the company works closely with their clients to develop innovative
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Sunheat Solar System Steelstone Kenya limited is a pioneer independent provider of comprehensive energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions for facilities throughout Eastern and Central African. With extensive experience coupled with comprehending the challenges in the field of renewable energy, the Eng. says, the firm is in this venture to provide total energy solutions in Eastern and Central African. Since its inception in 1985 the company can look back on a successful story of growth and product development as it has grown to be one of the leading suppliers and installers of solar water heating systems in Eastern and Central Africa region. The firm ensures fast and effective solutions through provision of a complete range of high quality energy products and services for both domestic and industrial applications. The company design, assemble and imports its products in order to cater for all market. The company’s products range and services include: thermo siphon solar, solar electrical, water heaters, solar collectors, evacuated tubes, designing to name but a few. Steelstone Kenya offers full scale support in every project stage. The services start with project planning, where the staff has a knack to determine the technical as well as commercial optimal solution. This helps the clients have a solid base of information on which a reliable investment plan can be build. Furthermore, the firm does the engineering and detailed planning, considering the technical, environmental and logistical challenges of the location, providing the customers with detailed cost for a turnkey solution. “We do site survey; this enables us to know the right product to
CR | September 2017 www.constructionreviewonline.com
be used. Besides, it has aided us to advise the clients on the changes and recommend where necessary,” he affirms. The products are designed and manufactured for high performance and durability and they are available in a variety of sizes, making them suitable for all applications; for instance, from a remote solar water heater powered lodge to a large scale power plant. Installation, commissioning and service of a solar water heater system are cost-effective, and packaged as a complete solution and are delivered directly to end consumers. The company focuses on engineering and quality products that they deploy in the market combined with tailored financial solutions. According to Eng. Singh a key sense of engineering, understanding clients’ need, ability to execute projects and satisfying clients’ requirements is what the firm uses to secure business. The company has a highly experienced team with a workshop that is equipped with the latest technology. “We stock all kind of system based on user needs; all latest solar facilities under one roof,” he adds. On authority of Eng. Singh, the company purely deals in solar water heater; and this enables them to concentrate fully on one product. Additionally, as he explains, “we manufacture and install large scale systems. Furthermore, we import high quality pipes (aluminum plastic pipes, ppr aluminum) from Turkey that can resist high pressure and temperature considering that pipes blow up when it is too hot; we use this to deter leakages,” he clarifies. Apart from employing an efficient system, the firm has also ensured that their sites are well served and remotely monitored. They have trained installers that know their products and have hands-on experience using proven techniques. As he clarifies, they offer in house training to their employees, to tone up staffs’ skills. “We also work with government institutions like Nairobi University and Jomo Kenyatta University (JKUAT) to set training criteria in future,” he adds. The company guarantees an extended warranty of five to seven years on products, and maintenance as agreed; this shows the confidence they have in their workmanship. The exemplary after sales services of Steelstone Kenya, supports their clientele’s operations which leads to successful winning business all over Eastern and Central Africa. For instance, the firm offers follow ups and maintenance free of charge to their clients for one year. “All of these qualities enable Steelstone Kenya to satisfy the market needs with winning business strategies that results in the firm being able to offer unparalleled service to our clients,” he adds. Additionally, in accordance with Eng. Singh, they are involved in design stage of the projects since the firm jointly works with other professional in construction industry. The long-term dedication and commitment they have shown to their clients has enabled them to significantly increase and maintain their customer base each year; from
Free sun energy! no more high bills.
institution facilities, commercial and residential clients. Furthermore, the firm intends to maintain its best in class service since it is a one time job. “We do not just sell the products, but we sell the solution,” he insists. This has helped them remain apt in this industry. The company is located in Nairobi, Airport road, Embakasi; with branch network in Eastern and Central Africa.
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PROJECT
Xinhua to get new home in Kenya
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inhua News Agency is the official press agency of the People’s Republic of China. It is the biggest and most influential media organization in the country and operates more than 170 foreign bureaus worldwide. Xinhua has been operating in Kenya for many years. To consolidate its operations, the Agency sought to build a complex that would serve as office space and at the same time offer accommodation and recreational facilities for its employees. And therefore in January this year, a team headed by leading Kenyan architectural studio – Tectura International – embarked on the task of realizing this vision. Once complete in September 2018, the complex, located on George Padmore Road in Nairobi, will have the following facilities: • Dining room with kitchen, outdoor dining area and rooftop restaurant • Roof terrace • Conference/Exhibition room • Executive Lounge • Library • Two open-plan office spaces • 30 offices • 24 studio units • 36 bedroom units. The complex will also have facilities for indoor games as well as a badminton court, swimming pool and gymnasium. A total of 60 parking spaces have been provided, with 53 located in the basement and the rest on the surface. There will be four elevators, a standby generator and a borehole. Design Aspects According to Architect Kihara Mungai of Tectura International, with the end user being a news agency for distributing important news to the Chinese Communist Party and Central Government, the planning concept, character development and form abstraction borrowed from the elementary geometry of wave motion. The architect had to find a perfect balance between “official, homely and recreational” use of the whole development while still maintaining a seamless set-up with inconspicuous interfaces. “At the back of our minds, this being a Chinese government project, it has been very important that design resolutions are reached in conformity with not only local but also Chinese design codes”, says Arch Mungai.
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CR | September 2017 www.constructionreviewonline.com
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Green Considerations The Xinhua complex will feature grey water recycling, solar reducing plants, rainwater harvesting and LED lighting as part of the architects’ green intervention. There will be natural temperature control with the main spaces facing North-South for maximum light while minimizing latent heat from the sun. All East-West facing facades have sunshades. Ventilation will also be natural. With the wind direction being from West to East, the building will allow wind to pass through it creating an area of low pressure that will aid in natural ventilation of the rooms. Solar water heating is also envisaged in the complex. Client: Xinhua News Agency Architects: Tectura International Ltd. Quantity surveyors: Anka Consultants Civil & structural engineers: Professional Consultants
KIBURU & ASSOCIATES LIMITED
Project Managers, Cost and Environment Consultants SERVICES • Provision of Environmental Consultancy Services (Environmental Impact Assessments/study, Strategic Environmental Assessments, Environmental Audits, Resettlement Action Plans and procuring regulatory permits/ Licences) • Quantity Surveying Services in accordance to CAP 525 (project cost, feasibility studies and budget estimates) • Project Management
PROJECTS • Gateway Mall located off Mombasa road • The Glee Hotel located along the Northern Bypass, in Kiambu (ongoing) • The Priory place in Hurlingham, Nairobi • Montana Hotel in Nairobi CBD (ongoing) • Kipchoge Keino and Kamariny sports stadia (ongoing) • Peony Estate in Thompson Estate, Nairobi • Thindigua Gardens apartments in Thindigua, off Kiambu road • Xinhua News Agency located in Kilimani, Nairobi (Ongoing)
Services engineers:Empaq Limited Environmental expert: Kiburu & Associates Main contractor: (C.R.J.E) East Africa Mechanical subcontractors: Plumbing Systems Electrical subcontractors:
Ongoing Kamariny Sports Stadium in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County
Central Electricals International
Ongoing Xinhua Building Complex in Kilimani, Nairobi
We congratulate Tectura International for emerging a remarkable firm in the construction industry.
Lift subcontractors:
RyceSDMO NewspaperAd Updated Print Copy.pdf 1 3/15/17 12:01 PM Kiburu& Associates Limited. Evergreen Centre-1st floor, off Kiambu Road P.O. Box 65185-00618, Nairobi. Cell: +254 723200700/727223228 E-mail: kiburuassociates@yahoo.com; kiburuassociates@gmail.com
Shanghai Engineering Company (K) Limited
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PROFILE
Pacific Construction Company Limited Established two decades ago, Pacific Construction Company Limited has continued to grow, driven by a desire to give clients value for their money.
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hen Mr Premji Vaghjiani founded Pacific Construction Company Limited in 1996, he simply wanted to give clients value for their money and meet the market demand in the most professional way possible at a time when Kenyans were growing skeptical of contractors due to several cases of poor workmanship and failed delivery of projects. Today, more than 20 years later, Mr Vaghjiani, who now serves as Chairman with Mr Nishyant Vaghjiani as Managing Director, looks with pride knowing that his vision has been realized. Pacific Construction Company Limited has grown over the years thriving on sound business ethics, teamwork and professionalism. The company, which is registered with the National Construction Authority (NCA), undertakes building and civil engineering works of varying magnitude and complexity. Its projects 36
include residential buildings, commercial developments and road infrastructure within these developments. It also undertakes renovations of existing properties. The company currently provides its services in Nairobi, Kiambu and Machakos counties However, according to Mr Nishyant, the company intends to expand its services to cover the entire East Africa as part of its medium to long term goals. The company also intends to create more employment. “We target to hire more technical and professional workers”, says Mr Nishyant. He adds that Pacific is eyeing major Government and NGO projects to propel itself to the next level. “We see ourselves becoming one of the leading contractors over the next decade”. At the moment, Pacific Construction Company Limited employs three civil engineers, two quantity surveyors, seven site agents and two accountants who form its professional staff. To ensure that the
company remains competitive, employees are routinely exposed to training in their respective areas. This not only sharpens their skills but also enables them to effectively engage the company’s clients especially in the face of changing client tastes and preferences. It also ensures that Pacific Construction offers cutting edge services that match those offered by the best in the market. Projects Completed Since
inception,
Pacific
Construction
Company Limited has successfully executed several projects across various categories. These include warehouses, office complexes and residential buildings among many others. Their value ranges from several million Kenya Shillings to hundreds of millions. Some of these projects include: •
Royal Residency comprising 110 High End Flats at Parklands
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Residential houses in Spring Valley
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Warehouses and office blocks for Compar Investments Ltd along Kampala Road
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Edible oils refinery, soap plant, power plant and allied industrial plants for Golden Africa Ltd
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Academic block for Air Travel and Related Studies Centre
•
The Lush, a residential development
CR | September 2017 www.constructionreviewonline.com
TO OUR PARTNERS IN PROGRESS Crown Paints congratulates PaciďŹ c Construction for attaining highest standards of professional excellence in the construction industry
www.crownpaints.co.ke 0709 887 000
CrownPaintsLtd
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PROFILE
3. 4.
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R&D Contracting
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&D Contracting was established in 2006, with the vision of servicing the industrial and commercial sectors of the market by adding a level of service innovation not yet experienced in the South African market. Our streamlined operation is well equipped to manage any maintenance challenge. It is our guiding principles surrounding health and safety, quality control and the high-level supervision through the entire process of the job that ensures our offering is innovative in every sense. We are a certified asbestos contracting company with a proven track record in providing roof refurbishments, removal and installations includes a vast number of production, manufacturing and commercial facilities. When it comes to delivering
industrial coating solutions our sound analysis methodology and strict adherence to application directives allows for superior quality results. With our management team boasting over 45 years of experience in the field, we understand what it takes to meet the high expectations of service delivery in the market. Our Level 2 BEE status is a clear sign of our commitment to both the macro transformation compliance and on a micro level, our synergy and shared objectives within the management team. R&D Contracting boasts with an impressive arsenal of completed projects for various prestigious clients: 1. AfriSam - infrastructure refurbishment project that tackled corrosion issues. 2. ABI Devland - a new roofing system
that improved in-plant lighting and ergonomics was installed. Proof Engineering - Asbestos sheeting removal and new roof installation Coca-Cola Fortune - removal of existing failed roof sheeting, installation of new purlins, painting of existing purlins, installation of Saflok roofing material, as well as the building of a new forklift ramp. Nissan South Africa - implementing a new 54 000m2 roof requiring a pioneering approach. PFG Glass - silo spalling and buffer installation; to name only a few.
The scope of our access services consists of sophisticated and contemporary access systems and equipment enabling us to provide appropriate solutions without compromising on safety. By combining this with our expertise, we are able to offer the following solutions: Roof refurbishment and sheeting installation We excel in providing roof refurbishments, removal and installation of new sheeting, incorporating new purlins, skylight vents, gutters, down-pipes, handrails and the installation of maintenance coating. Asbestos removal and encapsulation Asbestos removal is a hazardous operation and as a result all contractors need to be certified according to legislation. The contractor’s certification is renewed on an annual basis. The act stipulates that all processes are to be monitored and recorded in agreement with its disposal and handling procedures. After we have successfully completed cleaning operations, depending on conditions, we seal the asbestos in with a sealer coat to prevent future exposure or we dispose of the asbestos. We make it our responsibility to guarantee that a registered disposal company disposes of all materials collected from operations. Industrial coatings All coatings are applied by our experienced brush-hands, full time on-site Supervisors monitor quality including Health and Safety
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with regular management site visits ensuring compliance. Specifications are graded on a site-specific basis taking into consideration the site location, environmental and exposure conditions. Concrete spalling repairs The quality and longevity of our finished product directly correlates with our initial assessment, where the appropriate specifications and method statement is applied to the site-specific requirements. Specialised access and netting systems If you are looking for mobile access system, scaffolding, and rope access or netting systems, we have the expertise and infrastructure to deliver it to you efficiently and effectively. We specialise in material handling systems i.e. GEDA lifts. Core Drilling Our core drilling division is very versatile and we are able to drill from ground level right up to and including very high applications.
Our core sampling division is geared to drill a 25mm to 400mm diameter hole down to a depth of 900mm which could be sent for analysis. Turnkey specialist signage application This is our area of expertise. Whether you
require rebranding or the removal of existing branding. Our innovative approach allows us to turn your signage into a focal point rather than an afterthought. Maintaining through innovation is both an ethos that we instil in our work delivery, as well as a promise to our clients regarding their experience of our service.
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PROJECT
An architectural impression of the multipurpose sports facility
The community-centred renaissance Implementation of the R34 million (US $2.43 million) New Multi-Purpose Sports Centre (Soweto Sports Arena) project in Nancefield, Located in Klipspruit, Soweto, underpins the Johannesburg Development Authority’s (JDA) commitment to the fulfillment of Nancefield Transit Oriented Development vision.
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he Nancefield Transit Oriented Development aims to create a transformed area, with the vacant and underutilised land parcels
developed with higher density housing typologies and supporting social facilities, and bring development opportunities that will be able to attract private sector investment, including business development.
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The emphasis on transit oriented development with Nancefield Train Station as a focal point and a safe, walkable environment is critical. There is a need to integrate key properties such as the Maponya Mall and the new Soweto Nike Centre to create a vibrant activity hub that is a destination within the Gauteng region.
CR | September 2017 www.constructionreviewonline.com
Facilities The New Multi-Purpose Sports Centre (Soweto Sports Arena)
Key players
will have the following facilities: the New Basketball Oriented sports centre, Two New Outdoor Basketball/Netball pitch, New
Archway Projects:
Splash Pad and Play Equipment, Associated servicers, Parking,
Principal Agent/Project Manager
Seating Areas and Landscaping.
Iyer Urban Designs:
Capacity building of black-owned businesses
Architects & Urban Designers
As with previous phases, The JDA has ensured that the local
Koor Dindar Mothei (KDM) QS:
community benefits from the Nancefield TOD Phase 4 project.
Quantity Surveyor
Terms of the contract that the JDA signed with the 100% black-
Nako Iliso Civil and Structural:
owned main contractor, Shomang Construction, obliges the
Civil & Structural Engineers
contractor to ensure that the local community benefits from the
Employer’s Agent: Mott Macdonald PDNA
projects in two ways.
Delegated Role: Electrical & Mechanical Engineers
Firstly, the JDA’s contract with Shomang Construction stipulates that over 40% of the project (R12.5 million) are
Empowerisk:
to be subcontracted to 100% black owned local small micro
Occupational Health & Safety Consultants
and medium enterprises (SMMEs). Additionally, to ensure
Tshidi Gudlhuza Planners & Associates
continuity, previous local labourers together with five (5)
Delegated Role: Public Participation Consultants
SMME contractors that were already appointed by the previous
Contractor:
Main Contractor, were re-instated subject to them complying
Shomang Construction
SHOMANG CONSTRUCTION Qpfc.pdf 1 7/5/2017 5:07:37 PM
with statutory requirements. Other SMME contractors for the remaining trades were appointed as the project progressed. Secondly, as part of the development of skills of surrounding communities, training for 80 local labourers are being conducted in different trades ranging from steel fixing, scaffolding, plumbing etc. So far, 22 labourers from the local community have been engaged. Thirdly, mentorship has been carried out to assist local SMME’s to raise their grading and to better understand the business part of construction for their continuity and sustainability.
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with progress on the project, and it is confident that it will be
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standards.
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Appointed SMEs: Phil then Trading , Re I Filwe Katlego, Tshepo Projects, MACSAP, Rockwell Communications, Pebetsi Holdings, TTM Civil Works, Mmangwanya Trading, Umthombongashi Construction and Services, Vuyelwa Frank Projects, Tahok Projects, Muziwazwano Landscaping, Uptown Trading and Zibaxa Projects. www.constructionreviewonline.com September 2017 | CR
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PROJECT
Fostering social integration through recreation
Once complete towards end of 2017, the Multipurpose Sports Complex, which is under construction, will be a landmark building that will contribute positively to the realm of Klipspruit, Soweto.
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ocated in Klipspruit, Soweto, the Sports Complex is the fourth phase of the Nancefield Station Precinct project, a multi-phased public environment upgrade. The Nancefield Station Precinct is a City of Johannesburg Transit Oriented Development (TOD) project. Through the Nancefield Station Precinct upgrade, the City of Johannesburg aims to provide "a restructured space economy that gives poor households better access to welllocated accommodation, jobs and markets; optimised land use and energy consumption; and improved living standards and mobility for large numbers of people in well-serviced 42
and managed transit neighbourhoods". The City's vision is to transform the space to include decent housing and social facilities and attract business investment to the area. In a nutshell, the TOD seeks to achieve the following: • Create a visibly improved public environment in the Nancefield Precinct; • Develop a unique identity and showcase the Precinct's potential; and • Support investor and public confidence in the area The Sports Complex’ architectural elements In an interview with the team from IYER Architects, Construction Review grasps
three key elements that have been considered in the Sports Centre’s design, from an urban design and planning perspective. Firstly, the idea was to create a landmark public building that contributes positively to the public realm of Klipspruit. Secondly, the vacant site was used as a pedestrian connection to move across two sides of Klipspruit. Whilst a large portion of the site will be enclosed by fence or building, this connectivity has been retained by creating a landscaped pedestrian link connecting Mofokeng Street to a linear park, which was implemented as part of the broader upgrade.
CR | September 2017 www.constructionreviewonline.com
Thirdly, there is an urban logic to the positioning of the building and external elements in relation to the context. The building is positioned close to the street to create a positive edge and interface. The external landscape elements (courtyard, training courts and splash pad) are located on the park side to act visually and spatially as an extension to this linear public space. Sustainable use of resources Worth underlining is the incorporation of innovations in the design to promote sustainable use of resources, which include: • Heat pump systems • Energy efficient heating, ventilating, and cooling system • Lower volatile organic compound (VOC) Paint and finishing materials • Low water consuming sanitary fittings • Vandal proof sanitary fittings • Intruder-proof glazing • Use of polycarbonate material for second storey wrap-around screen. Brings in light without the cost of full height glazing. • Cladding on walls - no painting required, lower maintenance Quality assurance A number of steps are being followed religiously in the course of construction to ensure that the architectural blueprint is being implemented as planned.
These include: • A Quality Control Plan formulated by the contractor and approved by relevant consultants. The QCP has requirements that should be met by the contractor. • Regular site inspections • Samples approval of all items that are to be installed • Shop drawing process of special items • Mock-up samples of unique items The Iyer team reveals that, as far as possible, the contractors have stuck to the architectural blueprint. The only “minor” change was value engineering the steelwork which
resulted in the use of smaller steel members. If everything goes according to plan, the project is scheduled for completion by December 2017. An intra-disciplinary studio IYER is an intra-disciplinary studio specialising in urban design, planning; architecture and landscape design. These cross disciplines have created a project that is unique, of a high standard, holistic and responds well to its surrounding context. The firm looks forward to involvement in more urban renewal projects in the country.
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Ceramic tile powder adhesive
K
enbro Ceramic tile powder adhesive is a dry premixed cement based adhesive consisting of Portland cement, fine graded quartz sand and chemical additives.
Ceramic tile adhesive is a powder compound designed to bond ceramic tiles, granite tiles and porcelain tiles. It can also be
A blend of cement and dry powder chemicals providing a very strong medium for fixing ceramic, granite or porcelain tiles.
Wall & Floor Adhesive Powder Formulated for:
Ceramic Tiles Porcelain Tiles Granito Tiles Natural Stone Tiles Mazeras Slates
applied on wall surfaces. It is not recommended for tiles that are submerged in water. Kenbro Ceramic tile adhesive is versatile as it can be used for all above 3 types of tiles to be bonded. It has a shelf life of 6 months if stored under dry conditions and are packed in 25kg bags. Once applied it takes about 24 hours to dry. We also have the tile grout, which works hand in hand with the ceramic tile adhesive. Tile grout is waterproof in nature and highly durable.
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CR | September 2017 www.constructionreviewonline.com