Namibia's Construction & Mining Magazine - Dec - Jan 2018

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Construction

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Dec - Jan 2018 | Vol. 2 / No 6

& Mining

NAMIBIA

The essential magazine for Namibia’s construction and mining industry

Resilient Industry Breaking into a New Dawn

Construction & Mining Namibia, Dec - Jan 2018

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GUEST COLUMN

Dear stakeholders, thank you for partnering with us, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2018 2

Construction & Mining Namibia, Dec - Jan 2018

A B i g T h a n k Yo u

CONTENT

Welcome to the final issue of the Construction and Mining Magazine.

This year I have been privileged to get to know many remarkable people. This goes right across all constituent parts and elements, as well as the wider construction sector.

What I’ve found is an industry breaking new grounds in a huge number of ways as it rises to meet the challenges of the future.

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Art, Architecture and Mining

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NATC to take new shape

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NIP Lab, a sight to behold!

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Infrastructure reform to effect the economy...

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Rewarding the Deserving: good work...

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Africa back in oil firms’ sights

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Salt and water: The wonders of blue energy

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Building Plans

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SolarSaver: Embracing Green energy that...

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The Opportunities of Solar Panel Recycling...

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Beware the festive season

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The construction industry has been going through a lot of ups and downs, and we remain very concerned about the current state of the industry. But amidst these, we celebrated the achievements and the success of the contributing professionals. We have witnessed the certification of a vast number of industry players and firms by The Green Building Council of Namibia.

We saw the largest construction event held by Namibia Construction and Industrial Building Supplies and Plant Hire under the theme Concrete Day, which attracted over 300 delegates. We also witnessed Ohorongo Cement taking another step into the renewable energy sphere with the groundbreaking of the construction of a 5 MW Solar PV plant.

InnoSun made history by successfully completing the 5MW ombepo wind farm, and we applaud DBN’s efforts in uplifting small businesses by resuming financing of SMEs. We surely hope you did not miss the 5 series Modern Railway Track

by D&M Rail. As we gear up for the end of the year, we cannot wait to see what 2018 has in store for all of us. Once we have steered through current difficult times, we would like to see our industry thrive in the interest of Namibia and its population at large.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to my team, for their tireless efforts in promoting all our events throughout the year.

I would like to extend a big thanks to all the industry professionals for making this publication a success. We hope to renew and strengthen our relationships with our stakeholders within the Namibian borders and across. We look forward to connect and learn more in the coming year.

Roxy

CREDITS Business Developer Roxy Silta Tjarukua info@constructionnam.com +264 81 432 8467 Marketing Caryn Chanengeta marketing@constructionnam.com +264 81 296 7087 Design and Layout Marcolino Justino designer@constructionnam.com +264 81 668 2855 Printers John Meinert Printers Physical address 24 Mozart Street, Windhoek West, Windhoek, Namibia

Caryn

Marcolino

Roxy

We wish you a merry christmas and prosperous 2018

Construction & Mining Namibia, Dec - Jan 2018

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ARCHITECTURE

Art, Architecture and Mining

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he discussion in this opinion piece revolves around the question as to how mining can be beneficial to art, architecture and even urban design, and thus indirectly become an employment generator for young artists. It focuses in particular on mining of Namibian granite- and marble stone, and provides examples of completed projects by the author.

We are all aware of the most common uses of marble, granite, sand- and lime stone in the building industry. Once quarried, huge blocks are usually cut into 30mm thick slabs and polished

Often seen on prominent buildings are large stone tile claddings, or bathroom walls and entrance foyers displaying large sheets of natural stone, exposing their amazing colours and patterns.

What all of these examples have in common is that after they have been mined, they have gone through a manufacturing and refinement process and then been installed in a technically specific manner, with sometimes very detaildesigned support structures behind. None of the examples above require artistic skills or make the building particularly unique or different from each other, apart from actually being aesthetically very pleasing.

These then get manufactured further into kitchen table tops, vanity tops and floor tiles.

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Another application often seen are broken, chiseled and shaped slate stones, sand stones and mica rocks that are then dry-packed to form ribbon walling or built like brick walls by stone masons.

Construction & Mining Namibia, Dec - Jan 2018

There is, however, another application of natural stonework, that is in the form of three-dimensional artworks, sculptures or reliefs. Many international state and religious buildings are decorated with stone

ARCHITECTURE sculptures representing angels, codes of arms, animals, people, intricate patterns and more.

Unfortunately, Namibia does not have many such examples, if any at all, that can serve as an illustration. And yet Namibia is blessed with an abundance of natural stones, granite and particularly marble, the quality of which ranges amongst the best in the world.

Instead of looking at Zimbabwe and their standard production of black soapstone sculptures, we could be producing a much wider variety of stone art pieces to satisfy even an international market. There is enough offcut material at our stone quarries that could be sold cheaply to artists, without interfering in the actual business of the mines, i.e. that of mining raw cut stone blocks to be shipped to China, Europe and America, only for us to buy them back as finished and polished products again.

To demonstrate the use of our own marble, here are two examples of projects completed by the author. The first is a project done in 2008 at Midgard Lodge, +65km north-east of Windhoek. The name “Midgard” originates from Norse mythology and basically means ‘middle earth.’ It is one of nine worlds or gods.

At the entrance to the lodge, on either side of the pathway, ten white marble stone columns rest in two ponds. These represent the 9 gods/ worlds plus our own God, the almighty above all of them. The columns were quarried at the farm Hoffmann to the east of Karibib.

They have been kept rough by exposing the drill holes and broken off to represent the roughness and originality of the beginning of time.

and/or tells a story about the house for future generations to read. An opportunity presented itself when a young, art appreciative client commissioned his first house. The new house on a challenging steep and small site needed to be modern, open up to the awesome 180 degree views and be climatically conscious. Designed was a double-story building, featuring wide overhangs to shade the large glass openings.

The roof over part of the ground floor was to be covered in soil and greened with indigenous plants in order to insulate the lower floor from the heat and also return some of the natural landscape lost at the ground floor. Finally, a three-dimensional art piece was to be integrated into the building as a permanent feature. The obvious choice of material to be used was Karibib marble.

The sculpture is set into the entrance feature wall, kind of hovering weightlessly in front of it (even though it weighs 3 tons in total!).

The sculpture itself displays symbolic roots, starting from nothing and ending in greater detail towards the other end. It on the one hand represents the client, his ambition of starting off in life and rooting himself in this country and on the other hand, the roots of the plants on the roof level above.

Overall the sculpture was to welcome the visitor, as well as to be enjoyed by the owner every time he leaves or comes home. It is meant to protrude beyond the wall so that it could also be partly viewed from the inside of the house. This protrusion represents the weightlessness of the future that should not be feared, as it is securely rooted in a stable past.

The blocks were then shaped to fit into a recess, provided in the concrete wall, and sculpted in the front over a period of one year by the author himself. A nerve wrecking installation completed the project.

In conclusion, it suffices to mention that mining can and should play a much greater role in art and architecture than what it currently does. If every new development, house project or simple addition were to integrate just a small stone sculpture, work could be generated for a great many ambitious artists, boost manufacturing and supportive industries such as tool cutting etc.

Municipalities could improve their urban areas with rough cut stone, vandal-proof benches, roadside curbstones and walkway pavers. The end result would be that our built and urban environment would not be as boring as it currently is, create a uniqueness to Namibia and be in the interest of the HARAMBEE prosperity plan. We could even become world exporters of art pieces and provide stiff competition to our Zimbawian neighbor in the production of stone sculptures.

Again, quarried at Karibib, a block was cut up into 3 smaller slabs of 350x1400x700mm, weighing 1.0 ton each.

The second project, completed this year, was somewhat more challenging. It demonstrates the prime conviction of the author that a house is not complete, unless it features an integrated art piece, that represents the original owner

By: Winfried Holze Architect, urban designer, stone sculptor Construction & Mining Namibia, Dec - Jan 2018

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ARCHITECTURE

NATC TO TAKE NEW SHAPE

Coming Soon Proposed Design Project: Project Location Client: Professional Team Architect: Contacts: Structural Engineer: Contacts: Electrical/Mechanical Engineer: Quantity Surveyor: Contacts: Completion Date:

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Construction & Mining Namibia, Dec - Jan 2018

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LÜDERITZ HANDLES MORE ABNORMAL PROJECTS FOR NORTHERN CAPE

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he Port of Luderitz has reported the increased handling of Solar Panels and Accessories destined for the Thermoelectric Solar Plant in Bokpoort, in the Northern Cape of South Africa. The plant is receiving solar pieces including an oil interchanger, steam turbine, steam generator system, transformer, condenser, preheater, ullage tanks, Horizontal Flash Tank (HFT) vessel, workshop tanks, blow out protector and HFT heaters, weighing between 30 tonnes to 230 tonnes.

According to Marketing Specialist for the Port of Luderitz, Mr Cecil Kamupingene, this is indicative of the Port’s growth. “Our business portfolio is growing and becoming more diverse, transforming us into a viable alternative port into southern Africa”, he explains. The Solar Panels and its accessories are received under hook in the Port of Luderitz and moved in a timely manner.

According to Mr Kamupingene the Port of Luderitz has also been facilitating the movement of blades and tower components for the construction of wind turbines. The first consignment, which came to an end in July this year, saw the first-ever wind farm in

Namibia near completion. Built by Inno Sun Energy Holdings, who entered into a PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) with the Luderitz Town Council, this wind farm will generate renewable energy and add 5 megawatts of electricity to the national power grid.

projects was carried by Maersk Shipping Line and included tower components, which came from China and stands at about 80m tall when assembled. Each tower will have 3 blades, which are 42m in length. The blades arrived from Germany.

The Port is currently awaiting one more port call to complete the second consignment for two more wind turbines to be constructed at Elizabeth Bay Mine, owned by Namdeb, 30 km outside of Luderitz. The infrastructure for both

Mr Kamupingene adds that the geographic location of the Port as well as its good road linkage, presents customers with a suitable transport route for moving their cargo more efficiently.

Construction & Mining Namibia, Dec - Jan 2018

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ARCHITECTURE

NIP Lab, a sight to behold!

New Laboratory for the Namibia Institute of Pathology in Eenhana

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he site obtained by the Namibia Institute of Pathology for their new laboratory in Eenhana consists of two 50m x 10m industrial erven that were consolidated.

Fitting all of the client’s requirements into such a long, narrow site presented both a challenge and a unique opportunity. A redeeming factor of the difficult site is that it is hemmed in by two streets and is thus accessible from both ends, one for the public and one for staff.

The building consists of three distinct zones: the reception and waiting area in the ‘front’ of the building which is the public zone; the offices, tea room and staff toilets which form the administrative zone; and the threechambered laboratory which is the heart of the building and is insulated from the other zones.

The significance of the laboratory is emphasized by a dramatic curved shell-like roof which is contrasted against the surrounding planted flat roofs, planted with carefully selected indigenous vegetation. Holding up the ‘shell’ and tying all the components together is a prominent central wall which acts as the spine of the building and clearly defines its circulation.

The space between the spinal wall and roof is fitted with south-facing clerestory windows and louvres to allow natural light to filter into the laboratory and rising hot air to escape, thus reducing the need for mechanical ventilation and artificial lighting. The planted roofs are effective insulators and greatly reduce solar heat gain into the building while also reducing storm water runoff.

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Photographer - Arthur Peuckert

Project Type: New Pathology Laboratory Client: Namibia Institute of Pathology Architects: Munting Rechholtz Architects Civil/Structural/Electrical Engineers: Ingenium Consulting Engineers Mechanical Engineers: GS Fainsinger & Associates Consulting Engineers Quantity Surveyors: Richard Frankle & Partners Project status: Complete

Construction & Mining Namibia, Dec - Jan 2018

RESEARCH

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN DECIDING ON THE BEST OFFICE FLOORING Not all floor finishes are ideal for all locations. A floor should not only be easy and fast to install, but it should be long lasting and require minimum maintenance. All these factors combined will determine the performance of a floor. Every project is different therefore, factors like budget, technical features and design also have to be taken into consideration.

Traffic levels into the office. Hightraffic offices require flooring that can withstand the heavy traffic into the offices. University buildings, airports and areas of public congregation often feature flooring types like terrazzo, marble or even granite flooring. These are hard surfaces that can withstand wearing and the heavy traffic into the buildings for years. Traffic levels also depend on the function of the office; thus affects the cleanliness and maintenance of the office.

others. The contents of flooring not only have a direct impact on indoor air quality but also on the ability to recycle the end product and the industry’s ability to reuse the end product.

Money factor. The old saying about pennywise and pound-foolish is not appropriate when considering the most suitable flooring type for an office. One should consider the lifecycle costs of the flooring types; products with lower initial costs might not remain cheaper over time than products with higher initial costs. Choosing inexpensive flooring plan during the design stage is false savings.

Therefore, managers should be proactive and partner with industry professionals like the architects, interior designers and manufacturers to determine the best flooring for their offices. Partnering with the professionals will help them take into account the numerous factors that they might overlook when planning on their own to install flooring.

Repair flexibility. When choosing a type of flooring, the ease of its repair when it starts to wear out should be at the center of focus. An observation into the hallways of most offices reveal that most walking take place in this area and is therefore likely to be the first to wear out. The flooring plan chosen should be easy to repair or replace without inconveniencing the employees, clients and the business as a whole.

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Ease of maintenance. Most of the common types of flooring need significant and a close attention. Spills on carpets for example, need to be removed as soon as possible and vinyl composite tile (VCT) often have to be stripped of old floor finish and replaced with a new one. Terrazzo might also require regular buffing, and marble might require polishing. Therefore, the cost of labour to maintain flooring acceptably over time will be many times the installation cost.

Rated service life. The life expectancy of any floor surface often depends on issues that the manufacturers cannot predict, such as the level of maintenance for that finish. A well maintained floor type may last longer than the rated life expectancy period.

Recycling or reusing the flooring.

Some flooring types have higher levels of volatile organic compounds than

Construction & Mining Namibia, Dec - Jan 2018

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GUEST COLUMN

INFRASTRUCTURE REFORM TO EFFECT THE ECONOMY’ S STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATION

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ince independence, the Namibian government has focused on expanding and stimulating economic growth in order to combat the high unemployment rate, income inequality and poverty.

The economy has expanded yet it hasn’t generated sufficient employment opportunities to raise society income levels and subsequently reduce poverty and income inequality.

National accounts reports show that between 1990 and 2000, Namibia’s GDP and GDP per capita grew by 3.6 % and 1.1 % while for the period 2000 – 2015 growth averaged 4.8 % and 3.1 % respectively. Despite the economic growth yet the unemployment rate rose to 34 % in 2016 and income inequality remains the second highest in the world.

Research by the National Planning Commission (NPC) reveal that the achieved economic growth hasn’t led to employment creation because growth was propelled by amassing inputs to production (factor accumulation) in low-productivity sectors instead of whole - of - economy productivity gains. Furthermore according to a report recently co-authored by the World Bank and National Statistics Agency (NSA) ascribe the problem to the resourcebased economy structure; whereby mining, fishing and agriculture sectors have greater shares in national employment and exports figures.

Low – productivity sectors have low skill transfer capacity, low income rates and low large-scale employment opportunities generation potential. Making the economy productive would require economic structure transformation and diversification, which is change in WHAT the economy produces and HOW it does so. This process also known as industrialisation involves resources transfer from low – productivity sectors such as agriculture to high – productivity sectors like manufacturing.

The need for industrialisation in Namibia has been voiced for over a decade yet no significant change to the economic structure has occurred.

However the decline of manufacturing sector contributions to GDP over the last decade, from 13.7% in 2007 to 11% in 2016 resonates a message that the time to urgently take bold and decisive actions towards the engineering of the economy’s structure has arrived.

Economic literatures explicitly underline structural transformation as the lever that propels any nation’s movement from one level of economic development to another.

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This is effected by production inputs (labour, capital etc) transfer from agriculture and other resource-based activities to modern economic activities. This reallocation of resources opens large-scale employment opportunities, raises incomes and stimulates productivity growth leading to sustainable economic growth.

The manufacturing sector is strongly linked to economic growth due to rapid productivity growth and higher GDP per capita increases than other sectors. In addition manufacturing provides special opportunities for accumulation of capital, economies of scale and drives innovation and technological advancement. Furthermore manufacturing have greater linkages and spillover effects than other sectors of the economy.

As the saying goes “a nations infrastructure aspirations are a reflection of its ambitions”, therefore Namibia’s ambitions for industrialisation will be reflected in its investments in infrastructure.

Straightforwardly infrastructures have a great potential to spark and fast-track the structural transformation process.

Simply because infrastructure networks determine the rate at which an economy converts inputs into outputs (productivity) while in themselves infrastructures development activities also contribute to productivity growth. In addition wellconnected, efficient infrastructures allow industries and businesses to have access at the right time and at right prices to human capital and other manufacturing inputs thus inducing productivity growth.

power generation infrastructures; disjointed, obsolete and inefficient railway infrastructure and water supply and distribution infrastructure incapacity.

Under present infrastructure bottlenecks, incapacity and inefficiencies industrialisation won’t be possible in Namibia. Thus, at the centre of infrastructure reformation is the call for a holistic overhaul and rethinking of the paradigms underpinning local infrastructure financing, planning, designing, construction and maintenance. This would ensure that existing and upcoming infrastructures are prepared and maintained in a manner that allows them to meet high demands typical to those in an industrialized country.

Furthermore reformation should facilitate the encapsulation and inculcation of the broader goal of industrialisation at all infrastructure development stages.

Infrastructure reformation should result in the conceptualisation of a national (country-wide) infrastructure strategy (NIS). That is a short to long-term plan, outlining the country’s infrastructure aspirations and goals along with the underlying economic and social rationales.

The strategy should inform the government, WHERE it is in terms of infrastructure development (present state), WHERE it needs to be (future state) and WHAT it must do to get to that desired state (measures to be undertaken). is article was written by Hofni Unomasa Nguvenjengua. Hofni is a graduate Civil engineer from UNAM and also an associate member of the South African Institute of Civil Engineers (SAICE). un58479@gmail.com.

Efficient infrastructure networks allow existing business industries to identify growth potential while also unlocking investment horizons for new businesses thus raising incomes and opening employment opportunities leading to reduction in poverty and income inequality.

The imperative for local infrastructure reform is clear and evidence-based. Namibia is presently faced by infrastructure challenges such as rural-urban and informal-urban infrastructure disparities; worn-out and congested national airport; lack of domestic

Construction & Mining Namibia, Dec - Jan 2018

Hofni Unomasa Nguvenjengua

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Casting the foundations for the neXt generation

We are the home specialists Let our experienced team work with you to design and build an affordable home that reflects who you are.

Our services Civil Construction Project Management Steel Construction Development Renovations

We wish you a joyous holiday season and a New Year filled with peace and happiness

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W s. “ u e ap Get in touch ey sh h t r e t f a Cell: +264 812229553 re s; the “W ng i d l i Email: licoli@vdw.com.na | Website: www.vdw.com.na/wp u e shape& Mining b Construction Namibia, Dec Jan 2018 r u o

PROFILING

Making home ownership a dream come true

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stablished in 1993, the name Licoli is derived from the combination of the first two letters from each of the three founders’ names; Liebenberg, Coimbra and Likando. Licoli is still going strong and run by a family composed of a father, two brothers and two brothers in law, armed with 30 years’ worth of experience in the world of construction, project management and finance; which are key tools in ensuring that their projects are carried out in the highest standard, with affordability and good profit.

Locoli’s vision is aimed at casting the foundation for the next generation. Every project that is carried out has this vision at its core, and products are ensured to be of top quality and affordability, and every decision made is envisioned to add value to generations to come.

Where there is a vision, and mission, values are never excluded. Licoli’s values are Leadership, Training and Development, Integrity, Accountability, Standard and Quality.

planning and execution. Best of all, the client is allowed to structure, where possible, the project in such a way that it will be comfortable and affordable, and of course, satisfactory.

For every project, a team of experienced and specialised individuals is established; and with unique procedures and standards and easy mobility, Licoli is able to work anywhere in Namibia. Employing the assistance of local partners or subcontractors in the projects, training, sourcing and empowering them for their betterment and growth, Licoli puts in action their vision of Leadership and Development. Every project is carried out with utmost care and attention, by a team of competent people, who work full time in the

Licoli specialises in a variety of services, including Civil Construction, Steel Construction, Renovations, Project Management and Developments.

Planning on a project? Going through the headache and stress of an ongoing project?

Don’t hesitate to contact Licoli. Their professional team of a combined 30 years’ experience is ready to assist you, for the realisation of your dream project.

As for the mission, Licoli aims to “assist every Namibian with their dream in owning a home, by making use of Namibian Partners to ensure your project is receiving the attention it needs.”

And this can only be achieved by training and developing the Namibian partners to work in a standard of top quality, while involving the individual throughout the whole process of the project and working around their specific criteria.

New state of the art substation, another milestone towards electricity supply The Erongo Region electricity distributor, Erongo Red, in partnership with NamPower, has finally finished installing the US $40m worth state-of-the-art substation at Walvis Bay, another step towards keeping up with the high electricity demand in the country.

The upgrade has been the company’s biggest project, as stated by Fessor Mbango, Erongo Red’s CEO, during the inauguration ceremony.

With Walvis Bay’s electricity consumption currently being about 60MW, it has put added strain on the network, due to increased industrial and residential activities.

Thus, the system upgrade will meet the town’s growing demand with the station’s 120MW transfer capacity at 11KV. According to Mbango, Erongo Red’s position has always been to reinvest in the network and to ensure that they provide exceptional services to customers. “Our vision is to bring electricity to all by 2020 and upgrading our network is very crucial in our drive to fulfill this vision. Therefore, this upgrade will enable us to address critical problems. This is by improving reliability, enabling critical upgrades, reducing network constraints and minimising interruptions.”

The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Simeon Negumbo, said that electricity is a vehicle for economic emancipation. He further commended Erongo Red and stakeholders for partnering to develop critical infrastructure for the benefit of Walvis Bay. The minister also said that Walvis Bay is of strategic importance to the whole country. Therefore, it is very important that we have the infrastructure to cater for all the current and envisaged projects.

This successful endeavour is a beacon to Namibia’s move towards infrastructure development.

Construction & Mining Namibia, Dec - Jan 2018

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CORPORATE

Rewarding the Deserving: Good work recognised at DBN’s Good Business Awards and Innovation Award

In his overview of the Development Bank of Namibia Good Business Awards and Innovation Award, CEO Martin Inkumbi stated that all winners meet immediate development requirements while also providing for long-term development needs. The winners of Good Business Awards were Erongo RED in the Large Enterprise category, and Welwitschia University in the Emerging Enterprise category. Namibia Ceramics won the Innovation Award.

Development Bank of Namibia Board member, Albie Basson gave the welcoming address at the Development Bank of Namibia Good Business Awards and Innovation Award. In his address, he likened the awards to a report to the Bank’s stakeholders, which showcases the best endeavours of the Bank. Above: Albie Basson receives a special award for his dedicated and long service to the Bank.

Blumfelde Meat was first runner-up in the Development Bank of Namibia 2017 Good Business Awards Emerging Enterprise category. Following the closure of NAMCO, a consortium of five farmers used Development Bank of Namibia finance to establish an abattoir to process small stock in southern Namibia.

At the Development Bank of Namibia Good Business Awards and Innovation Award, DBN Board members Emma Haiyambo and Tabitha Mbome received the gratitude of the Bank, in the form of hampers, from Senior Manager: Corporate Communication, Jerome Mutumba.

Namibia Ceramics won the Development Bank of Namibia 2017 Innovation Award.

Established by five young entrepreneurs, Namibia Ceramics will add value to Namibian clay, quartz and feldspar, by manufacturing tiles, locally. In addition to import substitution and improved product availability with a reduced transport cost, the project is expected to create 150 jobs.

Namibia Dairies was first runner-up in the Development Bank of Namibia 2017 Good Business Awards Large Enterprise category.

The company used Development Bank of Namibia finance to upgrade its factory in Windhoek. The company processes 2,1 million litres of raw milk per month, received from 14 dairy farmers and the !Aimab Super Farm.

NSVP Scientific was first runner-up in the Development Bank of Namibia 2017 Innovation Award. The team of five Namibian scientists partnered to establish a business that manufactures scientific reagents and consumables for service laboratories, and manufacturing industries. Reagents to be manufactured include microbiology culture media, biological stains, chemicals (solid salts) and solutions.

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Construction & Mining Namibia, Dec - Jan 2018

CORPORATE

Development Bank of Namibia Board member, Muetulamba Shingenge-Haipinge, received a token of gratitude from the Bank’s Senior Manager: Corporate Communication, Jerome Mutumba, for her long and dedicated service to the Bank at the Development Bank of Namibia Good Business Awards and Innovation Award.

Telne Properties was second runner-up in the Development Bank of Namibia 2017 Good Business Awards Emerging Enterprise category. The company used Development Bank of Namibia finance to acquire the old municipal building, and repurpose it as a hotel, convention centre and as office space.

Erongo RED won the Development Bank of Namibia 2017 Good Business Awards Large Enterprise category. Erongo RED used Development Bank of Namibia finance to upgrade and maintain distribution capacity to smaller centers in Erongo, securing their ability to grow.

Veya ICT was second runner-up in the Development Bank of Namibia 2017 Good Business Awards Large Enterprise category.

A group of Namibian individuals used Development Bank of Namibia finance to purchase the interests of Gijima in Namibia.

The transfer of shares has created a space for Namibians to provide the services associated with a large ICT company.

The Windhoek Entrepreneur’s Base (W.E.B.) was second runner-up in the Development Bank of Namibia 2017 Innovation Award.

W.E.B. is a co-working space that provides entrepreneurs with enterprise facilities at a fraction of the cost of a formal office. It also provides a community in which entrepreneurs share ideas, connect with other innovators, and learn the necessary skills to succeed in their business.

Welwitschia University won the Development Bank of Namibia 2017 Good Business Awards Emerging Enterprise category. Welwitschia University, established with Development Bank of Namibia finance, addresses the shortage with private health education for nurses, under the management of the former Deans of the UNAM School of Nursing and Public Health.

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ENERGY

Africa back in oil firms’ sights PwC review reveals global companies are increasing mid- and downstream investment on the continent

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il and gas companies operating in Africa are resuming investment in selected midstream and downstream projects, but exploration remains subdued, according to the PwC 2017 Africa oil & gas review, released on Wednesday.

The pick-up in mid- and downstream investment was borne out by the announcement in October that Glencore would invest $973m in the Chevron SA assets, which include retail outlets and a refinery.

PwC surveyed 79 individuals from 11 countries across up-, mid- and downstream oil firms and services industries, in an environment of weaker prices following the decline in Brent crude to below $50 a barrel in early 2015 from above $100 a barrel six months previously.

PwC director Chris Bredenhann said the easy oil discoveries had been made.

As opportunities became scarcer, Africa was becoming a more attractive destination, but more gas than oil was being discovered. In 2016, five of the world’s 10 biggest new discoveries were in Angola and Senegal.

Capital spending was also rising in importance. In Africa, one of the biggest recent capex decisions was Eni and Galp’s $7bn Mozambique investment.

In the past year, a third of the companies surveyed were takeover targets and 54% were approached for potential partnerships by other oil majors.

Local partnerships, to meet African governments’ requirements for more local content and industrial development, were becoming more frequent.Bredenhann said respondents generally acknowledged the need for more local content, but a quarter said it had resulted in projects being delayed or postponed.

The main challenges were that local educational systems were unable to produce the necessary skills and regulatory frameworks were too restrictive, unclear or inconsistently applied. Almost a third of respondents said the main qualification for local partners was to have adequate technical skills.

Bredenhann said oil and gas companies were increasingly turning to technological innovation to gain competitive advantage, but this carried cyber security risks.

Charlotte Mathews, Energy Writer

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PwC senior manager Derek Boulware said several international oil companies had small offices in SA, but they were not actively investing here because of regulatory uncertainty.

Most respondents in the survey expected oil prices would remain within the $50-$60 a barrel range over the next year and were adapting their activities to prosper in this environment.

Estimates for the number of job cuts globally in the oil and gas industry over the past three years were 250,000440,000, which may cause shortages of essential skills in the future, Bredenhann said.

Respondents said their two top strategic priorities in the next three years would be to improve efficiencies, followed by restructuring and implementing new organisational design.

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Because the good will of those we serve is the foundation of our success, its real pleasure at this holiday time to say “thank you” as we wish you a new year of happiness and success Mrre-opening Nico Badenhorst, CIF President "Kindly note that we are closing on 23 December, and on 8 January 2018"

www.whssnamibia.com

Tel: +264-(0)61-233693 • infowhk@whssnamibia.com • 5 Nickel Street • Prosperita • Windhoek Tel: +264-(0)64-462020 • infoswakop@whssnamibia.com • 36 Hidipo Hamutenya St. • Swakopmund Construction & Mining Namibia, Dec - Jan 2018 Tel: +264-(0)65-226212 • info-oshakati@whssnamibia.com • Main Road • Oshakati

@youngpress2017

D&M Rail Construction is a well established Namibian Construction Company specializing in the construction and maintenance of Railway Infrastructure and related services . Its roots dates back to 1994 when D&M Tracks was founded as a small entity to serve the railway maintenance needs of the Port and mining industry in Namibia . After the establishment of D&M Rail Construction (Pty) Ltd as successor of D&M Tracks in 2010 , it has grown rapidly into an entity capable to handle major construction projects.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2018 John Ludwig nr 35, Klein Windhoek P. O. Box 830 Windhoek Tel: +264 61 402 371 | E-mail: dawie@dmrail.com Website: www.dmrail.com Construction & Mining Namibia, Dec - Jan 2018

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ENERGY

SALT AND WATER: THE WONDERS OF BLUE ENERGY

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lectricity. Since its inception about two hundred some years ago, it has become increasingly fundamental to modern daily life. “It lights up our cities, activates our computers, and runs our refrigerators.

by the process of evaporation. “The masses of fresh water drawn from the sea fall back on land. From then on, through a natural movement, in streams and rivers, slow infiltrations and successive flows over months and centuries, fresh water invariably returns to it prime mortal element. The sea.

It operates our trains and underground.

Without electricity, no activity, no productivity, no medicine, no traffic lights.” The fact that it is mostly generated by oil, coal, gas and nuclear combustions, our beliefs on the cleanliness of electric energy is to be highly scrutinised.

Energy creation has, since its inception, always involved combustion. Despite the introduction of hydroelectricity, wind energy and photovoltaics during the 21st century, “there is one whole new source capable of revolutionising our mindsets and putting an end to the age of combustion…salt.” Yes. Salt. The tiny grains that are used as essential flavourings in our daily food consumption may just be holding the future of energy. And this type of energy is called blue energy.

Thus, the combination of fresh and salt water restore the energy which the sun spent in separating them.” And in this combination of fresh water (water) and salt water (salt) is where lies the secret of blue energy. So how are some of the ways these two natural elements can produce energy?

The vital element in blue energy is water. Most of the water in our planet moves around the atmosphere. Pure water, which is made so

Pressure Retarded Osmosis (PRO) The power generated by the confluence of fresh and salt water reaches up to 30 bars; a very huge quantity of pressure. To give you an idea on the value of just 1 bar, imagine two elephants, squeezing a 1m2 sheet of glass between them. The amount of pressure on either side of the two elephants is 1 bar.

When the glass sheet is replaced with a semipermeable membrane and the elephants by fresh water on one side and salt water on the other, the natural pressure of 30 bars is held

Pilot Plant - RedStack Power Station

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Construction & Mining Namibia, Dec - Jan 2018

Pressure Retarded Osmosis (PRO)

back by the membrane that allows the fresh water to slowly push forward towards the salt water, just like a hydroelectric dam releases the water it was keeping back. Add a turbine at the exit, and the pressure makes it go round, producing electricity. This energy production method is called pressure retarded osmosis.

“It provides clean, economical and unlimited energy.”

Reverse Electrodialysis (RED) Whether consciously or not, many years ago, humans have used combined energies of wind and sun. In salt marshes, the combined actions of wind and sun evaporate huge quantities of fresh water from salt water. This energy can be harvested with pressure retarded osmosis.

When the water evaporates, salt it left. And in those magical crystals, there just may be energy hiding. Salt has a number of states. In our tables, it stays neutral, because sodium and chloride, the two atoms which compose it are agglomerated, due to their opposite charges attracting each other and making them cling together like two magnets.

When salt is in water, its molecules split and dissolve into the two constituents: sodium and

Reverse Electrodialysis (RED)

ENERGY chloride, one positive and the other negative.

Free from each other, they swim separately in the water. When the water evaporates, the opposite charges bring them back together.

Sodium and chloride ions rush towards each other and form a neutral charge of negative and positive; just like in a battery. Is that not the beginning of an electric process?

Blue Energy without fresh water While salt and water are the ingredients needed in blue energy, there are cases where fresh water is not available. However, energy can still be produced. This was proved by a group of three PhD students in Italy, who carried out an experiment in Trapani Salt Marshes, based in Sicily. This is a facility where salt has reigned supreme for the last 5000 years, seeping from the grounds.

There is no fresh water to be found there, except to quench thirst. The students installed a blue energy generator in the middle of the salt marshes. Instead of fresh and salt water, they used salt water and “very, very, very, salty salt water”, so that the salt water acted like fresh water and the extremely salty water in a concentrated state in an area of the marshes played the part of salt. They managed to reach the critical power point of a 100W, which is just enough to light a light bulb. This means one day, some river-less villages in the world will be able to operate a membrane generator with sacks of salt and a well to get light for their homes.

Mechanics, Engineering, and Chemistry.

Facilities built to cater for this fields are in existence. One is WETSUS (European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology), the biggest research centre in Europe, situated in Leeuwarden, Netherlands.

WETSUS is a place where people of multidisciplinary tasks from all over the world can physically interact and learn from each other.

And their common aim is about creating new technology to treat water to face challenges of the world in water availability. It is where many individuals dedicated in PRO are working hard for new and better improvements. Other scientific centres are RedStack Power Station, also in the Netherlands; a life-size testing facility that goes beyond the lab to experiment in RED. In truth, conditions in real life are harder than in the lab, where these experiments are being carried out. But improvements are fast moving forward. There is a great confidence that

someday, our energy will come, in great part, from the vast oceans and salt crystals. Water follows the same cycle. It is an immutable resource. Whether polluted, frozen, liquid, trapped underground or flowing in streams into the rivers, there will always be the same amount of water on earth; because it is invariable and always ends up back where it starts from – the sea. It is the same for salt, which exists in huge quantities. If all the salt were removed from the oceans and laid on dry land, it would cover the five continents in a 525 feet thick (160.2 meters) layer. Blue energy makes use of an inexhaustible and free source of energy. And this is where its greatness lies: the ability to offer the means to produce extremely affordable electricity with accessible and inexhaustible raw materials for all, for a long time.

Compiled from a film documentary by Jérôme-Cécil Auffret, Organised by Science Film Festival and Goethe Institut.

A courtesy of the Namibia Environment and Wildlife Society

Sea water (salt) as fuel Salt as fuel! That’s right. Aside from electricity, salt can be used as fuel. A 30 year old French entrepreneur spent 7 years developing a prototype, 250KW hydrogen hybrid engine, which can be used on a 50 feet long (15.24 meters) fishing or transport boat. In theory, you can fuel combustion energy with hydrogen. But hydrogen is highly explosive and dangerous and forbidden to be transported in cars, trains or boat tanks.

The entrepreneur’s idea was to use the energy from the diesel engine into electrolyte sea water, and extract hydrogen without actually stocking it. Thus, when the boat is taken to water, the process is as follows: the faster the engine runs, the faster the boat goes, the more it pumps up sea water, the more hydrogen is created and replaces the diesel fuel, for up to 70% of the engine’s needs. That’s a massive saving! This is similar to the scientific process in the Naval Research Laboratory, where they are aiming to combine sea water and hydrogen to create artificial fuel from sea water.

The future of Blue Energy The quest for producing environmental friendly electricity is made up of a vast field of new and young scientists, found all around the world, with an average age of 28 years.

Their specialty includes the fields of Biology, Construction & Mining Namibia, Dec - Jan 2018

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INFRASTRUCTURE

Building Plans

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total of 160 building plans were approved in October, 21 building plans less than what was approved in September. In value terms approvals decreased by 24.3% m/m, falling from N$116.88 million in September to N$88.46 million in October. A total of 88 completions to the value of N$51.96 million were registered in October.

54.2% increase in the value of these approvals compared to the corresponding period of 2016. One large commercial plan approved in May this year skews the value of approvals considerably. If one excludes this N$500 million plan, then the value of commercial and industrial plans approved year-to-date would be 60% below that of 2016 for the same period.

Completions increased by 33.1% m/m from 86 completions worth N$39.03 million in September. Year to date, N$1.91 billion worth of building plans have been approved, an increase of 13.2% y/y. On a twelve-month cumulative basis, 1,805 building plans have been approved worth approximately N$2.21 billion, 4.5% higher in value terms than the same measure for approvals in October 2016.

In the last 12 months 1,805 building plans have been approved, contracting by 0.8% compared to October 2016. Private sector credit extension growth slowed to 5.24% in September from 6.35% in August. Commercial banks are maintaining adequate monthly average liquidity positions and the slowdown credit extension growth is a sign of weak business and consumer confidence. Demand

Additions to properties made up 130 approvals out of the total 160 approved plans recorded in October. Year-to-date, 1,287 additions to properties have been approved, increasing by 4.8% y/y and rising 7.5% y/y in value terms.

Year-to-date total approvals are on track to exceed approvals registered during 2016 in value terms. As such, 2017 has been a better year than 2016 was, although not by much.

21 new residential units were approved in October, 6 less than the 27 approved in September. Year-to-date however, 244 residential units have been approved, 17 units more than in the corresponding period in 2016. In value terms, N$368.1 million worth of new residential units have been approved year-to-date, a 16.8% contraction compared to October 2016.

Commercial and industrial building plans approved amount to 41 units, worth N$675.3 million year-to-date. This is a decline of 43% in the number of plans approved from the 73 building plans approved in the corresponding period in 2016. This is however offset by the 20

Construction & Mining Namibia, Dec - Jan 2018

for debt has been low and the cost of debt risks becoming more expensive looking forward.

Hopes of continued monetary policy support were dashed when the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and Bank of Namibia (BoN) kept policy rates unchanged during September and October MPC meetings respectively. Midterm budget reviews in both South Africa and Namibia that where characterised by expenditure overruns and widening budget deficits to be funded by ballooning government debt, have further exacerbated fears of credit ratings downgrades. This will place further pressure on consumers and business alike if it results in a rate hiking cycle. The outlook for a rebound in construction may thus be muted in the short term.

ENERGY

SolarSaver: Embracing Green energy that favours your pocket

Auas Valley Shopping Mall

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olarSaver’s proprietary solar rental contract allows businesses to ‘go green’ and start saving on their monthly electricity bills without any capital investment.

So, the only question they need to ask is: What will they do with their new energy savings?

Zero capital required SolarSaver customers do not pay for their solar equipment, design or installation. They only pay a monthly rental charge that is priced to ensure that they always save money with SolarSaver. In short, our clients get guaranteed monthly savings free-of-charge!

Protection from grid increases Our annual increases are capped at CPI inflation. This means our clients’ savings will grow every year as grid prices keep rising at higher rates.

Fully-inclusive monitoring and maintenance We remain responsible for all repairs and maintenance for the duration of the contract term. If issues do arise, we will immediately dispatch a service team to get our client’s solar system back online as quickly as possible.

an opportunity to see the system in operation before deciding whether or not to buy the system for themselves.

Making a difference Our clients get the chance to help combat greenhouse gas emissions and reduces our collective dependence on fossil fuels. Our average solar PV system will offset 3,000,000kg of carbon dioxide emissions over 30 years.

CASE STUDY: JOE’S BEERHOUSE We’ve just completed a 95.40kWp solar carport installation at the iconic Joe’s Beerhouse restaurant in Windhoek. The fully-customised solar carport structures were installed entirely free-of-charge under our unique solar rental solution. Without having to spend any capital, Joe’s now gets to save money on its monthly electricity bills and its customers get the benefit of shaded parking. The best things in life really are free!

Flexible exit rights

We’re particularly proud of being the first team in Namibia to build solar carport structures using frameless solar panels. Canadian Solar’s Dymond double-glass panels have no metal frame or polymer backing. This means they’re transparent and this lends a much more open and natural feel to the shaded parking.

Our clients can elect to buy their rental systems from us in future at the system’s original cost less depreciation. This effectively gives clients

The Joe’s Beerhouse system is expected to produce 162,400 kWh’s of green electricity each year. That translates into roughly 150

Puma Windhoek

Cecil Nurse

tons of CO2 savings every year. Over 30 years, that’s the equivalent of saving: the fuel it takes to drive 15 million kilometres; a forest full of trees the size of 250 rugby fields; or the need to burn 1.95 million tons of coal.

Imagine it, drinking a cold beer at Joe’s could now help save the planet…

Windhoek Country Club

Joes Beerhouse

Construction & Mining Namibia, Dec - Jan 2018

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CORPORATE

NSI REWARDS QUALITY TO NAMIBIAN BUSINESSES T he Namibian Standards Institution (NSI) held its fifth National Quality Awards ceremony event in Windhoek on the 23 November 2017. The National Quality Awards aims to recognise and appreciate industries, enterprises including the service sector and individuals who perform excellently on quality. It also honours those who contribute to quality advancement in all sectors of the Namibian economy, by having measurements and quality systems, procedures and processes that are in line with local, regional and international practices.

In addition, the programme recognises individuals who use quality advancement to support national economic development and growth.

Enterprises in this category are: 1. In first place: Company of the year award: MPP Civils Namibia 2. Runner-up : Namibia Media Monitoring (Namedia)

The NSI’s Chief Executive Officer, Chie Wasserfall said government and other stakeholders in the public and private sectors, have a role to play in ensuring quality goods and products and for protecting the health and safety of all Namibians; “It is only through active participation in quality initiatives such as this as well as standardisation activities that Namibia will be able to achieve its dream of a prosperous, vibrant, industrialised and knowledge-based economy”.

The winners for the Large Enterprise Company of the Year Award: 1. In first place: Etosha Fishing Corporation Pty Ltd (Walvis Bay) 2. Runner-up prize : Namibia Institute of Pathology (Windhoek)

The Minister of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development, in his key note address read on his behalf by the Acting Permanent Secretary Benjamin Katjipuka stated that the economic environment is being reshaped by industry and technological trends, which are changing business models and fundamentally changing jobs. “The future growth and competitiveness shall be secured by efficiency, productivity, innovation and the skills of our workforce where applying standards and quality assurance will be of great importance”.

The 2017 edition winners for the Small Enterprises in this category are: 1. In first place: MPP Civils Namibia (Windhoek) 2. Runner up : Green Jobs (Pty) Ltd (Windhoek)

The National Quality Awards recognised and rewarded Namibian businesses large or small in five (5) categories which are: 1. Company of the Year Award 2. Product of the Year Award 3. Service of the Year Award 4. Exporter of the Year Award (Large enterprises only) 5. Quality Individual Award The following enterprises were awarded as follows: Category 1: Company of the year 2017 This award is presented to companies, both large and small/medium which best reflects full commitment to applicable local and international high quality production practices and standards.

The 2017 edition winners for the Small

Category 2: Product of the year 2017 This award is presented to a company that produces products that best reflects a commitment to quality.

The 2017 edition winners for the Large Enterprise category are: 1. In first place: Etosha Fishing Corporation Pty Ltd (Walvis Bay) 2. Runner-up : Ohorongo Cement (Otavi) Category 3: Service of the year 2017 This award is presented to a locally-delivered service that best reflects a commitment to local production practices and quality.

The 2017 edition winners in the Small and Medium Enterprises are: 1. In first place: MPP Civils (Windhoek) 2. Runner-up prize: Omamanya Laboratory Services

in commencing or expanding exports to new or wider markets by introducing quality in their company.

The 2017 edition winners are: Large Enterprise exporter of the year 2017 1. In first place: Etosha Fishing Corporation Pty Ltd (Walvis Bay) Category 5: 2017 Individual Quality Award This award is given to an individual that has made significant input into Namibian Standards, Quality Assurance, Accreditation and Metrology efforts. This is an individual who has contributed immensely towards quality enhancement efforts of his or her company and subsequently of the country at large.

The 2017 edition winners are: 1. In first place: Lineekela Kapundja (Quality Assurance Manager: Etosha Fishing Corporation) 2. In second place: Ms Merylinda Conradie (Quality Assurance Manager at Namwater) The winners selected automatically qualify to participate in the lucrative SADC Regional Quality Awards scheduled to take place early next year.

The National Quality Awards programme is a brainchild of the Cabinet approved National Quality Policy document of 1 June 1999.

The programme was officially launched on 4 September 2012 and is observed annually on the Namibian national quality calendar.

The 2017 edition winners in the Large Enterprises category are: 1. In first place: Ohorongo Cement (Otavi) 2. Runner-up: Coca Cola Beverage Bottling Company (Windhoek) Category 4: Exporter of the year 2017 This award is presented to a company or organisation that has made significant progress Construction & Mining Namibia, Dec - Jan 2018

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RESEARCH

The Opportunities of Solar Panel Recycling What Happens to PV Panels When Their Life Cycle Ends

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he energy industry has been experiencing a radical change and the gradual shift towards renewable energy sourcing is more than evident. Nevertheless, not all that looks sustainable stays that way upon the end of its life cycle. At least that is the most common worry regarding photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.

the recycling process in the infographic below:

They are a sustainable source of energy, dependent only on solar radiation, and capable of delivering electricity to our homes. However, what happens to solar panels when they fail to perform efficiently? Explore their journey through

During the life of photovoltaic panels, a 20 per cent decrease in power capacity might occur.

Between the first 10 to 12 years, the maximum decrease in efficiency is 10 per cent, and 20 per cent when reaching 25 years. These figures are guaranteed by the majority of manufacturers.

The Lifetime of Solar Panels How long do solar panels last? A question that most people have in mind when considering solar panels. According to studies, the life expectancy of solar panels is about 30 years before decommissioning.

Still, experience shows that, in reality, the efficiency drops by merely 6 to 8 per cent after 25 years. The lifespan of solar panels may thus be much longer than officially stated. The lifespan of high quality PV panels may even reach 30 to 40 years, and be still functional afterwards, though with decreasing efficacy.

Disposal of Solar Panels From a regulatory aspect, PV panel waste still falls under the general waste classification. A sole exception exists at EU-level, where PV panels are defined as e-waste in the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive. The PV panel waste management is thus regulated by this directive, additionally to other legal frameworks.

The solar cells manufacturers are bound by law to fulfil specific legal requirements and recycling standards in order to make sure that solar panels do not become a burden to the environment. That is when technologies to recycle solar panels started emerging.

Photovoltaic producers collaborated with governmental institutions and have come up with a few ways to tackle solar waste.

Solar Panel Waste In fact, if recycling processes were not put in place, there would be 60 million tons of PV panels waste lying in landfills by the year 2050; since all PV cells contain certain amounts of

toxic substances, that would truly become a not-so-sustainable way of sourcing energy.

In the following interactive map, you can check out which countries produce the most solar panel waste: The common belief of solar panels not being recyclable is, therefore, a myth. It is, however, a process that needs time to be widely 24

Construction & Mining Namibia, Dec - Jan 2018

RESEARCH implemented and requires further research to reach its full potential of adequately recycling all solar panel components. For that reason, it is necessary that designing and recycling units collaborate closely so that the ability to recycle is ensured by mindful eco-designs.

Solar Panel Recycling Processes There are two main types of solar panels, requiring different recycling approaches. Both types—silicon based and thin-film based—can be recycled using distinct industrial processes.

Currently, silicon based panels are more common, though that does not mean that there would not be great value in the materials of thin-film based cells.

Research studies conducted on the topic of recycling solar panels have resulted in numerous technologies. Some of them even reach an astonishing 96% recycling efficiency, but the aim is to raise the bar higher in the future.

Liquids go through a precipitation and dewatering process to ensure purity. The resulting substance goes through metal processing to completely separate the different semiconductor materials. The latter step depends on the actual technology used when producing the panels; however, on average 95% of the semiconductor material is reused.

Solid matters are contaminated with so-called interlayer materials, which are lighter in mass and can be removed through a vibrating surface. Finally, the material goes through rinsing. What is left behind is pure glass, saving 90% of the glass elements for easy remanufacturing.

The Future Benefits of Solar Waste Management Now that we know that solar panels can be recycled, the question is what other benefits it brings to the economy—if any. Obviously,

a proper solar panel recycling infrastructure will need to be established to manage the large volumes of PV modules that will be disposed in near future. Once that is in place, we’ll be witnessing several positive factors and new opportunities within the economy.

Not only will PV recycling create more green job opportunities but also approximately £11 billion in recoverable value by 2050.

This influx will make it possible to produce 2 billion new panels without the need to invest in raw materials. This means that there will be the capacity of producing around 630 GW of energy just from reusing previously used materials.

Thanks to constant solar energy price drops, more and more households and businesses choose to invest in solar power systems. As a result, even more economic opportunities in the solar cell recycling sector will emerge.

Silicon Based Solar Panel Recycling The recycling process of silicon-based PV panels starts with disassembling the actual product to separate aluminium and glass parts.

Almost all (95%) of the glass can be reused, while all external metal parts are used for remolding cell frames.

The remainder materials are treated at 500°C in a thermal processing unit in order to ease up the binding between the cell elements. Due to the extreme heat, the encapsulating plastic evaporates, leaving the silicon cells ready to be further processed. The supporting technology ensures that not even this plastic is wasted, therefore it is reused as a heat source for further thermal processing.

After the thermal treatment, the green hardware is physically separated. 80% of these can readily be reused, while the remainder is further refined. Silicon particles—called wafers—are etched away using acid. Broken wafers are melted to be used again for manufacturing new silicon modules, resulting in 85% recycling rate of the silicon material.

Thin-Film Based Solar Panel Recycling In comparison, thin-film based panels are processed more drastically. The first step is to put them in a shredder. Afterwards, a hammermill ensures that all particles are no larger than 4-5mm, which is the size where the lamination keeping the inside materials together breaks, and hence can be removed.

Contrary to silicon-based PV panels, the remaining substance consists of both solid and liquid material. To separate these, a rotating screw is utilised, which basically keeps the solid parts rotating inside a tube, while the liquid drips into a container.

Construction & Mining Namibia, Dec - Jan 2018

25

GUEST COLUMN

Beware the festive season Each year it is upon us before we know. The festive season, spreading cheer, thinking about the holidays, seeing the family and hopefully getting away from the stifling heat.

But, not before we have run the gauntlet of the ‘office parties’, end of year functions and social get-togethers. Dressing up, stuffing our faces, dancing and there may be an open bar. That’s right, the open bar. Sounds like a great idea, but it is not without its pitfalls.

It’s been a long year and the office party seems like the perfect place to let your hair down and party with people you spend every day with. The first challenge starts before you have even left the house or the office. How do we get to the office party, or dinner. Usually held at one of Namibia’s upscale hotels, restaurants or party hot-spots.

Getting to the venue boils down to nothing more than logistics. This is also where the potential issues may arise. We all like to relax and let off some steam. A beer, a wine or a fancy cocktail often helps us along. But, how do we get home when we know we’ve been drinking?

Anything more than one or two drinks can cause big problems, from making inappropriate remarks, to some truly awful dancing, but much worse is thinking we still have the ability to drive home safely. Alcohol is often to blame for this as it gives us false courage and makes us bold. We all know about the horrendous death toll on Namibia’s road. The number of fatalities only increases around the Christmas season and especially at night after an office party, or end of year dinner.

Logistics really is about moving goods from A to B and in reality you, your passengers and other road users are also ‘goods’ and deserve to arrive safely. That is why safety is such an important aspect of logistics. The logistics sector cannot flourish if it is not done safely. This doesn’t even take into account my personal desire, but also of all Namibians to see the number or road deaths drastically reduced. It is a very depressing statistic to know that Namibia leads the world in road fatalities.

Logan Fransman Director: NGCL

Of course, this is a worst case scenario and lots of people believe they can still drink and drive, it’s always other people that have trouble drinking and driving. Usually there are no issues and you arrive home, drunk and ready for bed. Happy the next morning to see that your car is safely in the driveway. However, take a minute to think of the people that don’t arrive safely, or ever again. The family, spouses, friends and your office workers who now have to deal with the knowledge that you will never come back again, or sit in that office chair. Even worse, you may have caused the accident and be the reason someone else never comes home again. This leaves you with much more than a hangover after the party.

Moderation sounds boring, but there’s a reason why the saying; ‘Everything in moderation’ makes so much sense. So, with the next office party, let someone else take care of the logistics; get a taxi, designated driver, book a room in the hotel where the party is or have someone pick you up. There’s a myriad of choices…all infinitely better than drinking and driving. Enjoy the party and have someone else worry about the logistics.

Have a great holiday season and enjoy your job in the coming year!

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Construction & Mining Namibia, Dec - Jan 2018

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Construction & Mining Namibia, Dec - Jan 2018