Construction Namibia Magazine Dec - Jan 2017

Dec - Jan 2017 | Vol. 1 / No 6

Rail system boom for Namibia FNB’s green building inspiring the future

Erongo RED and Arandis Solar Energy in Power Purchase Agreement

Solar equipment in the alternative building material space

Construction Namibia December - January 2017

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CONTENTS

Page FNB’s green building inspiring the future 4

Page 22

Page Housing demand-side pressures to ease...

7

Page 25

Page Third Annual Green Building Convention...

9

Page 26

Page 13 The Value of Quality Control in Construction

Page 29

Page 17 Bagged concrete bricks technology hits Namibia

Page 30

Page 18 D&M Rail connects Namibia Page 20 100% Decentralised, Renewable Energy for Namibia

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Construction Namibia December - January 2017

Omuramba Impact Investing in sanitation revolution Erongo RED and Arandis Solar Energy in Power Purchase Agreement Ondangwa flying high with Aurecon airport upgrade Solar equipment in the alternative building material space Pearl Waterfree Technologies...

F r o m t h e E d i t o r ’s d e s k

CREDITS ----------------

Publisher Young Press Multimedia

Construction Namibia Magazine celebrates an eventful year characterized by completion of major projects and developments across the length and breadth of Namibia.

Editor Henry Masuku editor@constructionnam.com +264 81 599 5081

We congratulate all companies that have managed to raise structures to improve and enhance the lives of every Namibian.

Business Developer Roxy Silta Tjarukua info@constructionnam.com +264 81 432 8467 Marketing Caryn Chanengeta marketing@constructionnam.com +264 81 2967087 Content Developer Emmanuel Ndlovu emmanuel@constructionnam.com Design and Layout Marcolino Justino designer@constructionnam.com Printers John Meinert Printers Physical address 24 Mozart Street, Windhoek West, Windhoek, Namibia

Caryn

The year 2017 beckons and anticipation is high on whether this will be a better year for the construction sector.

Frankly speaking, in 2016 the industry became depressed especially when the government put a freeze on all tenders in the sector.

Activity slowed down and companies began to overstretch in resource allocation. The Confederation of Construction Industries also warned that unless the government acts swiftly, the directive could cause an unprecedented slump for businesses operating in the industry and for the economy at large.

Looking ahead, we are excited to note the prospects of projects set to be accomplished in the following year. We have to mention that the existence of vibrant companies will be strengthened through vigorous campaigns by individual companies to expose their successful footprint in the construction sector. As we celebrate the end of a successful 2016 we call upon the whole construction sector to move with us into 2017.

In 2017 we look forward to covering a wide range of issues more specifically on energy, infrastructure, innovation and technology, logistics, insurance, finance and development. Enjoy

Emmanuel

Roxy

Marcolino

Henry

" We wish you a merry

christmas and prosperous 2017 "

Construction Namibia December - January 2017

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ENVIRONMENT

FNB’s green building inspiring the future

A

mere one and a half years ago FNB was the first institution in Namibia to receive the prestigious 4 Star “best practice” Green Star SA Certification from the Green Building Council of South Africa for the design phase of the FNB Freedom Plaza building.

CEO Sarel van Zyl reveals that developing and protecting the economy, environment and society is part of their P4 strategy.

“The fact that we also took our arid conditions into consideration is proving invaluable during the current drought which has hit the country.

The combination of water fixtures and fittings, rainwater harvesting, grey water collection and a filtration system has ensured that the building has been designed to surpass the most water efficient benchmark as set by the GBCSA. The design of the irrigation system ensures that there is over 90% reduction in potable water use for irrigation,” he adds.

“At the same time the environment is further encompassed in our pillars of being a responsible business and we have proven this through numerous initiatives such as support of Global United and, of course, our biggest investment, namely our green Head Office building on Independence avenue,” he says.

When conducting a bit of desk top research, it seems as if South Africa was the pioneer in subSaharan Africa in developing green buildings standards while Kenya seems to come second in this respect, and it leads East Africa in the adoption of green building standards.

Namibia, however, is not far behind.

Excitement about the Parkside building is still high at FNB and employees have settled well into their environmentally friendly atmosphere.

Van Zyl says that numerous aspects have been taken into consideration to make life for employees as comfortable as possible. Some of the green aspects that make for great office occupancy are reduced discomfort as a result of glare from natural light due to the glazing selection and the specification of internal blinds, preferential facilitation provided for more fuel efficient vehicles for occupant commuting as well as provision of occupant and visitor cyclist facilities and heating, cooling and air conditioning system designed to allow vast amounts of fresh outside air into the building in order to reduce the build-up of indoor pollutants.

African developers are increasingly turning to eco-friendly building practices, which can be seen in hotels, safari lodges, and business parks around the continent. Even though the investment can cost more up front than traditional construction costs, the effort pays off in the end in terms of environmental impact, reduced operating costs, and good publicity.

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Van Zyl says buildings are a large contributor of greenhouse gases but have unfortunately received little attention in international global warming protocols and initiatives, which tend to focus on industry and transport. To prevent the worst effects of global climate change and minimize other negative environmental impacts, it is therefore important to address

Construction Namibia December - January 2017

the environmental impacts of buildings.

In fact, energy efficiency reductions in the construction and operation of buildings, offers one of the single most significant opportunities to reduce man’s impact on climate change as green buildings can reduce energy and water consumption by up to 70% and cut land use by 25%.

“We are proud of our building and hope that any new ones in Namibia will follow suit as this will assist our Government in achieving development goals that have been set, such as the National Development Plans (NDP), Vision 2030 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan. It also enforces environmental protocols such as the Paris Agreement on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Our planet is there for all of us and we all have to play a role in ensuring that it remains here for future generations to enjoy and appreciate,” he concludes.

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@youngpresss

Then buy into the new social housing project at Eenhana specially catered for low income earners.

D&M Rail: Keeping Namibia on Track

@youngpress2016

One of the greatest joys of this season is the opportunity to say thank you to all our clients and partners and to wish you the very best for the New Year.

D+M Tracks cc 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 .

Cell: +264 81 124 5385 Tel: +264 61 402 371 E-mail: dawie@dmrail.com Web site: www.dmrail.com 6

Construction Namibia December - January 2017

RESEARCH

Housing demand-side pressur es to ease as supply gradually gains traction

T

he second quarter of 2016 recorded a slight increase in house price growth while volume growth remained muted across the country.

According to Daniel Kavishe, FNB Namibia’s Market Research Manager, despite the price growth, the overall trend for the first half of the year points towards a softening of housing demand as consumers remain jittery about participating in the property market, and as overall economic growth begins to tighten.

“The Volume Index growth, which came in 10.95% lower quarter on quarter, indicates a weakening consumptive base as rising inflation, rising interest rates and slow income growth impacts spending,” he says.

Kavishe adds that supply restrictions continued to inhibit price movement which remained elevated across the country. This was corroborated by the latest housing data which revealed that central Namibia prices have tripled since the second quarter of 2010 while prices along the coastal towns and in northern Namibia have doubled over the same period.

On an annual basis, however, the median price printed at N$850 000, 6% higher than prices in 2015. The slower growth rate has been expected as property starts selling below or at valuation in the country.

At the end of June, prices in central Namibia increased by 15.63% quarter on quarter while volumes declined by 7.38% quarter on quarter.

The overall median price for the region edged higher to N$1.3 million, supported by rising prices in Okahandja and Windhoek.

In Windhoek, prices increased by 20.73% quarter on quarter thus raising the median price to N$1.36 million. The suburbs with the fastest growth in prices were Wanaheda, Elisenheim and Academia, growing by 23%, 16% and 14% respectively. Okahandja and Gobabis, however, recorded a slower growth rate of 6.09% and 3.45% respectively. Coastal volume growth remains in negative territory at -36.68% as transaction demand weakens in all segments of the market. Median prices across the three towns were N$1.25million in Swakopmund, N$841 000 in Walvis Bay, and N$1.1million in Henties Bay during the second quarter of the year.

Prices up north grew by 8.98% at the end of the second quarter, a lower growth rate as compared to the second quarter in 2015 which stood at 21.37%. Volumes grew by 22.81%

quarter on quarter, reinforcing the North as the fastest growing housing market in Namibia.

Specifically, volumes in Grootfontein increased 16.67%, while in Ongwediva and Oshakati, volumes have doubled over the past year. Few residential properties changed hands in the southern parts of the country. However, the few that did trade during the second quarter of the year suggest volume growth declining by 16.67% quarter on quarter. Consequently, the median price increased to N$755 000 for the quarter, about 1.1% higher than the second quarter of 2015.

sluggish wage growth for the remainder of the year will further exacerbate affordability issues. Compound these issues with the increase in cost of home ownership via rising property rates and taxes and higher utility tariffs, consumers delaying purchase decisions becomes expected,” explains Kavishe.

He continues by saying that with the drought increasing risks for developers and the long term implications thereof, FNB has seen a slowdown in overall housing construction.

Kavishe says, “the latest report from the Knight Frank House Price Index revealed that property price growth across the world has started to cool with increasing economic and political uncertainty creeping in.”

According to the first quarter 2016 report, the 12-month cumulative growth rate in the Housing Index increased to 3.4% at the end of March. Major concerns seem to stem from political uncertainty in Europe and America, while economic slowdown is the main culprit for lackluster performance among most emerging market states. The high growth housing markets include Turkey, Sweden and New Zealand with growth rates well above 10%, while Ukraine, Taiwan and Greece are all experiencing a drop in the property prices.

Comparatively, Namibia’s first quarter data would rank it 6th in the world, with index growth recorded at 9.32%.

The FNB Housing index stated that the property market was expected to undergo structural changes over the next few periods as demand-side pressures ease and as supply gradually gains traction. The decelerating disposable income growth and the potential impact of any implementation of rent control are bound to reduce overall demand in both the investment and buy-to-live/let segments. However, changes in the regulatory environment merely address the symptoms of a much bigger problem, namely the structural supply challenges.

“In the short run, consumers are facing tighter monetary conditions with rising inflation and higher interest rates. The expectation of

“In this regard we have seen new house

Daniel Kavishe builds fall 21.73% over the first six months to a mere 65 houses completed in Windhoek.

Despite the slowdown in new house builds, we revise our year end growth projection downwards to 10% from 13%. Data from the third quarter will be pivotal in cementing this view, as coastal properties begin to seasonally moderate and a host of cost-effective houses from NHE and the mass housing program drive prices down, albeit temporarily.”

Saturation in the upper price segment, along with a general slowdown in the middle price segment, will begin to drive developers towards the affordable lower price segment in 2017 and beyond. A rebalancing of the supply mix towards the less profitable segments will squeeze inefficient developers out of business as developer margins compress and volumes accelerate.

Construction Namibia December - January 2017

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Construction Namibia December - January 2017

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ENVIRONMENT

Third Annual Green Building Convention a great success

T

he Green Building Council of Namibia (GBCNA) held it’s third annual convention at Habitat Research and Development Centre in Windhoek dedicating to create a long termsolution to environmental initiatives within the construction sector.

Council’s Chairman, Frederick Muketi says there has been significant improvement with this convention in comparison with the previous two. This time around the convention had more participants, more exhibitors, more content and more of local presentations as opposed to outsourcing speakers.

The five-day event was divided into two, with the first three days being dedicated to training workshops on a range of themes including the Green Star building certification system. The last two days were dedicated to a conference and exhibition which were officially opened by, Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy, Honorable Kornelia Shilunga The conference offered various presentations that included topics around mainstream green, green in the community, energy, green schools, green government and the value of green. Presenters included delegates from the Ministry of Works and Transport, Namibia Energy Institute (NEI), Young Africa, Nina Maritz Architects, Gachiku Kamau Architects, Seelenbinder Consulting Engineers, Xami Power Engineering, Emcon Group and Eco Awards among many others.

In line with the water crisis, the convention addressed how sustainable building not only focuses on water use during construction but also consumption during occupation.

The convention ended with tours of the notable green buildings of FNB and Emcon offices, the first six star rated building in Africa which has since received regional recognition for its green building standards.

The Third Annual Green Building Convention coincided with the World Green Building Week which according to the World Green Building Council is a flagship event of the global green building movement led by its network of 74 Green Building Councils and their 27,000 member companies. The week raises awareness of green buildings around the world, highlighting how they are the most effective means to achieving a range of environmental, social and economic goals, from addressing climate change to creating sustainable homes, businesses and communities – better places for people to live, work and play.

Construction Namibia December - January 2017

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Construction Namibia December - January 2017

Construction Namibia December - January 2017

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The WV-Construction manufacturing facility is located in Windhoek and the company undertakes construction projects in any location in Namibia.

Specialists in Steel Truss Design/Manufacturing “Bringing efficient and affordable construction solutions to the Namibian people�

The mission of WV-Construction is to offer a cost effective and efficient construction solution to provide the Namibian people with high quality housing in the low cost, medium income and high income sectors.

Office/Factory In Windhoek

@youngpress2016

Phone: +264 61 42 7700 Email: info@wv-construction.com Address: 27 Birmingham Street Northern Industrial Website: www.wv-construction.com

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Construction Namibia December - January 2017

RESEARCH

The Value of Quality Control in Construction

Q

uality control is a procedure or set of procedures intended to ensure that a manufactured product or performed service adheres to a defined set of quality criteria or meets the requirements of the client or customer. In the same light, quality control plays a pivotal role to construction as means of coming up with a standard within the sector.

Unfortunately quality control is often forgotten in the rush to complete construction projects, or sometimes just turns into a paper exercise, and is a task the Project Manager leaves to the Supervisors, or on bigger projects Quality Engineers or Quality Managers. However, it is the Project Manager’s responsibility to ensure that quality control is treated seriously, is not only about paperwork, and that people are delegated with specific responsibilities to deliver the correct quality, understanding what to look for and what the required quality standards are. This is helped considerably when individual tradespeople have the required skills and take pride in the quality of their work.

*With more than 28 years of construction experience Paul Netscher has worked in senior management roles with construction companies in Australia and South Africa. He has written three books for construction professionals; ‘Successful Construction Project Management: The Practical Guide’ and ‘Building a Successful Construction Company: The Practical Guide’ and his latest book ‘Construction Claims: A Short Guide for Contractors’. These practical easy to read books are filled with examples and lessons that Paul encountered in his career and are available from Amazon and other online stores. Visit www.pnprojectmanagement.com to read more useful articles by Paul.*

All the quality paperwork in the world, with all their signatures, will not turn a poor quality product into a good quality product. However the paperwork trail is important in ensuring that proper quality procedures have been implemented and followed.

Poor quality construction as a result of no to little quality control comes with different costs. Some of these negatives are additional costs and delays to the contractor when work has to be redone or repaired, poor reputation for the construction company, additional costs to clients when defects have to be repaired later for increased maintenance costs or for disruptions to their operations while defects are repaired and can cause injury and death if the structures fail.

In essence, quality control in construction is essential so at to deliver to clients projects that meets and exceeds their standards and specifications. Other benefits coupled with engaging in proper quality control are constructing the project in accordance with the construction drawings and design details, the project meeting local bylaws and codes and meeting the code and specification requirements of the state or country (except if the client has particular exemptions allowing deviations from these codes and requirements).

With quality, the question everyone should ask is, ‘Would I pay for and accept this quality?’ If the answer is no, then the product does not meet the required quality standards, nor is it a product you are proud of.

Construction Namibia December - January 2017

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Construction Namibia December - January 2017

www.dbn.com.na

The Bank will close on 22.12.2016 and reopen on 03.01.2017.

of family and friends, and promises you another year of development and economic transformation in 2017.

the Bank wishes you joy, peace and the contentment

This festive season

2016 was the Bank’s season of transforming Namibia and giving back to the nation.

created thousands of new and temporary jobs, and provided hundreds of millions in finance for infrastructure, and new and expanding enterprises.

the Development Bank of Namibia

In 2016

DBN

ADVERT

SAFETY

Do’s and Don’ts of Construction Time Management

F

or construction businesses, time management is integral to success. When planning a project with a prospective client, one of the primary questions is the expected completion date. While some businesses may be far worse offenders than others, the construction industry has unfortunately developed a reputation for delays and not meeting deadlines. And even if you’re usually on time, it’s a good idea to have a rock-solid time management system to follow as your business grows.

We’d like to highlight where some contractors run into trouble when it comes to construction time management and suggest some best practices that can lead to improvement.

Common causes of poor time management When attempting to solve an ongoing or recurring problem, it’s necessary to take a step back and find out what exactly is leading to these troublesome outcomes. Here are four common causes: Time and again, construction businesses manage their time poorly because they are following a work plan that isn’t detailed enough. Don’t be afraid to include details in your plan. This will give you a more realistic idea of when things will wrap up.

Accidents at the construction site can set jobs back weeks or even months. Oftentimes accidents are just bad luck, but building a safe worksite culture can go a long way toward preventing disruptions that are normally avoidable.

Sometimes poor time management results from a lack of motivation in the ranks to keep things on track. Find out what motivates your crew and use that to your advantage to keep them on task. (It could just be some positive feedback—or the occasional free food.)

Procrastination is the best friend of poor time management. The attitude “I’ll do the hard part tomorrow” is easy to revert to, but it must be avoided. Even if it’s unrealistic to finish a certain task in the time frame you initially planned on, work like you expect to—and address the “hard parts” as you go along.

Time management tips & solutions Prepare (in detail). “Proper preparation prevents poor performance”— truly words to live by.

Learn from your mistakes. Drawing from prior experience will help you anticipate things that might go wrong. Conversely, you should get in the habit of establishing good habits by taking note of your successes on prior projects.

Constantly checking your progress against a detailed timeline is a really effective way to make sure you meet goals on a daily, monthly, or yearly basis. Keeping a physical representation of your timeline (e.g. a poster) to help reinforce the idea of making progress can be a big help.

Benefits of developing good time management practices Finishing projects on time will not only save you money, but will help you establish a good track record, too. When you have a tried and true history of finishing projects well and in a timely matter, potential clients will be more apt to trust you and recommend your business.

Construction Namibia December - January 2017

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Put your plans into action.

If you’re buying, renovating or extending your business property, turn to the experienced and knowledgeable FNB Commercial Property Finance team for expert and trusted advice. Utilising a wealth of specialist knowledge across all aspects of property development, as well a variety of financial tools, they’re the perfect people to help build a deal especially suited for you.

Call one of our experts today and start building your dreams.

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

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

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

Construction Namibia December - January 2017

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

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

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

INNOVATION

Bagged concrete bricks technology hits Namibia - Architect : Phillip Lühl

The second extension provides a new en-suite guest room, a replacement garage and a home studio. A staircase extends up alongside it, leading up to a terrace created on a section of the roof.

A

rchitect Phillip Lühl added a pair of extensions to a Modernist house in Windhoek, using cement brickwork textured with the coarse fibres of hessian fabric.

Lühl, who is also lecturer at the Namibia University of Science and Technology named this project “Backpack for Modernist Lady” and says he wanted the new additions to stand in contrast with the original 1960’s property, which features smooth white rendered walls.

In achieving this, he opted to build the structures using what he calls “bagged concrete bricks”, cement blocks that, once built are finished with a layer of cement applied using a hessian bag.

"Bagged concrete bricks are essentially cement bricks, which are the most common brick types in Namibia," explains Lühl.

Lühl was tasked with creating additional bedrooms and living spaces, without compromising the original building. His response was to create two small extensions rather than one large one, both designed to match the house's proportions.

Located in Windhoek, the original two-storey property was designed in 1968 by architects office Stauch and Partners as a house and studio for an artist. Studio founder Hellmut Stauch had trained at the Bauhaus, so the house bears many hallmarks of Modernist architecture, including concrete columns, slender-framed windows and an expansive balcony.

"Expanding a Modernist pavilion that was in near-original shape became the main challenge of the design," said Lühl. "The choice of self-contained structures that hardly touch the old building and speak a formal language of their own was a conscious one,” he adds.

The smallest of the two extensions is located to the northwest. It contains an extra children's bedroom, as well as a new bedroom for the lodger, connected to a space on the ground floor that now serves as a living room.

Construction Namibia December - January 2017

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INFRASTRUCTURE

D&M Rail connects Namibia

As Namibia rapidly develops into a highly stable gateway and transit hub for neighboring countries, railways are proving to be the answer to congested roads and constitute a cost effective, safe and reliable way of shipping goods and moving people into Southern Africa.

F

ollowing a series of derailments along the 392 kilometer Kranzberg to Tsumeb line late 2011, D&M Rail was contracted for a 4 month period to stabilize the situation which was a very short term intervention for the immediate rescue of continued rail operations.

Dawie Moller managing director of D&M Rail says as it was realized by Government that more interventions were required over the medium and longer term to cope with the increased demand for rail services along this route inclusive of the pending rail transport of sulphuric acid in excess of 220 000 ton per annum (a first for Namibia) as from 2014/15, Windhoek Consulting Engineers (WCE) were already appointed in 2010 as consultants for the complete upgrading of this route. The long term objective was, and still is, to upgrade the whole route to modern day 18.5 ton / 20 ton axle load standards. Due to the short and medium term imperatives to keep the line operational within acceptable levels of safety and efficiency, the available funding had as first priority to be allocated to rehabilitation, emergency repairs and spot upgrading with the complete upgrading to be scheduled once more funding could be made available.

the start of the contract. This was achieved by close monitoring of track conditions in close co-operation with TransNamib and WCE, intensive inspection procedures, preventative maintenance programs and swift repairs of emergency defects. Where the track condition deteriorated to such extent that rehabilitation was not technically feasible, steel sleepers were replaced with concrete sleepers and the old 30 kg/m rails reworked and welded in continuous lengths to establish partially upgraded track

D&M Rail as the appointed contractor since 2013 succeeded to keep the line operational, with no further track related derailments since

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Construction Namibia December - January 2017

which can accommodate full speed 60 km/h trains.

The full upgrade standard is to accommodate trains at 18.5 ton ( max 20 ton) axle loads and speeds of 100 km/h ( Current rolling stock can only run at 60 km/h , but future passenger trains will be able to run at 100 km/h and freight trainsat 80 km/h). Track construction is specified as 48 kg/m Grade R260 to specification EN 13674 , P2 concrete sleepers

and ballast at 1 200 mÂł per km. Rails are welded in continuous lengths and track distressed to a set neutral temperature. All geometry to comply to the A-track standard as per E10 specifications. Specifications for main line turnouts are 1:12 Secant design on P2 concrete sleepers with flexible undercut switchblades.

Sub-standard embankments and bridges / culverts to be rebuilt at accommodate 20 ton per axle load standards.

The old rail track materials (30 kg/m rails and 30 kg steel sleepers all dated 1970 and severely warn) posed a rail challenge to the application of interim solutions. D&M Rail installed new P2 concrete sleepers in lieu of the old steel sleepers at priority sections and re-installed the 30 kg rails after removal of defects. Rails were welded in continuous lengths.

The installation of the 30 kg rail on P2 concrete sleepers and continuous welding of the rails have all been pioneering innovations not applied elsewhere and had to be done with special precautions to control track stresses.

Where the 30 kg steel sleepers remained in track special HDPE3mm rail pads were installed to regain the clamping forces of the sleepers to rail combination.

Once fully upgraded the new track will be good for 60-80 years of rail traffic provided standard preventative maintenance cycles are adhered to and with traffic volumes of 2 million gross ton per annum. Current traffic density is around 400 000 ton per annum.

D&M Rail sees itself as a role player in this industry for the long run and as an important contributor towards a sustainable rail system in Namibia. We have therefore invested

heavily not just in facilities and equipment, but also in the skills base of the rail industry by the establishment

of a full time railway training school where training are done at semiskilled and skilled levels in railway maintenance and construction. We

have also embarked on bursaries in civil engineering, accounting , human resources and administration to breed a new generation of railway professionals who are guided by our seasoned professionals and officials with 30 -40 years plus of industry experience. Some of our newly graduates are already managing projects independently.

Our staff are also trained through short courses in project management, safety management, supervisory skills, HR discipline skills and new technology to mention a few. We work closely with TransNamib and the Consulting Engineers on new research programs to find the best technical solutions for our conditions and thereby improve the overall standards of the Namibian Rail system.

Construction Namibia December - January 2017

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ENERGY

100% Decentralised, Renewable Energy for Namibia

by Harald SchĂźtt

N

amibia cannot continue to be electrified by conventional means.

A population of 2,2 million, spread over 824 000 square kilometres cannot come up with the financial means to put each of the estimated 465 000 households on grid.

And even if all these houses could technically be connected to a national grid, the majority of the Namibian population cannot afford rising prices for electricity, which would be unavoidable to finance the connection and centralised generation plants.

entire chain of supply. Only recently, some countries, such as Germany and 52 others introduced Energy In-Feed laws that made it possible for people to generate electricity from decentralised, renewable sources and feed into the national grid at prices that are economically viable for small-scale investors as well as middle-sized power generation.

According to the Namibia 2011 Population and Household Census, 59% (135 084) of urban and 7% (16 512) of rural households are connected to grid electricity, and are thus exposed to the centralised distribution system with all its weaknesses and exorbitantly rising costs and tariffs.

Namibia is in the historical situation to be able to decentralise power generation not only technically, but also with regard to the value-streams attached. Estimations say that 20 000 to 50 000 – some say even more – direct and secondary jobs of a permanent, sustainable nature can be created mainly in rural areas if the opportunities that are related to decentralised, renewable energy generation in conjunction with energy efficiency are put to use.

Decentralised photovoltaic (PV) installations can provide employment for hundreds of people for the processes of setting up and maintenance. The installation of solar water heaters can also provide jobs, provided the decision makers in Namibia make their use compulsory and ban electrical water heaters, which are installed because of the lower initial investment, but incur exorbitant running cost for making warm water. Other technologies such as concentrated solar power (CSP), with storage, and biogas can fill the gaps when resources like wind and PV cannot meet the need.

Prices for renewable energy can easily be kept at a consistent level, because the source of power generation is free and eternal, while prices for all fossil fuels and nuclear energy are subject to international developments beyond the control of any Namibian.

The centralised, fossil-based model of electricity provision has been followed all over the world for centuries, because there was hardly any alternative. Electricity had to be generated by big power stations in central locations and subsequently it had to be distributed to users who had to pay for the

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Construction Namibia December - January 2017

In Namibia, the model of regional electricity distributors (REDs) could have been developed in such a way, but dependency on NamPower as a single buyer of bulk electricity makes the REDs and municipalities prone to the risks that are inevitably linked to a topdown, monopolised supply system. However,

ENERGY ErongoRED took a lead and offered its customers a net-metering tariff of N$ 1,08, thus encouraging 84 customers to generate electricity to the value of over N$1 million in 2014 in the first year. The number of “prosumers” as well as the number of kWh generated locally is growing by the day.

CenoRED saw reason to follow this example recently and offers Nam$ 0,96 per kWh to customers who are partially or totally generating kWh up to their own usage levels.

These are positive examples pointing in the right direction, because they encourage local investment, and channel value-streams back to the community. The restriction is, however, that such net-metering regulations remunerate the local producer only up to the limit he or she is consuming. If a small investor produces more kWh than he or she consumes in one given period of payment, he or she will lose because no compensation is paid for this extra portion of the locally generated electricity.

In recent months, however, a new regulation was introduced by the Electricity Control Board (ECB), making it less complicated for willing investors to invest in more considerable generation capacities, up to 5MW, which require investment to the tune of N$120 million. They are still forced to sell to NamPower, so the single-buyer concept

is still in place, but here in a modified way: NamPower is signing power purchase agreements (PPAs) with a tariff of N$ 1.13 to 1.37 per kWh solar power, pre-determined by the ECB. Capacities above 5 MW have to be tendered internationally, which is a major effort and will not encourage local people to invest in power generation. However, the 5MW limit is rather high and at present 27 license-holders are busy organising funds and technical expertise for the installation of small power plants with up to 5 MW capacity. The first one is already in operation near Omburo.

international investors would be attracted by a guaranteed price per kWh over decades.

For the first time in history, the technology, administrative systems and financial means are available to electrify a country 100% from decentralised, RE-based resources. This could send a worldwide signal for the ailing negotiations about climate change and what to do about it! Where,if not in Namibia? The resources in Namibia are boundless!

Harald Schütt is an energy expert and independent consultant.

Sunshine potential in Namibia is beyond comprehension, biomass is available in abundance, wind is a considerable resource, biogas can be used at specific places, and other sources such as ocean stream and geothermal heat are yet to be explored. Technically, there is no problem to supply all energy used in Namibia from renewable, decentralised sources, which can be owned by companies, cooperatives and individuals based in Namibia.

In this way, a further drain of capital could be stopped over time and Namibians would be benefiting not only from a stable price per kWh, but also from all the VAT generated from the consume made possible by the then disposable income that is resulting from the savings on the electricity bill, as well as from the taxes paid in the country. Furthermore

Harald Schütt

The practice was founded in 1957. We are multidisciplinary Consulting Engineers and have Partners and Staff in the Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronic Engineering field. The office operates in close association with the other Bicon offices in the SADC Region. Branch offices are situated at Oshakati, Swakopmund and Rundu.

(+264-61) 275 120 bicon@bicon.com.na www.bicon.com.na 21

Construction Namibia December - January 2017

ENVIRONMENT

Omuramba Impact Investing in sanitation revolution

T

he evolution towards upper-tech waterfriendly sanitation in Namibia, one of the most arid countries in the world, should have been a natural development.

Instead it is more like a revolution. Omuramba Impact Investing CC is hard at work to change the perceptions of water-friendly sanitation in Namibia. The water saving argument is made. The argument of cost and time saving on underground sewerage infrastructure and expansion of sewerage treatment plants is made. The argument is made that the Enviro Loo is a tried and tested dry toilet system that only makes use of natural elements, is patented and has won various international awards.

And finally, the argument is made that the Enviro Loo offers a fully sealed container and thus zero risk of ground water contamination.

The arguments are sound and solid. But are they convincing Namibia’s decision-makers and toilet end-users?

Namibia caught on late to the sanitation challenges and today more than 1 million Namibians still have no alternative to open defecation. Some 350 schools are without any sanitation and many more schools with inadequate sanitation.

In a bold effort to improve access to sanitation, the President’s 2016 Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP) calls for the construction of 50,000 rural toilets and the elimination of the bucket

22

system in Namibia. The HPP puts sanitation back on the national development agenda.

Next up is the implementation.

At the recent National Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) Forum, Drs. Van der Linden, the Executive Director of Omuramba Impact Investing CC, identified the gap between the HPP call to action and the implementation modalities on the ground. Will the current rural toilet tender drive bring long-term sustainable, safe, hygienic and dignified sanitation or is this a ticking-the-box-exercise?

There have been many bad experiences with dry sanitation systems in Namibia. Much of the poor workings of the various systems can be attributed to the fact that no attention was paid to beneficiary training and maintenance.

Putting down toilet infrastructure and walking away is not sustainable. Van der Linden explains that the business model for her company is driven by three actions: good infrastructure, beneficiary training and maintenance.

“Now that sanitation is back on the national development agenda, the challenge is implementation. Are we going to repeat the mistakes of the past? Will we embrace sustainability in the business model? Will we make use of upper-tech water-friendly sanitation solutions or opt for untested cheaper options?” she says.

Construction Namibia December - January 2017

Eline van der Linden Most Namibians – politicians and decisionmakers and end-users – see water-friendly sanitation as a second-best solution. Flush toilets remain the gold standard, even when water is as scarce as it currently is. Even worse, dry toilets are perceived as a poor man’s solution.

It is therefore high time that upper-tech, tried and tested, water friendly sanitation systems are engaged to change these perceptions.

ENVIRONMENT To date, the Enviro Loo system is successfully used in different environments. Tourist travellers are using the system at the Twyfelfontein World Heritage site. It is also used by learners at numerous schools in North-Central Namibia. Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine is making use of the Enviro Loo for its more remote posts, including the main entrance.

The Enviro Loo system is a biodigestive system that only uses three of the natural elements: sun, air and gravity. Urine drains through the drying plate to the bottom of the tank and evaporates. Solids fall onto the reclined drying plate and dry out over time. Forced aeration ventilation is created by the sun heating up the waste container and vent pipe, working together with the wind master, side air inlets and air coming in through the toilet pan.

The high temperature in the container assists with the composting process. The negative pressure in the container prevents the escape of odour through the toilet bowl and can only escape through the wind master.

The introduction of maintenance creates local employment. Enterprising community members are trained to maintain these toilets and in turn earn a living from it. Requesting the beneficiary end-users to make a contribution to the maintenance of the toilet also creates ownership of the toilet, and in turn improved care of the toilet.

Water friendly sanitation offers a wide range of benefits that include spending less on water, saving costs and time and less pressure on municipal sewerage systems. It is an affordable solution for low income groups and is environment friendly as it does not require the use of harmful chemicals.

In partnership with MOME modular homes, Van der Linden has been approached by a Namibian insurance company to provide 30 units of housing with built-in Enviro Loos for its corporate social responsibility programme.

“The Enviro Loo has also received a nod from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and systems are to be installed next year in the Etosha National Park at some of the tourist rest stops,” she adds.

“There are quite a number of success stories with this system and we are slowly gaining momentum, after all, it is not all about flushing,” Van der Linden concludes with a smile.

The Enviro Loo uses no water, no chemicals and the fully sealed container eliminates the risk of ground water contamination, even in case of flooding.

Suppliers of:

Van der Linden confirms that the Enviro Loo is patented, tried and tested and has been in use in Africa, Europe, Canada, the United States and more recently Asia for more than 20 years.

Formwork and Scaffolding Concrete Additives Waterproofing Coatings and Sealants

With Omuramba Impact Investing, she has since 2014 focused her energy on breaking misconceptions surrounding dry sanitation systems.

“The biggest challenge is that water friendly sanitation is associated with poverty and is thought to be inferior. I am trying to change this notion. Especially now that we have become so aware of the value and the scarcity of water in Namibia, to waste 5-7 liters of water each time we flush the toilet would seem impractical,” she says.

Van der Linden’s contribution to water friendly sanitation is unique in that she goes an extra mile in providing user education, maintenance and repairs as opposed to just improving toilet infrastructure. To date with the different available water friendly sanitation systems, typically no training was given to the beneficiaries and maintenance was ignored with the end result of unusable abused toilets.

She says that the importance of ongoing maintenance cannot be over emphasized. “A flush toilet needs maintenance, and so does a water friendly toilet”.

Contact us on +264 61 309 766 gardtech@iway.na c/o Hosea Kutako Avenue & Kudu Gas Street Northern Industrial Area, Windhoek PO Box 86337, Eros Windhoek, Namibia www.gardtechnam.com

Construction Namibia December - January 2017

23

It is our vision to be ...

YOUR ULTIMATE TECHNOLOGICAL PARTNER AND SERVICE PROVIDER IN THE WATER TREATMENT FIELD.

As we look back upon the past year, we would like to acknowledge those who have helped us shape our business. Thanks for a great year, and we wish you all the best as you embark on 2017

@youngpress2016

"Kindly note that we are closing on 23 December, and re-opening on 3 January 2017"

AQUA SERVICES & ENGINEERING (PTY) LTD 15 Brahman Street, Northern Industrial Area, Windhoek Namibia P.O. Box 20714, Windhoek Namibia Tel: +264 (61) 261 143 | Fax: +264 (61) 257 628

24

Construction Namibia December - January 2017

ENERGY

Erongo RED and Arandis Solar Energy in Power

Purchase Agreement

E

rongo Regional Electricity Distributor (RED) recently signed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with OLC Arandis Solar Energy in Walvis Bay to obtain and distribute solar energy in Arandis from a 3MW plant to be privately built. This deal is expected to save the Walvis Bay power utility an estimated cost of N$127 million over the span of the deal.

In this agreement, Erongo RED will be the off-taker of electricity, while the Electricity Control Board (ECB) will provide the regulatory oversight and OLC Arandis Solar Energy is the operator of the plant and seller of generated power.

The CEO of Erongo Red, Robert Kahimise says, “This agreement came at the right time as we are shifting our focus towards renewable energy as we diversify our energy mix such as wind, solar and biomass. This project will also supplement our drive to push for renewable energy as data from such a plant will assist us in further researches about renewable energy implementation within our coastal environment.”

The objectives of this private partnership agreement are to mitigate the ever increasing tariffs, contribute to the security of supply and to reduce carbon emissions in line with COP21.

Kahimise also reveals the project will not only ease the utility’s electricity bill from NamPower but it will also allow electricity consumers to have access to clean energy at a reasonable price.

This is the second PPA in the Erongo region following the Omburu Solar Plant which was signed by NamPower Speaking at the recently held Solar for Development Conference, the Director of Bernd Walbaum revealed the power plant valued at an estimate of N$80 million is to be constructed within the town boundaries of Arandis and the ground breaking will take place in November, with operations expected to commence by April 2017.

Walbaum also revealed that more than 30 people will be employed temporarily during construction and once completed, 3 people will be employed permanently for the operation of the plant.

“An information centre will be set up in Arandis to provide updates on the progress and operation of the solar power plant,” he added.

Apart from this project, other strategic localities have been identified in the Erongo region for other renewable energy projects.

Kahimise reveals some of the envisaged projects that are not yet formally approved by the ECB include the Walvis Bay Repowering plant planned wind, Henties Bay Planned wind, Karibib Planned solar and the Okombahe Planned solar projects among others.

in mining, tourism, fishing and logistics.

These economic activities have resulted in a significant number of people migrating to the coast. In response to these activities, Erongo RED started with a number of strategic projects to ensure that the company is geared to meet the increased electricity demand and overcome constraints on the network.

“As part of our drive to ensure that Erongo RED is geared to meet the ever increasing demand for electricity, we started with network upgrade in various towns within our license area. To date, we have completed Henties Bay upgrade, Walvis Bay bulk upgrade is 98% complete, we have also done interim upgrade at Swakopmund and we are planning to have bulk upgrade for Swakopmund as well.

The other strategy is through implementation of renewable energy. Currently, we have roof top in-feeds with a total capacity of over 3 MW feeding into our grid converted to net metering as of 01 July 2016,” Kahimise says.

In the past couple of years, the Erongo region has established itself as the trade and industrial hub which has attracted significant investment

Construction Namibia December - January 2017

25

INFRASTRUCTURE

Ondangwa flying high with Aurecon airport upgrade O ndangwa Airport in northern Namibia now takes pride of place as a full international airport after an extensive refurbishment by global engineering and infrastructure advisory company Aurecon. To capitalise on a boom in tourism and commercial air traffic, the Namibia Airports Company (Ltd) commissioned Aurecon Namibia to undertake a complete assessment of the airport and carry out the upgrading necessary for Ondangwa to comply with the relevant International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.

“While we managed to achieve the larger proportion of rehabilitation and widening under restricted access conditions and with night work, a 513 m section in the middle of the runway required temporary closure of the runway,” Van Staden commented.

Milling of old surface

New Terminal Building The new airport building was completed in 2015 and is an impressive facility incorporating all the technological advances required in a modern terminal. “Specific requirements were to ensure efficient and safe circulation of the passengers, staff and general public, as well as facilities for VIPs,” says Lukie van Staden, Director and Aurecon Namibia Country Manager.

Re-Surfacing of runway “Work on the existing runway was completed at the beginning of 2016. Phase 1 was the rehabilitation and upgrading of the 2,9 km-long main runway. Construction work involved rehabilitation of the pavement, as well as widening the runway from 30 m to 45 m,” says Van Staden.

Phase 2 of the airport upgrade to international standards as defined by ICAO comprised the upgrading and rehabilitation of the apron pavement and link taxiway. It also included the upgrading of the runway to instrument, non-precision standard by installation of simple approach lighting to complement the published approach procedures. In total, 12 aircraft parking bays are provided which could accommodate different kinds of aircraft including the Airbus A319/A320/A321-family and the Boeing 737-family. Planning for a proposed new modern fire station is presently underway and will be the final touch to complete the upgrading of Ondangwa Airport that the people of Namibia can be justly proud of.

Aurecon established a presence in Namibia in 1978 and has accumulated vast experience in all branches of civil and structural engineering as a result of a wide range of projects executed throughout the country. In 1989, mechanical and electrical expertise and project management were added to the company’s offering, ensuring its ability to provide a truly multidisciplinary service.

A team of airport engineers and a pavement expert investigated the possible causes of deterioration of isolated sections of the main runway’s asphalt layer. They planned the rehabilitation of the entire runway, as well as upgrading it to a higher ICAO Code.

New runway Changes to the existing vertical alignment of the runway included raising the level of the runway surface over the entire length. Existing runway materials were combined with additional imported materials to construct the layers required for the new pavement specification. The final rehabilitation phase involved asphalt surfacing on the runway, new runway paint marking and reinstatement of the airfield ground lighting.

Old runway condition

26

The extensive runway upgrade also involved a redesign of the stormwater management system to facilitate stormwater run-off from the runway pavement and the provision of turn pads at both ends of the runway to enable larger aircraft, such as the A319, to manoeuvre through 180 degrees.

Construction Namibia December - January 2017

Apart from the conventional engineering projects undertaken, Aurecon also has extensive experience in the fields of Project Management, National Planning Studies, Development Projects, Bulk Water Supply Reports, Feasibility and Viability Studies, Water- and Sewage Purification Works, Environmental as well as Legislative and Organisational Restructuring projects.

CONSTRUCTION

CIF Networks

T

he Construction Industries Federation of Namibia (CIF) therefore held its second structured small-to-medium sized enterprises (SME) networking event, on 17 November 2016 at the federation’s offices in Klein Windhoek. In current difficult economic times it is particularly relevant that the Namibian construction industry is working closely together and support each other.

The second in a series of business-to-business networking events, was a great successes a total of 25 meetings took place between five established contractors and five SME contractors, who participated in the twohour speed meeting programme, where the members received the opportunity to introduce themselves and get to know one another.

Keeping the CIF members’ time restrictions in mind, the networking events are kept small but will be held more frequently, providing swift opportunities for information sharing which may lead to ongoing business relationships, or connections that provide mentoring, encouragement and support.

Participating SME’s at the event were: Becky Construction cc, DND Earthmoving & Construction cc, Rosebank Investment cc, Swartkoppies Investment cc, VSO Plus Investments cc, Brumar Construction, C V Welding (Pty) Ltd., MPP Civils Namibia,

Namibia Construction (Pty) Ltd., NMC Construction (Pty) Ltd. Comments from Participants at the Event •

Mr Gordon Goeieman, owner of Becky Construction cc said: “As a starting business, we can learn from big companies (about) the systems they use to make them succeed”.

•

Ms Katrina Elifas, owner of DND Earthmoving & Construction cc, emphasised that is an important networking event that allows participants to acquire contacts with the industry leaders.

•

Owner of Rosebank Investments cc, Mr Mondi Tjozongoro mentioned that through this event he is able to work and cooperate with the bigger companies in the industry and wouldbe able to learn more from them in order to grow his business.

•

Mr. Ambrosius Swartbooi, owner of Swartkoppies Investment cc commented: “I can grow my company through continued exchange of possible job opportunities.”

•

Mr. Elvin Hochobeb, owner of VSO Plus Investment mentioned that in essence they received positive advice from the

bigger companies, “This will help us to grow bigger and work harder to achieve our dreams.”

•

The large-size contractors also enjoyed being introduced to SME’s whom they may not have met otherwise. It would provide access to companies that could be considered for subcontracting or possible joint venture opportunities in the future.

•

Owner of Brumar Construction cc, Mr Bruno Mareka expressed that the meetings opened an opportunity to learn from others in the industry.

•

Mrs Sonja Martens, part director of C V Welding (Pty) Ltd said: “This event helps to support other Namibian businesses.”

•

Mr Nadeem Husselmann and Mr. Wouter Venter, employees from Namibia Construction (Pty) Ltd., said: “It allows contractors to see which SME companies are in the industry and to form new working relations.”

•

Mr. Garth Robb, managing director of NMC Construction (Pty) Ltd. expressed that it is very important to meet SMEs, as it will increase resource base and supply chain within Namibia.

Construction Namibia December - January 2017

27

NEXUS Group wishes

you a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2017

Services • • • • •

infrastructure roads & earthworks property & concessions mining services interior fit-out

Our Clients include:

• • • • •

government parastatals and local authorities major mining houses leaders of industry large corporate groups financial institutions property developers

“Going the extra mile to exceed your expectations”

President and Krenz Street, Outjo, Namibia +264 67 313 770 +264 65 231 703 @youngpress2016

• •

28

Construction Namibia December - January 2017

ENERGY

Solar equipment in the alternative building material space

By David Jarrett

W

ith the relentless drive of solar pricing downwards and the reverse upward climb of electricity tariffs, utilities have a clear challenge facing them. This meteoric rise however of solar has only been stemmed by the intermittent nature of its energy production and aesthetics.

Aesthetics? This is quite simply how the installed system looks after installation and its impact on the building’s “beauty”. No one wants an “ugly” building regardless of sustainability, energy efficiency, demand-side management and climate change. As pointed out by Solar Power Authority1 , “functionality always outstrips vanity” Enter BIPV or Building Integrated Photovoltaics which allow for solar cladding, solar roofing and solar integrated surfaces. The impact of BIPV has not been fully felt because of the slow acceptance of a bespoke material that would conform to all of the peculiar requirements of building cladding.

Take for example, you need a wall covered in BIPV, then you would want to choose its colour (only blue / black at the moment) and shape conformation (generally rectangular), thus making the production costs higher than standard PV design.

However, the current market attitude therefore seems to be focused on roofing, allowing for the “standardisation” to improve uptake and increase market penetration.

One such roof cladding material are Solar shingles, or photovoltaic shingles, which were first released in 2005. Similar to solar panels, solar shingles capture sunlight and transform it into usable energy2 . Solar shingles are typically smaller and can be stapled directly to roofing cloth, just like normal shingles. Once installed, they give the roof a purplish blue tint, but otherwise they look much like regular tar and sand shingles.

The roof context in Namibia and Southern Africa is undoubtedly very different and involves penchant for metallic roof sheets, thus we need a roof cladding solution that is compatible to our needs. However, all is not lost as availability, code / regulation compliance and the energy productivity may change the market outlook.

According to another article on Hubpages.com, solar shingles can create energy for the average household for up to 40 years! Given that most people replace traditional shingles at least once every 15-20 years, this means solar shingles could cut down on maintenance costs in addition to generating more sustainable energy.

Traditional PV Panels on regular roofing material Pitching his own still vapourware product, Elon Musk notes that “there are 5 million new roofs a year just in the U.S. And so, why not have a solar roof that’s better in many others ways as well.” 3 With Mr Musk in the game, it should get interesting!

1- https://www.solarpowerauthority.com

2- https://www.solarpowerauthority.com 3- http://www.treehugger.com *David Jarrett is a freelance Energy and Sustainability Adviser and Managing Consultant at RDJ Consulting Services CC based in Namibia. He can be reached at info@electricity-africa.co.za / consultant@rdjconsulting. co.za*

Solar Shingles” incorporated with regular shingles Construction Namibia December - January 2017

David Jarrett 29

INNOVATION

Pearl Waterfree Technologies introduces water-free urinals With Windhoek continuing to toil with the water crisis, a number of innovations specializing in water conservation have been introduced. One such innovation is the waterfree urinals introduced to the Namibian market by Pearl Waterfree Technologies (Pty) Ltd, a company that specialises in water conservation technologies.

“Our waterless urinals do not use water and the urine drains into the catchment area where we have a patented polyurethane one way valve, which opens and closes to allow the urine to pass into the sewer system. Once all the urine has passed through, the valve shuts tight ensuring no residual smell. No flush, no smell and no bacteria,”he says

Managing Director, Mathew Margolis recently shared more on this leading edge technology.

Margolis says according to a study done by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), each water-free urinal can save approximately 152, 000 litres of water a year. “Our water free urinals use leading edge design which makes them attractive and cost effective while saving water,” he adds.

He explains the urinals have a ceramic surface enamel layer containing a special bacteria repellent material that effectively suppresses bacterial infestation and eliminates odors, stains and scales generated from urine.

Nanoscale technology which helps sterilize and repel various bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli is used.

First introduced in USA about a decade ago, Waterfree (waterless) urinals are leading edge technology that is being used extensively in the United States of America, Canada, Australia, Germany and many other first world countries to help save billions of litres of clean water every year.

Speaking on market response to this innovation, Margolis describes it as much better than initially anticipated.

“Our pipeline currently shows strong interest from both private and public sector. Our team has grown significantly in order to cater to the growing demand. We have also received strong support from the Green Building Council of Namibia which we are a proud member of,” he says.

To date two of Trustco’s head office buildings along with the Informante and Mugg & Bean (Grove Mall) have been retrofitted with these urinals. Talks with a number of banks, hotels, malls and private companies are currently on

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Construction Namibia December - January 2017

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going in order to help save millions litres of water.

“There are new building projects that have also approached us and we will be working with them in the following fiscal year,” he adds.

Challenges have however been met in rolling out this technology, the major ones being user acceptance and the perception that the water crisis is a fallacy.

Margolis reveals many customers that have not seen the technology are initially skeptical and tend to doubt the product’s abilities while

Patented polyurethane valve is closed shut when the urinal is not in use

some do not believe that there is a water crisis in the country and as such do not see the need to adopt stringent measures to save water.

Technologies has a few other water conservation products that are in the pipeline to be disclosed in due course.

As the water-free urinals only cater for males, urinals for women are currently in the research and development phase. Some prototypes have been developed and are currently being tested to determine feasibility. The company does not want to have any dissatisfied customers as such necessary precautionary steps are being taken to ensure the final product is not only reliable but exceeds customers’ expectations.

Pearl Waterfree Technologies is aimed at becoming the largest green building retailer in Africa. Margolis concludes they are actively searching for the newest and best technologies to add to their current product offering. “We want to promote the sustainable development initiative in all its forms but focusing primarily on water conservation in every town and city in Namibia as well as the surrounding territories like Botswana , Zambia and South Africa just to name a few,” he says.

Besides

these

When a liquid comes into the catchment area the polyurethane valves opens to allow the liquid to flow into the drain

urinals,

Pearl

Waterfree

The polyurethane valve remains open and allows the liquid to flow freely into the drain until all the liquid is finished

Once all the liquid has passed; the polyurethane valve closes to ensure no residual smell. Drain pressure pushes up the silicone tab which ensures the valve remains closed

Building in Africa tumbles Africa has seen a downturn in both the number and value of projects, according to Deloitte Africa.

The "Africa rising" story is under pressure with a dramatic fall in infrastructure spending on the continent, according to the Deloitte 2016 African construction trends report.

In 2016, 286 projects worth $50m and more were being built in Africa, down from 301 in 2015. The fall in overall capital value was US$51bn — from a total of US$375bn in 2015 to a total of US$324bn in 2016.

The recently released report, says there were 109 projects worth a total of US$140bn in Southern Africa in 2015. For 2016, project numbers had fallen to 85, worth US$93bn.

"Africa has seen a downturn in both the number and value of projects included this year, in contrast to previous years," says Jean-Pierre Labuschagne, Deloitte Africa infrastructure and capital projects leader.

"Global economic headwinds, low growth and lower commodity prices have all contributed to this," he adds.

The international consulting group said there was an uneven focus on infrastructure and capital project development.

Projects included human settlements and associated water, sewerage, roads, electricity, schools and health infrastructure, and not just large construction works such as energy, dams, mines, ports and oil and gas facilities.

The report identified gross fixed capital formation on a continental and regional level, and compared data collected over the last four years.

Regionally, West Africa had 92 projects — the largest number and worth the most at $120bn.

SA had the largest number of projects at 41 for a single country, followed by Nigeria with 38.

"Several large mining projects on the continent have been suspended," Labuschagne says.

These included three iron-ore projects worth a total of $30bn.

human rights issues plagued the sector, as well as related food and energy security concerns.

"It does not have great returns for the private sector, and is quite politically charged," he says.

"We feel this is especially relevant, as the need for investment in this sector is far outstripping the actual investment … and is a growing cause for concern in the light of the growth of megacities on the continent and the political and social pressure this will potentially place on governments." https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/world/ af rica/2016-11-09-building-in-af ricatumbles/

Meanwhile, the rout in oil prices had seen countries, including Nigeria and Angola, scrambling for foreign currency. This had led to Angola suspending the building of the $8bn Lobito oil refinery.

The focus of this year’s report was the water sector.

There was underinvestment in the provision of water on the continent, Labuschagne says. Water costs and

Construction Namibia December - January 2017

31

INNOVATION

Alternative Housing Ideas

W

ith the rise of housing prices and the number of people on Earth having an impact on the environment, we become more and more concerned about leaving our environmental footprints. We therefore try to think of more eco-friendly solutions particularly in our everyday life but also, more often, in the process of building our dream home. Sustainable building rapidly becomes the first step to promote the use of renewable resources and renewable energy. After we go green, we no longer see the point in going back!

ot all abou t fu

shing

Green construction has been gaining popularity, as it combines mainstream features (like modern housing ideas, green roofs) with the use of a more unique materials like cob, straw, bamboo or wood pallets. Some of the materials are so

Ideas Include:

unusual, that we would never have thought of them, when thinking about investing in building a modern and unique house. Typically, what makes a building eco-friendly is the use of structural materials and the attention paid to the usage of energy in the design.

Green homes can be constructed in a number of very various ways, using materials that don’t seem to be a good fit at first sight - shipping containers or even straw and clay. http://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2014/05/top13-alternative-housing-ideas

g n i t h a o It’s n ll about fus ENVIRO LOO IN NAMIBIA

1. Earth houses 2. Wood houses 3. Straw houses 4. Bamboo houses 5. Stone houses 6. Tiny houses 7. Shipping-crate homes 8. Wood pallet houses 9. Green roof homes 10. Earthship 11. Hemp concrete houses 12. Modular homes 13. Hobbit houses

The Enviro Loo is in use at schools, tourist lodges, remote construction and mining sites, and informal settlements.

It can be constructed as a stand alone toilet, or built into a house.

Contact us for more info or a quotation: +264-81-1244202 / omuramba@iway.na

The bio digestive Enviro Loo is a patented, tried and tested water-friendly toilet solution. It works with heat from the sun, air and gravity. It uses no water.

32

Construction Namibia December - January 2017

ENERGY

Kudu power project sees light

T

he national power utility, NamPower, in line with the National Integrated Resource Plan (NIRP) has embarked on implementing short-term, medium-term and long-term power supply strategies of mixed options to ensure power supply security for the country.

Amid these options is construction of a Kudu Power station in Oranjemund by 2020, a first Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) station in the SADC region and first CCGT of this size in the continent.

According to a report from NamPower, to obtain this offshore gas, a floating production system will be constructed 170km offshore and from it, a two phased submarine pipeline will transfer the gas to an onshore gas receiving terminal where 800MW of power will then be generated and distributed. NamPower will be the main power off-taker while secondary ones will be South Africa’s Eskom and Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC PLC) from Zambia.

Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) respectively. Standard Bank emerged as the successful Mandated Lead Arranger (MLA).

Namibia currently imports more than 70% of its power from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia, and this development will significantly decrease the power imports and will see Namibia growing to be a power exporter.

“Aggressive timelines have been set for the project, but slippages of up to 3 months will not threaten project completion,” the report reveals.

In a regional project comparison that was carried out, it emerged that Kudu Power is forecast to cost approximately US$0, 10 - 0, 11 /kWh which is competitive with any regional new build coming on stream by 2017-2019.

Compared to several regional coal projects planned, Kudu’s technology is environmentally clean.

With the generation license for this US$300 million already issued, the power station will be owned by NamPower, Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) Africa and Marubeni (Japan) which was successfully selected as a 3rd equity partner. Shanghai Electric Corporation (SEC) in partnership with Siemens AG has been selected as the preferred

Construction Namibia December - January 2017

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RESEARCH

Building Plans – October 2016

A

total of 191 building plans were approved in October with a value of N$138.6 million. On a yearto-date basis, the City of Windhoek has approved 1,550 building plans, way below the 2,176 plans approved over the same period in 2015. The year to date value of building plans approved is currently N$1.70 billion, below the year to date figure of N$1.79 seen in October 2015.

The largest portion of building plans passes were made up of additions to properties, from both a number and value perspective.

Cumulatively 1,228 additions to properties have been approved with a value of N$ 815.3 million, a 4.1% increase in value from the corresponding period in 2015. However, the number of additions decreases by 479 approved plans.

Year to date 227 residential units were approved, this is 125 less than the 2015 figure of 352 and 136 less than the ten-year average of 363. In dollar terms, N$442.7 million worth of residential plans were approved year to date, in line with the N$422.2 million over the same period in 2015 and the N$405 million average figure over the last ten years.

The number of commercial units approved in 2016 so far amounted to 73, valued at N$438.0 million. This compares to 108 units, valued at N$449.2 million over the same period last year. On average over the last 10 years, 64 commercial units, valued at N$392.8 million were approved year to date.

The 12-month cumulative value of building plans approved declined slightly in October.

The cumulative value of plans approved in October was N$2.10 billion, 2.9% lower than

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the value approved over the same period last year.

The 12-month cumulative number of building plans approved continued its trend of decline.

On a 12-month cumulative basis, 1,841 building plans were approved in October, 27.6% less than the same measure for October last year. This figure has nearly halved from the peak in September 2013 to a low last seen in 1997. As a leading indicator for economic activity in the country this reinforces our view that we will see economic growth slow in 2016 and possibly beyond.

The slowdown in the number of building plans approved has been largely driven by a lack of serviceable land in Windhoek. The Municipality has indicated that, there is a high demand for land, but little land left around Windhoek that can be developed. It follows that this bottleneck in the availability of serviceable land has been a factor in the high number of additions relative to new developments.

People have little choice but to make better use of the available space they already have. However, the fact that the number of additions is slowing points to less potential value in additions or possibly saturation of the available space.

At the beginning of the year, we believed that some growth could be expected in the construction sector. This was largely owing to several large government projects

Construction Namibia December - January 2017

expected to commence within the year. We have revised this view earlier this year, and our suspicions were confirmed at the most recent midterm budget. Government has cut both the development and operational budgets quite aggressively. Spending on construction was cut by an immense N$1.5 billion for the remainander of this financial year and a moratorium has been placed on all government construction projects going forward. This should have a negative effect on economic activity in general, but the construction sector in particular. Thus, we forecast a contraction in the construction industry of 4.5% over the next year. http://w w w.ijg-res e arch.net/c ategor y/ economicresearch/buildingplans/

Big on heav Small on yo The MAN C Ready for it

Gold Street, Prosperita PO Box 81237, Olympia Tel/Fax: +264 61 259380 Email: hessihitsch@gmx.de

Christian Hess 081 208 9309

Manufacturer of exposed roof structures and staircases.

Dear stakeholders, thank you for partnering with us, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2017 Construction Namibia December - January 2017

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Construction Namibia December - January 2017

P.O. Box 22296, Windhoek

Unit 8, Bridgeview

e: admin@a3arc.com

T: 251 975

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At the holiday season, our thoughts turn gratefully to all who have made our progress possible