Construction Mining Magazine Vol 5 | Edition No 2

Construction Vol 5 | Edition No 2

The essential magazine for Namibia’s construction and mining industry N$ 26

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Scaffolding the Growth of Namibia Buying your first House or property in 2021 Celebrating Inspiring Women Rosalia Doeses

R. Felix, Entrepreneur of the month

City water wise How to Calculate your water bill

Cracks They are not inevitable if you know what causes them

17 Branches Nationwide! www.megabuild.com.na

Construction & Mining Magazine, Vol 5 | Edition No 2

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Construction

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The essential magazine for Namibia’s construction and mining industry

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Content

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4 - Buying your first House or property? - HERE ARE SOME HINTS...

6 - Race for an artful Namibia

Construction & Mining Magazine 2021 - Vol 5 Edition 2 ISSN NO: 2926-819X Serial NO: 9 772026 819003

9 - Celebrating Inspiring Women, Rosalia Doeses - Be the Inspiration 10 - SmartGuds.com Paving The Way For Namibian Online Shopping 13 - Africa Innovates With Housing Project (Angola)

Publisher Twenty Six Media www.26medias.com

14 - Building Cracks 15 - How to Calculate your water bill 16 - Building Plans 17 - Namibia Tops List of Best Quality Roads in Africa

Manager Roxy Silta Tjarukua

18 - The Tender Section

info@26medias.com +264 81 432 8467

Creative Director Mark Justino mj@26medias.com +264 81 66 828 55

Contributors Erasmus Awaseb Magie Amashili Operation Muzzammil Nazier Dra-Dra K. Kaluvi Deryl Shibaku Contact Tel: +264 85 66 828 55 E-mail: info@26medias.com Physical address:

Van Rhijn Street, Windhoek North, Windhoek, Namibia

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Construction & Mining Magazine, Vol 5 | Edition No 2

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Tel: +264 61 228 185 / +264 81 143 4002 Email: alanl@talismanhire.com 19 Joule street, Southern Industrial, Windhoek Namibia Construction & Mining Magazine, Vol 5 | Edition No 2

ON HOW TO GET YOUR MORTGAGE APPROVED

Attempting to purchase a house without a plan in place can be a challenging situation.

As a first-time homebuyer, you will need to prepare in advance. The steps below can help you buy a home more conveniently and reach the best outcome possible.

Preparation: Before you start with the application process, you need to understand how banks assess the application; the required documents, and, most importantly, the costs involved in the entire process. For instance, besides the property’s actual price, there are other costs, such as transfer duties and conveyancing fees, which you will need to keep in mind. Ask your estate agent or branch what these are likely to be.

Keep your bank accounts healthy: In the time leading up to your home loan application, make sure that your bank accounts are healthy and portray the right image to your mortgage lender. This means that you should not have late payments, unpaid debit orders, or overdrawn accounts throughout the application and purchasing process.

Pay your bills on time, and do not commit to any other financial obligations until your home loan application is successful.

Banks will require at least six months’ bank statements to gain a full picture of your finances. If you are self-employed, the bank will need your additional financial information, for instance, a cash flow statement in addition to your balance sheet, and income statement.

Having these documents ready will speed up the processing of your loan application.

Monthly commitment limit: Work out your budget and how much you can afford to pay in home loan repayments every month.

Be realistic with your budget. A Mortgage Calculator, available on Bank Windhoek’s website, is an excellent tool for understanding how much you can afford. It is user-friendly and shows you what your monthly mortgage payment would be, taking into account different house prices and interest rate scenarios. The interest rate is one of the main contributors in determining the cost of your home loan. It is useful to know which way they are heading and the best time to buy your house.

Get a Pre-approval: This is a document from the bank that indicates how much they are prepared to lend you and the price range of the homes you can afford. A pre-approval is so important that often property sellers and estate agents will not consider your offer on a property without it. To get a pre-approval document, the bank will need your payslip, Home Owner’s Scheme for staff member’s (HOSSM), or a subsidy letter from your employers, six months’ bank statements, and proof of residential address (municipality bill) or lease agreement if you are renting (Rental Contract).

Time to shop around: Understand the financial options that banks have available, like the Bank Windhoek Extended-term Home Loan, which gives you 30 years – or 360 months to pay back the loan. This extended period means a lower monthly mortgage instalment, especially for the entry level buyer. After a few years and as your financial standing improves, the bond can be paid off well within the 360 month period. Every homebuyer has its unique financial position, and it is essential to understand which term suits your needs best.

Best time to buy: With the current low interest rates and Bank Windhoek’s Extended-term

Home Loan, this is the opportune time to become a homeowner. Compared to renting, homeownership is more beneficial in the long run, since renting does not grant you control over the property. Other benefits are: Paying your mortgage monthly allows you to build on equity, which adds value to your personal wealth.

You can rent part of your home to generate additional income and allows you to access your employer’s housing benefits, like a subsidy.

Your house can stand in as security when you refinance to fulfil other obligations.

The house safeguards your financial future through repaying the loan before retirement.

To make the application process a seamless and stress-free experience, cooperate with the bank as much as possible. Be honest about your financial standing and provide any information they require from you.

As you shop around for property, look for the best deals, enquire about the valuation of the property you are interested in as the bank will only finance a house based on its valuation amount. You can do this with help from an estate agent or visit the Bank Windhoek Property Finance Division for advice.

Bank Windhoek’s Market Research Analyst, Loide David

Construction & Mining Magazine, Vol 5 | Edition No 2

HOUSING

Buying your first House or property?

HERE ARE SOME HINTS

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ART

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Race for an artful Namibia

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n Europe, every new public building project, irrespective of whether it is a school, administrative building or hospital or any other purpose, is required to include in its budget a minimum 3% of the total building cost for a public artwork. Not only does it enhance the public space, tell a story about the building and become a tourist attraction, it also supports the struggling artist profession in general. In Namibia this noble legislation is sorely missing, resulting in our public spaces being generally experienced as uninspiring and dead. Following a recent initiative by the National Art Gallery of Namibia called ‘what’s your story’ artists were called upon to produce artworks in reaction to the Covid-19 pandemic. Amongst others, the artists were also encouraged to produce public artworks on public spaces. For this purpose the City of Windhoek generously offered to make the open areas around the new and old municipal building available.

The contribution from WHUDA MARBLE ART NAMIBIA was an artwork carved in Karibib marble stone. The challenge that they set themselves was that three artists (Kambezunda Ngavee, Henry Coetzee and Winfried Holze) would work independently on a single marble stone on consecutive days (i.e. one day the one works, the next day the other one and the third day the third artist

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ART

and so on) and with different themes each, to eventually culminate into one artwork. Work commenced on 16th November 2020 and finished on Friday 8th January 2021.

With this artwork the following messages were to be conveyed: 1. To demonstrate that a persons of a completely different backgrounds can work together in Namibia with a single purpose and make a success of it.

2. To prove that a Covid-19 pandemic crisis can be overcome when managed creatively.

3. That instead of removing or demolishing existing artworks or monuments, thereby attempting to delete history, one should rather ADD to the discourse and create awareness, by contributing creatively towards a better understanding and reconciliation.

4. To create awareness for the need of art and especially public art as this is very much lacking in our public spaces. We need

to tell ourselves, our visitors and future generations about who and what we are as a nation. Artworks also contribute towards the beautification and livability of our urban environments.

5. Create awareness of the availability of high quality marble stone in Namibia, a mineral very rare in sub-Saharan Africa and currently exclusively exploited by foreign nations. Local value addition of local resources should rather be made a priority, in order to add to wealth and employment creation within the country.

6. An attempt at creating an added Namibian identity in the skillful production of stone art, particularly in marble stone. Currently much of African stone art is characteristically Zimbabwean and predominantly soap- , limeor sand stone.

7.

Artists are conduits of light, they are responsible to bring messages of hope to the public in times of darkness, releasing art to the world, as a form of inspiration.

It proved to be an extremely risky experiment that was undertaken to see whether it was possible to create a complete and aesthetically pleasing artwork without a prior plan, image, sketch or discussion as to what should be created. In addition, the artwork was to be done without each artist knowing what the other artists are doing until a certain stage where the artwork is to be

amalgamated. Judging from the final product, one can safely say that this artwork has been a complete success story, demonstrating that as individuals and as a nation we can work together, irrespective of background, creed or colour. It thus symbolises unity, hope and cooperation for our nation, thus its name: UNITY. The sculpture inevitably could only be an abstract work of art. Every new angle provides a new impression as one walks around it.

Unlike a ‘David’ from Michelangelo for instance where what you see is what you get, in this case, everybody will every time see something new from every new viewpoint.

This adds to the multiplicity of the sculpture in which everybody can get involved, interpret and engage with it freely. Its soft edges and curves are nonaggressive or provocative, but in harmony with the rest. It even has a spiritual quality about it.

The sculpture can still be viewed in front of the new municipality building until such time as a favorable buyer is found. Once a final place for it to stand has been identified it will be mounted onto a pedestal made either of steel or bricks and plaster.

Winfried Holze WHUDA MARBLE ART NAMIBIA Iscor street, Northern Industrial area, Windhoek holze@whudanamibia.com

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Construction & Mining Magazine, Vol 5 | Edition No 2

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Rosalia Doeses - Be the Inspiration

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ave you met Rosalia Doeses at the Pupkewitz Megabuild Windhoek Central Branch help desk? She sees her future bright and clear: "Pupkewitz Megabuild has granted me the chance to study. Currently, I am doing my second year in Office Administration. Through my studies and hard work, I wish to work my way up to the HR department." Have a look at Rosalia's journey and get ready to be inspired!

“Be an inspiration for yourself and your fellow women!”

Rosalia Doeses was born and raised in Windhoek. She has lived her whole life in the suburbs of Katutura. "It was not always easy growing up as my family and I faced many challenges. However, despite the odds, I always enjoyed school. I started at Wanaheda Primary School, now known as the Martti Ahtisaari Primary School and then I advanced to high school, Ella Du Plessis." After High School, she lacked the privilege of continuing to any higher education institutions due to a financial hiccup. Thus, Rosalia sought for employment right away, she got her first job in 2008 as a merchandiser. Among the merchandising opportunity, she also amassed other working experiences such as waitressing and working as a cashier. Rosalia exclaims that the year 2014 was a turning point in her

Rosalia Doeses life when God answered her prayers and Pupkewitz Megabuild appointed her as a cashier. Soon after, she was promoted to a help desk advisor for the Windhoek Central Branch.

Today, Rosalia is a proud tertiary student.

"Megabuild granted me the chance to study.

Currently, I am doing my second year in Office Administration. I am so happy that I can study and finally pursue my dreams", she says. After completing her studies, she would like to continue her career at the Human Resources department. She believes that one day she can become a great leader within the company.

She also remembers the time in 2019, when Pupkewitz Megabuild participated in the "Best Company to Work For" competition with Deloitte and scooped first prize. She adds that the company allows its employees to grow and that the benefits offered are very good. One of her favourite benefits is the educational opportunities that she currently enjoys as well as the ex-gratia payment for employees on maternity leave. In the case where a female employee’s basic gross salary is more than the maximum amount paid by Social Security Commission, the company will pay the difference in order to leave the employee in the same financial position as if she had not been on maternity leave.

Rosalia works closely with both customers and employees. She believes there is nothing she can't handle. Prioritising and doing the most difficult tasks first is her key to success. She has learnt to be flexible and can handle even the most challenging situations with care and goodwill. Rosalia says that she knows how important every customer is to the company, and thus, is very attentive to each one. She has also mastered good telephone etiquette and a pleasant speaking tone.

In the end, Rosalia wants to encourage and be an inspiration to all young women. She believes strongly that women should all support one another and that one's success is not in the way of others. "Make something of yourself and make you the centre of your life.

Focus on you and let no one or anything stop you from achieving your goals.".

“Write your own story, it belongs to you!”

“Success is moving one step further from where I was yesterday, to where I’m planning on going!”

You are the Centre of Your Life Rosalia has been working for the company for over six years now and says that she sees no end. "I am honoured to work for such a prestigious company. Pupkewitz Megabuild is one of the largest companies and in turn contribute to the economy of Namibia. It looks after its employees and the community at large. Pupkewitz Foundation gives back to society every year by launching amazing projects like the feeding scheme", Rosalia says.

Construction & Mining Magazine, Vol 5 | Edition No 2

PROFILE

Celebrating Inspiring Women

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TECHNOLOGY

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SMARTGUDS.COM FOR NAMIBIAN ON

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ech companies have been around for ages battling in various arenas of the technological domain… Some being tech giants like the widely known Microsoft, Apple, Tesla or the company that has turned a man into the wealthiest of his time, Amazon.

As even numbers strive to cause a balance in the numerical world, the fourth revolution or the high-tech phase has enabled the emergence of other smaller companies to dabble in this world of binary ones and zeros in various parts of the world- Namibia being one of them. Be that as it may, it is one thing to start in business, but a whole different roller-coaster ride to stay fighting the constant advent of stormy winds that crosses one’s face. SmartGuds.com is one of the companies that have joined the world that

merges the technological advancements and business prowess to form a desired service to the Namibian nation, henceforth, actualizing a form of the Namibian dream.

The birth of a thing starts in the mind as an abstract thought and with time, dedication, ambition and relevant experience, merge and transforms into fruition. This is no different for Rui Felix, the founder of SmartGuds.com.

In an exclusive interview with 26 Media Felix rightly portrays his journey as having been in the electronics field for about twelve (12) years, and served another giant tech & electronics company-Samsung- ultimately landing him a managerial position. A move that would mold his expertise. This journey

Construction & Mining Magazine, Vol 5 | Edition No 2

led to the birth of SmartGuds.com, turning a regular employee into an entrepreneur of the modern age. He further emphasises the uphill battle and the need to engage in various forms of business in order to survive. Henceforth, Felix engages in other projects as well.

According to Felix, the now known SmartGuds.com has its roots in a calculated risk he took, by selling his automobiles and investing every cent into setting up shop for selling phones in 2014. This turned out to be a fruitful move as he opened a second shop a mere two years later in 2016. Yet again, like the billionaires of the world, Felix set up a new team and began the rise of SmartGuds. com from his mother’s garage. Although, the company has seen success in a short space,

staggering need to have a platform that brings desired goods to the hands of customers by simply clicking a few keys on a phone or computer. SmartGuds.com is thus an online shop that provides an array of goods such as smart phones, accessories, beauty products, household appliances, jewelry and more, with easy steps to shop online from wherever you are in Namibia.

SmartGuds.com has done extensive research by means of surveys as one of the channels in order to cater for clients/customers which in turn is the lifeline of the business.

Furthermore, SmartGuds is well equipped with phone operators, sales representatives, a marketing setup and a firm management team for greater output to customers.

Drawing from the remarkable birth of SmartGuds.com, the journey to a successful business indeed finds its inception in the mind with the form of a dream. One when watered well and honed to perfection breeds the desired outcome. Anything is possible, just dream it.

there remain underlying barriers such as a lack of trust in online services- therefore, SmartGuds not only promotes the business facet but educates the masses on how to safely utilise such services. Moreover, the timing of SmartGuds.com was impeccable.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit with an ice-cold blow, SmartGuds sailed with warmth.

“The lockdown period was crazy busy for us,” exclaimed Felix. People were generally forced to try out the online services SmartGuds.com had to offer and realised that it actually works.

Upon asking the founder of the emerging Tech and Electronics Company on invaluable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, this is what he had to say: “there are four things that we need to have in order to be successful…”

The first being a dreamer. Secondly, the importance of setting goals in order to achieve these dreams… The third thing would be to have utmost discipline and finally, persistence, “behind every struggle there’s success” as Felix quotes.

The brief tale of what steered Felix into starting this company may have caused a pondering effect on what the reputable SmartGuds.com actually is. Well, the story of Amazon and its initial focus strikes a stunning resemblance to SmartGuds. The power of sales, solving relevant problems and setting measures in place to counteract prior and future errors.

The years prior to the emergence of the rising electronics company, though others may have tried to tap the market, there remained a

R.Felix Quimuanga Smart Gud Founder & Managing Director

Construction & Mining Magazine, Vol 5 | Edition No 2

TECHNOLOGY

M PAVING THE WAY NLINE SHOPPING

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www.whssnamibia.com

Construction & Mining Magazine, Vol 5 | Edition No 2

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he centralite housing project allowed thousands of Angolans to realise the dream of homeownership, having increased the supply of state homes, hence forcing a drop in prices. Moreover, given the various options that the market has to offer.

and social housing. The Flagship 3.5 billion US dollar Kilamba New City project by the Chinese civil engineering ‘China International Trust and Investment Corporation’ or CITIC Construction, turned a backward rural area into a modern satellite town.

two of the project which involves a lot more development and hope to accommodate 500,000 upon completion.

On the one hand, centralities are thought out works that would have acceptable basic sanitation, organised streets and good quality of administrative services. On the other hand, public tranquillity is one of the advantages most pointed out by residents living in the centralities.

Furthermore, the Kilamba New City is one of Luanda’s six urban districts and the first centrality to be built. The new city is one of the world’s largest residential sectors. It provides homes for more than 100 000 locals in an area that was sheer wilderness before this massive social housing project started. Construction work began in 2008, where the builders found it difficult to get materials of satisfactory quality at local markets. Two million tonnes of materials were shipped directly from China causing CITIC Construction four years to complete the whole project.

Centrality of Zango 5 - Luanda Capari Urbanisation - Bengo Centrality of Dundo - Lunda-Norte Centrality of Zango 0 - Luanda Amélia Beach Development - Namibe Centrality of Lobito - Benguela Baia Farta urbanisation - Benguela 5 de Abril Urbanisation - Namibe Urbanisation of KM 44 - Luanda Centrality of Quilemba - Huila Centrality of Caala - Huambo

Be that as it may, urbanisation is highly influenced and actively engaged by the state. Henceforth, several Centralities are being built by the country and thus far have implemented projects in the provinces of Luanda, Bengo, Cabinda, Lunda Norte, Huíla, Namibe and Benguela, with projections slated for 13 provinces overall.

With the language of construction in the reigns, Imogestin a real estate company, was founded in December 1997. It started its activities on June 15, 1998 with the appointment of its Board of Directors and other social bodies. Imogestin is a company dedicated to the business of promotion, mediation and management of real estate developments, committed to the sustainability of projects.

Today, Kilamba is home to more than 70,000 Angolans, and according to the official estimates, the population of the complex is bound to surpass 200,000 in the incoming months. They have begun phase

Other projects that were and still are being implemented are listed below:

The innovation tale is all too familiar as other African countries engage in various small to mega projects adding to the trail of urbanisation. Angola is a prime example of the magnitude to which our beloved continent has come in construction since the onset of independence in respective countries.

China another development giant has been involved in Angola’s post-war reconstruction process, covering projects like urbanisation Construction & Mining Magazine, Vol 5 | Edition No 2

INTERNATIONAL CORNER

AFRICA INNOVATES WITH HOUSING PROJECT (Angola)

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CONSTRUCTION

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Building Cracks

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ou may have wondered why a building or buildings you might have observed formed unequivocal cracks. It is evident that many property owners have felt a sense of unease with the onset of cracks apparent on their asset(s). Frankly speaking, many builders demonstrate tenuous clues as to the reason their construction go sour, and many have slight knowledge in mitigative measures to avoid the apparent unpleasing appearance of a completed construction with random or alternating cracks on their building.

There exist a vast number of reasons why buildings crack. It is imperative to say that only the prominent reasons will accrue to the content herein presented. Notably, cracks in buildings tend to exist prevalently in components such as walls and floors.

Therefore, you as the engineer, contractor or the observer will need to fathom the intertwining of the workings of a building structure to cause walls or floors to crack.

Wall Cracks Cracks in walls tend to appear due to faulty brickwork. This is not only the consequence of poor workmanship by the bricklayer but also questionable bricks’ or blocks’ quality, and the mistake of making up for inappropriate bricks or blocks with the mortar or paste used within the brickwork. In many constructions, low strength bricks or blocks are deployed, and builders resort to mixing mortars that are of higher strength in an attempt to compensate for low strength exhibited by the bricks or blocks. Consequently, this resolution culminates into the cracking of the bricks or

blocks themselves.

The mechanics behind a strong brick or block with a slightly lower strength mortar is that bricks utilise the space left between them for expansion and using a lower strength mortar permits the expansion to occur. When the strength regime is reversed, that is, the brick or block displays lower strength than the mortar, the weakest component will succumb and allow for the crack to form. Another factor that is normally misconceived by many is to assume that the wall will become weak because of weak mortar. This is unfortunately not the case owing to Poisson’s ratio, in that the less the height of a structural component, the more load it will be able to resist. This is evident in the cylinder concrete test samples versus the cube concrete test samples. The latter yielding a larger strength than the former.

Furthermore, walls crack due to the phenomenon of differential settlement. This results from what engineers call “ground consolidation”. When a structure is built it tends to squeeze the ground on which it is erected. Depending on the compact state of the soil, some parts of the ground will subside more than others. This difference of settlement causes stress on the walls. The stress is then relieved on the wall by finding the weakest spots, which in buildings happen to be in doors and windows. That is why windows and doors should have joints in them to allow this phenomenon to occur without any implications. Another good strategy to circumvent this problem is to properly select the correct kind of foundation, either from

Construction & Mining Magazine, Vol 5 | Edition No 2

the many options of shallow foundations or the three available deep foundations options.

A Structural Engineer will be very handy for this application.

Additionally, a shear failure of the soil can occur, leading to considerable settlement and impending failure of the structure. The right choice of foundation is also paramount in this case.

Moreover, when walls are of a reasonable length, it is advisable to insert expansion joints at moderate intervals. If these joints are not catered for, the wall will definitely expand, as all materials do due to temperature fluctuations. Major pressure (or stress) buildup occur under such circumstances and this results into a crack on any weak points along the length of the wall. So please, help yourself with that expansion joint and have a lasting smile as you view your crackless building walls.

Floor Cracks Floors made of concrete have a tendency of cracking. But let’s be pragmatic and real; concrete will always crack. The main issue is controlling the sizes of your cracks. These can range from miniscule to large eye fretting cracks. The manner in which you treat the concrete is the determining factor in the size of the cracks.

Concrete by property shrinks after hardening, resulting in what is termed “shrinkage cracks”.

The main solution is to add a minimum reinforcement to concrete spaced in a correct manner. It would be better, to a certain

extent, to have smaller reinforcing steel bars with moderate spacing than large bars with wide spaces. The optimum spacings can be determined by structural designs, so, be mindful of the role of the engineer. For simpler construction a steel mesh may help, though that does not replace the role of the engineer. Additionally, this phenomenon also happens when concrete is dried too quickly by either being exposed to the sun or simply in very hot environment. The water evaporates and leaves your floor cracked. So, avoid pouring concrete under hot weathers or the blazing sun.

This simplified model explains exactly how to calculate your water bill based on your consumption and as per the four block tariff system. The city is currently in category B since June last year, down from Category C, hence one should use the formulas in Category B. • NB: The tariff for each block may change every year depending on the water price increase as passed on to City of Windhoek from NamWater.

• Example: under category A & B • If your monthly consumption is under 6m³ (cubic meter), you will be charged 22.35 per m³ = 6m³ x N$22.35 = N$134.10 your water bill.

• If you consume 30m³ per month, you will be charged the first 6m³ at 22.35 and the remaining 24m³ is charged at 34.64. = 6m³ x N$22.35 • + 24m³ x N$34.64 = N$965,22 • If you consume 50m³ per month, you will be charged the first 6m³ at N$22.35, the 24m³ at N$34.64 and the remaining 20m³ at N$69.29 = 6m³ x N$22.35 + 24m³ x N$34.64) + 20m³ x N$69.29 = $2485,12 • Usage above 50m³ is charged at N$138.57 per cubic meter • So the higher your monthly water consumption the higher the charge per cubic meter.

• Use this formula for all the other categories!

Concrete may also undergo what is known as “thermal cracking”. Thermal effects such as temperature fluctuations makes concrete expand or contract seasonally. This is similar to that discussed under the wall cracks. The best solution is to install expansion/contraction joints. Additionally, large pours of concrete in large blocks may also result in cracks forming as the concrete heats up due to its own reactions, well known as exothermic reaction.

This requires the attention of a specialist.

Floors built directly on the ground will be subject to differential settlement, as discussed earlier. Therefore, the concrete slab and the ground on which the floor is built will require special attention. The right approach will entail either sole application of appropriate steel reinforcement on the floor(s)/slab(s) under moderate ground conditions and/ or a check of the subsoil conditions by a geotechnical engineer.

Conclusion Your building can be designed, constructed and maintained without possessing unaesthetic cracks. But this would mean taking the benevolent measures to avoid the cracks. The saying in construction goes, “for every dollar you save in shortcuts while constructing a building, you will spend several dollars to fix the project”.

Therefore, wisdom in construction is highly advised!

Construction & Mining Magazine, Vol 5 | Edition No 2

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CITY WATER WISE

How to Calculate YOUR WATER BILL

INFRASTRUCTURE

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Building Plans

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he City of Windhoek approved a total of 228 building plans in March, representing an 3.2% m/m increase from the 221 building plans approved in February.

In monetary terms, the approvals were valued at N$158.1 million, a 3.6% m/m increase, while buildings with a value of N$94.3 million were completed during March, a 73.4% m/m increase. Although the number of building approvals for 2021 are 15.4% higher than the same period of 2020, the value of these approvals has fallen relatively sharply by 27.1% y/y, from N$556.7 million in 2020 to N$406.0 million in 2021. Year-to-date, the number of completed buildings rose to 296, a decrease of 13.5% y/y. The value of these completions are down 25.4% y/y from N$276.3 million in 2020 to N$206.3 million in 2021. On a twelvemonth cumulative basis, 2,358 buildings with the value of N$1.7 billion were approved, an increase of 15.9% in number, yet a decrease of 13.8% in value, similar to the previous 3 months.

resenting a 728.4% increase from the N$10.5 million worth of approvals in March 2020. On a 12-month cumulative basis, residential units recorded a 71.1% y/y increase in value. 68 new residential units worth N$52.0 million were completed during the month.

In terms of number of approvals, additions to properties once again made up the largest portion of approvals, with 63 percent. For the month of March, 143 additions to properties were approved with a value of N$64.2 million, 11 fewer than in March 2020. The value of the additions approved in March is 11.0% higher than those observed in March 2020. 138 additions worth N$36.9 million were completed during the month.

The 12-month cumulative number of building plans approved increased by 15.9% y/y in March. A total of 2,358 building plans to the value of N$1.70 billion were approved over the last 12 months which represents a decline in value of 13.8% y/y. Additions to properties have made up 64.9% of the cumulative number of approvals, and 40.3% of the total value of approvals. Completed building plans, increased by 5.1% y/y in value terms to N$1.47 billion on a 12-month cumulative basis in March. Although 12-month cumulative value of approvals fell in March, residential building plans seem to have started gaining momentum, recording 10 consecutive months of year-on-year increases in the number of

New residential units were the second largest contributor to the total number of building plans approved in March, but the largest contributor in value terms. 81 new units worth N$86.9 million were approved in March, rep-

Four new commercial units, valued at N$7.0 million, were approved in March. This compares to 5 units valued at N$89.1 million approved in March 2020. Year-to-date, there have been eight commercial building approvals valued at N$14.5 million, which translates to a 15.4% increase in number terms and a 27.1% decrease in value terms compared to the same period last year. On a rolling 12-month perspective, the number of commercial and industrial approvals have slowed to 25 units worth N$98.7 million as at March, compared to the 63 approved units worth N$730.2 million over the corresponding period a year ago. Three commercial and industrial units worth N$5.5 million were completed in March.

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residential approvals, in which 7 of the 10 months recorded increases in value terms. In contrast, the commercial sector reflects Namibia’s uncertain business outlook, with only 8 commercial and industrial building approvals year-to-date. Furthermore, when factoring out commercial and industrial building approvals, the 12-month cumulative value of approvals rose by 28.8% y/y in March. On the one hand, this reflects the relatively strong recent growth witnessed in the residential plans approved, on the other hand, it raises concern about the country’s commercial sector, which made up 38.5% of the value of total approvals at the peak of the construction industry, in September 2013, compared to only 4.4% in March 2021.

F

or the fifth (5th) consecutive year, Namibia retained its position at the top of the list of having the best roads on the African Continent.

According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Competitive Report Index of 2020, on the quality of road infrastructure, Namibia remains unchallenged when it comes to good quality roads in Africa with a score of 5.2 out of 7, ranking above South Africa and Rwanda, which scored a 5.0 ranking in second and third places respectively.

Globally, the country also ranked favorably at number 23, above economic giants such as China, India and Italy, which ranked at 42, 46 and 56 respectively. The United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Switzerland topped the list of best roads in the world with a score of 6.2 each.

Namibia’s success is attributed to two important factors, namely an effective maintenance strategy on existing road infrastructure, which plays a pivotal role in prolonging its life span and the upgrading and construction of new roads, which contribute significantly to the quality of national roads.

As a State Owned Entity, the Roads Authority (RA) has reached many milestones in terms of developing and extending Namibia’s road infrastructure in all corners of the Country. This has been made possible by the commitment of the Namibian Government through the Ministry of Works and Transport, which has continuously accorded top priority to the provision of funding the development of road infrastructure. The RA hereby also recognises the efforts of the Road Fund Administration (RFA) for availing financial resources required to execute its mandate.

Similarly, the RA expresses its gratitude to all other stakeholders such as the KfW from Germany (developmental partner), municipalities and the road users for their contribution towards this praiseworthy achievement.

However, this accolade comes at a time where we are receiving good rainfall, which has affected our roads, particularly in the southern regions of the country. The RA will ensure that all damaged sections are restored after the rainy season has ended and where needed, drainage structures will be constructed to mitigate future damages/flooding. This will be done to keep our road network in a good condition as we strive to achieve our vision of having a sustainable road sector, which is ahead of national and regional socio economic needs in pursuit of Namibia’s Vision 2030.

The RA believes that our good road network will continue to drive our economy to greater heights, give us prosperity and alleviate poverty

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INFRASTRUCTURE

NAMIBIA TOPS LIST OF BEST QUALITY ROADS IN AFRICA

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TENDER & VACANCY ERONGO REGIONAL COUNCIL PROCUREMENT MANAGEMENT UNIT INVITATION FOR OPEN NATIONAL BIDDING

ERONGO REGIONAL COUNCIL INVITES INTERESTED BIDDERS TO APPLY FOR THE FOLLOWING BID:

PROCUREMENT REF. NO.: W/ONB/ERC-0012021/2022

Description: Construction of 5040 Water Pipeline from Borehole to !Nara Warehouse at Rooibank, Walvisbay Rural Constituency.

Bid Documents: Available at Erongo Regional Council, Acacia Building, Tobias Hainyeko Street, Swakopmund

Levy: N$100-00 (Non-refundable) Payable cash only at Division of Finance from 08h00 to 12h00

Closing Date: Thursday, 3 June 2021, 10h00

Delivery Address: Sealed envelopes must be deposited into the Bid box clearly marked with the same Procurement Reference Number at reception, Erongo Regional Council, Tobias Hainyeko Street, Acacia Building, Private Bag 5019, Swakopmund

Enquiries: Ms. H. Kapopo / Ms. L. Van Wyk | Teleophone: 064 410 5700 INVITATION FOR OPEN NATIONAL BIDDING

Oshikoto Regional Council-Directorate of Education, Arts and Culture is hereby, inviting competent Namibian Companies to apply and submit the following bids.

Procurement Reference No: W/ONB/ORC DEAC-01/2021/2022

Description: Construction of 17× Pre-Primary Block of Classrooms in Oshikoto Region

CIRCUIT SCHOOL NAME MODULE

REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA OSHIKOTO REGIONAL COUNCIL OPEN ADVERTISED BIDDING

Onyuulaye Oshigambo Onkumbula Oshivelo Oshivelo Oshivelo Onankali Omuthiya Omuthiya Omuthiya Onkumbula Onkumbula Onyuulaye Onathinge

Onampengu CS Onethindi PS Oshikondailwa PS Omatope CS Elavi PS Tsumeb English Medium PS Ombundu CS Johannes Amwaalwa CS Okangororosa CS Onameya PS Eengodi PS Oshillimeya PS Ndjukuma PS Onathinge South CS

Construction of 2* Classrooms Construction of 2* Classrooms Construction of 2* Classrooms Construction of 1* Classrooms Construction of 1* Classrooms Construction of 1* Classrooms Construction of 1* Classrooms Construction of 1* Classrooms Construction of 1* Classrooms Construction of 1* Classrooms Construction of 1* Classrooms Construction of 1* Classrooms Construction of 1* Classrooms Construction of 1* Classrooms

Procurement Reference No: W/ONB/ORC DEAC-02/2021/2022

Description: Renovation of 3× Classrooms and Construction of Ablution Two (ABL2) CIRCUIT SCHOOL NAME MODULE Onankali Engoyi CS Renovation of (3) Classrooms Oshivelo Kuvukiland PS Construction of Ablution (ABL2) Onkumbula Onkumbula CS Construction of Ablution (ABL2)

Take note: Bidders are who would like to bid for the renovation at Engoyi CS are invited for the compulsory site visit on Monday the 10th of May 2021 Levy & Payment Methodd: N$100.00 per Bid document (non-refundable) to be deposited into: The Oshikoto Regional Council-General Expenses, First National Bank, Account Number: 62017952236, Branch Number: 28-00-72, Omuthiya.

No cash and/or Cheque will be accepted.

Availability of Documents: Bid documents will be available as from Monday, 10 May 2021 at the Oshikoto Regional Council Head Office, First floor, Finance Division, Office No. 105 in Omuthiya.

Last day of buying the Bid documents: At 16h00, Fiday, 04 June 2021 Closing Date & Submission: At 10h00, Thursday, 10 June 2021 Opening of the Bids: At 09h00, Friday, 11 June 2021 Enquiries: Mr. Leo Paulus Tel: +264 65 281953 | Ms. Hilen S. Mbeeli Tel: +264 65 281933 Technical: Mr. Willigis Kutyowa Tel: +264 65 281929 | Mr. Timoteus Shiluwa Tel: +264 65 281906 Submission: Bid document should be submitted in sealed envelopes, clearly marked with the appropriate Procurement Number and Procurement Description, addressed to the Procurement Management Unit, Oshikoto Regional Council, PO Box 19247, Omuthiya (to be deposited in the Bid Box Ground Floor)

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TENDER & VACANCY REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PROCUREMENT NOTICE PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES The following procurement opportunities are therefore presented:

Procurement Ref No: SC/RP/NAMFISA-002/2021

Description: Selection of Consultants – Design of a Stakeholder Engagement Hall and Supervision of Construction (Lump Sum contract)

Closing Date for Submission: 27 May 2021 12h00 mid-day For Enquiries, please contact: Mr. Isak L. Haoseb, Procurement Officer Procurement Managment Unit Tel: +264 61 290 5239 All enquiries should be done in writing, to the following email address: procurement@namfisa.com.na MORE INFORMATION and tenda documents, go to namfisa website

INVITATION FOR BID RE-ADVERTISE This Invitation for Bids follows the General Procurement Notice (GPN) for this Education and Training Quality Improvement Project that appeared in United Nations Development Business online (UNDB online) No. 1 of 27 April 2018; on the African Development Bank’s Internet Website; and the local newspaper The Sun on 27 April 2018.

The Ministry of Education, Arts & Culture hereby invites interested, reputable and experienced companies to bid for: Renovation and Upgrade of Braunfels Agricultural High School in Kunene Region.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, ARTS AND CULTURE EDUCATION AND TRAINING QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (ETQIP)

The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Namibia has received a loan from the African Development Bank towards the cost of the Education and Training Quality Improvement (ETQIP). It is intended that part of the proceeds of this loan will be applied to eligible payments under the contract for renovations and rehabilitation/upgrading of schools and hostels, construction and expansion of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres, and UNAM Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

DESCRIPTION: RENOVATION AND UPGRADE OF BRAUNFELS AGRICULTURAL HIGH SCHOOL IN KUNENE REGION

Procurement Ref No: W/ONB/010/2021/22

Bidiing Documents: Available from 28th April 2021, at Government Office Park, Room 109, 1st Floor, Left Wing Windhoek Levy: N$300.00 (non-refundable)

Site-Visit: 13th May 2021 at 11:00 Braunfels Agricultural HS Closing Date: 28th May 2021 at 10h00 Opening: 28th May 2021 at 10h00

REQUIREMENTS: i. Proof that they have a minimum average construction turnover of N$3,450,000 over the last 5 years. ii. A profile of the company; indicating the capacity, proof of owning the relevant equipment/lease agreement, iii. A detailed project plan outlining the implementation schedule and methodology in executing the envisaged project. iv. Proof of the following statutory and professional industry registration requirements: Valid company registration certificate Original valid/ certified good standing Tax Certificate Original / Certified Valid Good Standing from the Social Security Commission Valid certified Affirmation Action compliance certificate from the Office of the Employment Equity Commissioner.

Written undertaking that the salaries are in terms of the Labor Act.

Enquiries: Mr. G. Besser / Mr. S. Kandjavera Geoff.Besser@moe.gov.na, 061 – 293 3045 Siegfried.Kandjavera@moe.gov.na, 061 – 293 3510

Construction & Mining Magazine, Vol 5 | Edition No 2

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Make Development Bank of Namibia finance a cornerstone of your construction project.

We are specialists in finance for the construction sector.

Our capability and experience lies in finance to service land and build affordable housing, to enable building contractors to set to work and for construction of large scale infrastructure.

We also finance Namibian-domiciled joint ventures between Namibian and international partners.

The construction sector trusts us to provide the right range of products, and to structure deals suited to individual enterprise needs.

If you have a plan to build, find out how our finance can help you to succeed.

Call us to find out more. +264 61 290 8000.

Or visit www.dbn.com.na/housing

Product 1

For development of low to middle income residential property, and industrial and commercial property

2

Commercial Property Finance

For acquisition or construction of immovable commercial property or making improvements to fixed commercial property

3

Project Finance

For privately owned infrastructure projects

4

Private Public Partnership (PPP) Finance

For legally recognized partnerships between public and private enterprises to develop public infrastructure, serviced land and housing

5

Asset-Backed Finance (ISA)

To acquire movable asset(s) for construction

6

Contract (Tender) Based Finance

To meet short-term cash flow needs of contractors

7

Guarantees

For a guarantee to a contracting employer in the event of damages due to underperformance

We’re waiting to hear from you.

Expect more. www.dbn.com.na/housing

Construction & Mining Magazine, Vol 5 | Edition No 2

Purpose

Property Development Finance