Construction Review Nov/Dec 2023

Since 1989

Nov/Dec Nov/Dec 2023, 2023, Vol Vol 35 35 No.6 No.6

Meru Windpower Project KENGEN plans for a green future

Geosynthetics Bathroom Design Off-grid solar power Compact excavators

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Experience the Progress.

LCM 1.0 – an economic mixing plant with unique advantages Efficient concrete production with high reliability Easy and intuitive control system via laptop Cost-efficient transport in 2 x 40ft. HC containers Quick and easy assembly leads to minimal foundation work

Liebherr-Africa (Pty.) Limited f20, Vlakfontein Road, Springs 1559 Phone +27 11 365 200 info.laf@liebherr.com www.Facebook.com/Liebherr Construction www.liebherr.com

MANAGING EDITOR Robert Barnes DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Francis Makari EDITOR - in - CHIEF Dennis Ayemba COUNTRY EDITORS Uganda -- Betty Betty Nabakooza Nabakooza Uganda Nigeria -- Boladale Boladale Ademiju Ademiju Nigeria South South Africa Africa -- Jimmy DelilahSwira Aisu WRITERS, WRITERS Pascal Musungu, Musungu, Anita Anita Anyango, Anyango, Pascal Patrick Mulyungi Mulyungi Patrick WEB & & GRAPHIC GRAPHIC DESIGN DESIGN WEB Gerald ArnoldOswald Oduor Sales and Marketing Manager Sales and Marketing Ken Okore Manager Faith Mburu ADVERTISING ADVERTISING Kenya: William Mutama, Lilian Khavosa, Kenya: William Mutama, Lilian Khavosa, Fred Okoth Joyce Ndamaiyu, Wendy Kinya South Africa: Jacqui Nyangabyaki, TsheSouth Africa: Thuli Nkosi, Winnie Sentgo Mokonyama, Rachel Molapo abire, Angeline Ntobeng,

CON Cover Story KenGen has set up plans on developing the Marsabit Wind Power Plant, second largest wind power plant in Kenya that will possess a capacity of 200 Megawatts. This is a part of the efforts of the firm to totally green the national grid by the year 2030.

Uganda: Uganda: Nobert Nobert Turiyo, Turiyo, Selina Selina Salumah Salumah Namuli Namuli Botswana: Botswana: Dickson Dickson Manyudza, Manyudza, Gerald Gerald Mazikana Mazikana Ethiopia: Ethiopia: Haimanot Haimanot Tesfaye, Tesfaye, Ruth Ruth Girma Girma Tanzania: Tanzania: Tom Tom Kiage Kiage Malawi: Malawi: Anderson Anderson Fumulani Fumulani Ghana: Ghana: Samuel Samuel Hinneh, Hinneh, Caleb Caleb Donne Donne Hadjah Hadjah Zambia: Susan Kandeke Zimbabwe: Chiedza Chimombe

REGULARS Corporate News 4 Events 5 COVER STORY: MERU WINDPOWER PROJECT

5 Best Practices for Managing A Construction Timeline

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Nigeria: Seni Bello

Turning to Off-grid solar power supply

8

China:Weng Jie

5 tips on how to maintain compact excavators

12

How to conduct error-free field pressure tests on PVC pipelines

14

Wiring Systems: Refurbishment of older wiring

18

Geosynthetics; Adding value to infrastructure projects

20

Bathroom Remodel Ideas on a Budget

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Cathedral Mall to Give Kakamega Fresh Lease of Life

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Meru Greenwood City Mall Opening new frontiers

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Maestro Architects celebrate 20 years of great designs

31

Rwanda: Collison Lore

The editor accepts letters and manuscripts for publication from readers all over the world.

Include your name and address as a sign of good faith although you may request your name to be withheld from publication. We reserve the right to edit any material submitted .

Send your letters to: info@constructionreviewonline.com Construction Review is published eleven times a year and is circulated to members of relevant associations, governmental bodies and other personnel in the building and construction industry as well as suppliers of equipment, materials and services in Africa, the Middle and Far East. The editor welcomes articles and photographs for consideration. Material may not be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher. The publisher does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or authenticity of advertisements or contributions contained in the journal. Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. © All rights reserved.

Published by Group Africa Publishing Ltd Head Office and for all enquiries: P.O. Box 10109 Nairobi 00100 Kenya, Tel: +254 722525326 +254-208000307 Email: info@groupafricapublishing. com Uganda Agent Projects Unusual Uganda Ltd. Jemba Plaza, Luwum St. Kampala, Uganda Tel: +256 776 883181 bettynnk@gmail.com South Africa Agent

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Mining and Construction News Network 14 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston, Sandton +27(0)11 875 4328, info@mcnnetwork.co.za Ethiopia Agent Haymi Advertising Services 22 Mazoria, Genet Bldg 4th Flr P.O. Box 1316 - 1110 Addis Ababa Tel: +251 118 955 855, Cell: +251 930 099 152 Email: ethiopia@groupafricapublishing.com www.constructionreviewonline.com

TENT

Nov/Dec 2023 Volume 34 No.6

Off grid solar supply Several governments in Africa have come to realize the advantages that tapping solar energy has in enabling them to meet their development goals targeted at the eradication of poverty

8

Maintaining compact excavators

12

COmpact excavators have advanced radically in the

last years. Boosted systems and competencies havC allowed them to become mainstays on construction sites. Here are 5 compact excavator maintenance tips to make the most of your uptime and safety.

Cathedral Mall in Kakamega The Cathedral Mall sits on slightly under 2.5 acres and delivers 80,000 sq ft of lettable space in the first phase. The second phase is an office tower coming right above this podium level with 90,000sq ft of office space on 11 floors.

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Dar-es-salaam November/December 2023 | CR

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CORPORATE NEWS

Tough recycled polymer bearing

Schneider Electric emphasises data centre technologies that prioritise efficiency and sustainability Africa has a significant role to play in the world's efforts to establish sustainable data centers of the future, said Mourad Younes, C&SP Segment Leader, MEA at Schneider Electric, at a recent AfricaCom, which formed part of the annual Africa Tech Festival held at the CTICC in Cape Town.

"As part of our efforts to establish sustainable data centres, we have developed a TradeOff tool for Data Centre Lifecycle Carbon Assessment that enables operators to calculate a data centre’s lifecycle carbon footprint based on various attributes, such as IT capacity, load ratio, equipment specifications, and power and cooling characteristics," he concludes.

Motion plastics specialist igus has introduced a new plain bearing made from recycled plastic. The bearing, iglide ECO P210, is a chemical-resistant variant that has been added to the company’s iglide ECO series.

The iglide ECO series is manufactured using regranulate made from the sprue and defective injection-moulded parts produced by igus. This allows the company to recycle plastic waste and reduce the amount of virgin plastic used in production.

Schneider Electric’s data centres of the future: Are at the forefront of digitisation and electrification.

Represent the evolution of the industry, moving beyond largescale or hyperscale datacentres to include the edge and 5G connectivity.

Overcome latency challenges, providing data resilience and on-premises access.

Digitised that enable the management of (combined) local and centralised data.

The new iglide ECO P210 plain bearing has been designed for use in machines that regularly come into contact with chemicals.

Potential applications include agitators, laboratory mills, filtration devices, and car washes.

The bearing has a maximum recommended surface pressure of 50MPa at room temperature and can operate between -40°C (-40°F) and 100°C (212°F). Like all igus plain bearing materials, it does not require external lubrication with oil or grease.

New Clark low-lift truck PWio20 with lithium-ion technology Clark presents a completely newly developed electric low-lift pallet truck with lithium-ion technology (Li-Ion).

The vehicle with the model designation PWio20 has a load capacity of 2000 kg and is designed for more demanding applications in pedestrian operation.

The compactly designed pallet truck is extremely manoeuvrable and demonstrates its capabilities particularly when transporting heavy loads in goods distribution, production or in the warehouse.

The pallet truck is supplied with a longlife and powerful Li-Ion battery and an integrated charger. The Li-Ion battery has a capacity of 24 volts (100 Ah) and can be recharged at any time and within a very short time - for example during 4

breaks - without damaging the battery or shortening its life. The battery can be recharged at any 230-volt socket.

This gives the pallet truck a high level of availability and means it can also be used for multi-shift operations. With Li-Ion technology, the operator not only benefits from high productivity.

He also saves costs for maintenance, infrastructure, and replacement batteries. This makes a Li-Ion vehicle worthwhile for anyone who wants to operate a maintenance-free, longlasting, and fast-charging battery with a high safety standard.

The PWio20 is equipped with a maintenance-free, enclosed 1.6 kW three-phase traction motor. This ensures powerful acceleration and a high travel

CR | November/December 2023

speed of up to 5.5 km/h. The low-lift truck scores with its compact design and good manoeuvrability. The turning radius is 1320 mm.

Its chassis length measures just 470 mm (L2 dimension) with an overall width of 714 mm and a tare weight of 280 kg. This makes the PWio20 extremely light and compact and ideally suited for use in confined work areas, such as storage zones or sales rooms, or for taking along on the truck.

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EVENT NEWS

Buildexpo Africa 2024 5-7th June, Nairobi BUILDEXPO KENYA is East Africa's largest building and construction fair presenting the widest range of the latest products, equipment, machines and technology for the industry.

At the latest edition of Buildexpo, we bring you exhibitors from over 42 countries who are the finest in infrastructure development showcasing construction products, building material, mining machines, construction machinery, tools, hardware and heavy equipment.

The building and construction sector in Kenya relies on the import of various products and tools from different countries, such as iron and steel, non-ferrous metals, cement, machinery and equipment, electrical appliances, glass and ceramics, wood and wood products, plastics and rubber products, among others.

Totally Concrete Expo June 2024

The 11th annual Totally Concrete Expo offers contractors, engineers, quantity surveyors, architects, designers and property owners a one-stop-shop to identify viable project tenders and the materials that would help them complete their projects on budget and on time.

Taking place 13-15 February 2024, the Sub Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference will feature a host of B2B networking and partnership opportunities, an international exhibition, strategic and technical conference.

Manufacturers, transporters, and processors of concrete will be provided with access to South Africa and Africa’s most influential project owners to build relationships, evaluate new technologies, overcome industry challenges and identify new and future commercial partners.

SAIPEC annually attracts over 6,000 leading professionals and policymakers from across the energy value chain of over 50 countries and with billions of dollars of project opportunities across Africa being showcased throughout.

Readymix and pre-cast concrete producers, specifiers, contractors, engineers, architects – if you manufacture, sell, specify or work with concrete in any capacity then this is your show!

SAIPEC offers offer direct access to the primary stakeholders and key players across the entire Sub-Saharan Africa supply and value chains. Across three days, speakers and delegates will have the opportunity to participate in business, technical and special focus sessions, providing critical insights into the region's hydrocarbon businesses

Totally Concrete Expo will take place alongside the The Big 5 Construct South Africa, African Smart Cities Summit, Deck and Flooring Expo and WoodEX for Africa

Kenya - Architectural Association of Kenya - Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya - Institute of Engineers of Kenya - Association of Consulting Engineers of - Kenya - Association of Professional Societies of East Africa APSEA) - Kenya Property developers Association

Association Partners

SAIPEC 2024

- Institution of Surveyors of Kenya -Town and County Planners Association of Kenya (TCPAK)

Uganda society of Architects

- Association of Consulting Engineers of Namibia

Botswana

Tanzania

- Institute of Botswana Quantity Surveyors

- Tanzania Institute of Quantity Surveyors

Ethiopia - Association of Ethiopian Architects - Ethiopian Association of Civil Engineers - Construction Contractors Association of Ethiopia

Zimbabwe - Zimbabwe Institute of Quantity Surveyors - Zimbabwe Institute of Engineers

South Africa - ASAQS - SAICE - South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession - Khuthaza ( Women for Housing)

- The Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe (Cifoz)

Ghana - Ghana Institute of Engineers

- Concrete Manufacturers Association

- Architects Registration Council

- Green Building council of SA

- Ghana Institute of Surveyors

- South African Property Owners Association

- Ghana Green Builders Association

- Master Builders South Africa

- Ghana Institute of Planners

Uganda

- Construction Regulation Board (CRB) - Tanzania’s Registration Board of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (AQSRB)

Nigeria - Association of Consulting Engineers Nigeria - Association of Professional Women Engineers Of Nigeria - Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria - The Nigerian Institute of Architects - American Association of Petroleum Geologists Africa Region - Nigeria Society of Engineers - Nigeria Institute of Architects - Building and Construction Skilled Artisans Association of Nigeria (BACSAAN)

- Association of Building and Civil Engineering

Zambia

Contractors of Ghana

- Zambia Institute of Architects (ZIA) - Association of Building and Civil Engineering

Institute of Surveyors of Uganda Uganda Institute of Professional Engineers (UIPE) &

- Institute of Namibian Quantity Surveyors

Namibia

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Contractors (ABCEC).

November/December 2023 | CR

5

COVER STORY

Marsabit Windpower Project

KenGen has set up plans on developing the Marsabit Wind Power Plant, second largest wind power plant in Kenya that will possess a capacity of 200 Megawatts. This is a part of the efforts of the firm to totally green the national grid by the year 2030. KenGen revealed this information after completion of the consultations with the local communities in the county of Marsabit over land acquisition for the multi-billion wind power plant.

According to reports in the local press, the Marsabit Wind Power Plant is set to become the second largest in Kenya after the Lake Turkana Wind Power (LTWP) which possesses a capacity of 310 Megawatts. The energy producing institution is in pursuit of attaining a clean electricity grid by the time 2030 reaches and is looking forward to an increased power generation from renewable sources of energy like wind and geothermal in order to do away with the existing dirty thermal plants whose electricity cost is quite expensive.

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COVER STORY

Marsabit Wind Power Commencement Date

Plant

Project

The construction works are planned to commence in the year 2026. The Marsabit Wind Power Project has initially targeted at 100 Megawatts but they opted to upgrade its capacity to 200 Megawatts after the conduction of the feasibility studies. The first phase will generate 200 Megawatts and the power generation is set to increase into other three phases of the wind power project.

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The French funding agency, Agence Francaise de Development (AFD) has shown interest in providing financial support to the Marsabit Wind Power Plant project whose construction cost has not been revealed yet. Currently, the Lake Turkana Wind Power project is the largest wind power plant in Africa and Kenya.

In addition the plant was connected to the national grid in the year 2018. This upcoming Marsabit wind power plant is expected to overtake LTWP as its power generation is expected to be at 800 Megawatts when phase four is completed.

This upcoming wind farm alongside the geothermal and hydro plants are expected to increase sales of electricity to Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC).

November/December 2023 | CR

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RENEWABLE ENERGY

Turning to Off-grid solar power supply

A

lmost half of the people in the world without access to electricity live in Africa and the vast number of them live in the rural areas where access to on-grid solar power supply has been slow in coming owing to the colossal investments needed to put up transmission lines though even if this were done the energy deficiency currently facing the continent would still make this a fruitless undertaking.

This offers a unique opportunity for off-grid solar units to be availed in these remote areas enabling communities to benefit from the many advantages of having access to electricity bearing in mind that Africa is a continent blessed with vast quantities of sunlight throughout the year, Benefits Whether it is a simple solar lantern, a small household system or a larger system able to power a hospital’s needs the changes in the lives of the people are nothing less than revolutionary. Take for instance the availability of solar lighting.

This alone helps communities to cut down on the use of kerosene or candles that are far costlier than what higher income communities in urban settings spend on the same utility yet those using the lanterns have far less income hence immediately there are cost benefits to be realized. In addition the use of solar lighting increases the productive hours available allowing income generating activities to continue for longer hours while also enabling students to read for longer hours as well.

Providing refrigeration for medicines and for 8

CR | November/December 2023

powering healthcare equipment are just some of the health benefits derived by providing electrical power along with eliminating the emissions from candles and kerosene that contribute to carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

In addition to all this, the beauty of solar is its scalability that allows customers to upgrade with time from solar lanterns to large systems that can power more home appliances. However as one scales up to larger systems it is essential that one gets proper maintenance service locally.

Revolution Several governments in Africa have come to realize the advantages that tapping solar energy has in enabling them to meet their development goals targeted at the eradication of poverty. As solar PV product costs fall and technologies are developed that offer greater efficiencies solar could turn out to be the revolution in energy supply in Africa in a similar way that the mobile phone is for communication.

They both offer significant savings by helping Africa leap frog forward without having to rely on first constructing costly infrastructure consisting of power lines and power generating stations.

Getting Policy right Setting up policy frameworks is key in order to remove uncertainly and ambiguity in the sector.

Creating consumer awareness is also imperative as is the need to ensure proper regulation in order to avoid dumping of sub-standard products into the markets that would harm consumer trust. As in all businesses there is also the need to develop the provision of financing of the sector right through the value chain www.constructionreviewonline.com

RENEWABLE ENERGY

so as to spur growth and uptake. Tax incentives and removal of barriers to the importation of solar products should also be considered while providing training in order to develop skilled manpower in the sector.

One country that has made great strides in the development of solar energy is South Africa which before 2010 had no significant solar installations but due to a more proactive institutional stance, the country now aims to produce 9,600MW of solar power by 2030. Currently about 1GW of solar power is fed into the national grid making it one of the top 10 global solar power producers.

In 2014 alone the country brought online the 22MW Herbert1 project the 50MW De Aaar Project and the 44MW Touwsrivier project and the 96MW Jasper Solar power plant.

The key to South Africa’s success was the government’s commitment which saw the formation of the Independent Power Producers (IPP) office and a related programme that ensured that Eskom the local energy utility purchased the energy produced by the IPP’s supported by government guarantees.

This system needs to be emulated across Africa

so that this private public partnership can help accelerate the development of solar power plants across the continent.

Pricing The cost of solar installations has seen a steady decline in the last 10 years due in part to the reduction of the cost of solar modules however government tax incentives have also played a major role spurred by commitments made by countries at the UN climate accord in Paris last year in which agreements were made to cut carbon dioxide and other green house gas emissions that are associated with fossil fuels such as oil and coal.

In Africa the use of solar power has become necessary because it is quicker and less costly to setup in remote areas where no grid lines exist and offers the added advantage of being scalable The dramatic fall in the cost of PV has occurred as the industry has scaled up manufacturing and incrementally improved the technology with new materials. Installation costs have come down too with more experienced and trained installers entering the market.

Financing During the Powering Africa Summit in Washington

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November/December 2023 | CR

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HIGH-PERFORMANCE

Introducing Sensus Cordonel®, an innovative 360 Performance ultrasonic metering solution with flow, temperature and pressure monitoring for a smarter network. Cordonel is a high-performance, versatile network sensor that enables you to manage your distribution network more efficiently for increased resilience and sustainability. Providing proven in-field accuracy and reliable data whatever the installation and environmental conditions. Take control with Cordonel®!

Find out how we can solve water together.

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CR | November/December 2023

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DC, the World Bank launched the Scaling Solar programmewhich aims to create a viable market for private solar power projects in Africa that will help governments increase the supply of energy for millions of residential and commercial consumers across the continent.

Under the programme, large-scale photovoltaic solar power can be quickly and economically developed to increase the supply of electricity to national grids and improve the reliability of power services for households and businesses. Scaling Solar provides a straightforward package to help countries determine the size and location of projects, then auction them competitively to developers.

The initiative combines World Bank guarantees, MIGA’s investment guarantees, and IFC financing to mobilize privately funded solar projects that are connected to the grid. A simplified process and suite of contract templates significantly speeds this process to enable initial electricity production to begin within two years of initiating an engagement.

On the more micro scale one solar company in East Africa is providing solar to many rural households at 35 dollars upfront and a further 50 cents per day for one year Recently the company closed a $19 million financing round led by Generation Investment Management, and revealed plans to reach one million homes in East Africa by the end of 2017. It already reaches 275,000 homes. Yet, M-Kopa’s key innovation is using the mobile phone to show how solar energy can be marketed at scale in Africa.

According to Gilles Cattin, Director Sales Management IFS of Business Unit PV SCHMID Group, it is important to secure PPAs (Power Purchase Agreement) from local states or investors in solar farms. Gilles added that one needs to have reliable installers who will provide maintenance and after sales services.

SCHMID Group BU PV is an Equipment Manufacturing Company which provides turn-key production lines from wafer to module.

They are undertaking a turn-key line of 500 MW capacity in South Africa.

Product innovations Most solar units convert about 23 percent of sunlight to electricity.

This is low and offers more scope for technological development in order to increase efficiency and storage.

Mr Ruan van Rooyen of Lumax a South African company that is a primary distributor of Renusol solar mounting systems in Southern Africa concedes that solar power is an effective, sustainable energy solution that addresses a market currently nearly untapped in Africa.

However he points out that there are challenges in logistics and post installation security of the installed assets In the storage department on the other hand, most batteries are made from either crystalline silicon or thin-film semiconductor material.

Silicon cells are more efficient at converting sunlight to electricity, but generally have higher manufacturing costs. Thin-film materials typically have lower efficiencies, but can be simpler and less costly to manufacture. At the high end are called multi-junction or tandem cells which are used in applications requiring very low weight and very high efficiencies, such as satellites and military applications.

Ultimately what urban users want is to get off the grid completely but this won’t happen soon but what is apparent is that solar energy consumers are still on the grid but use it for backup. In the future however judging by current trends technological advances will continue to offer ever more attractive products to consumers making the dream more of a reality.

MACHINERY

5 tips on how to maintain compact excavators

C

ompact excavators have advanced radically in the last years. Boosted systems and competencies have allowed them to become mainstays on construction sites. Here are 5 compact excavator maintenance tips to make the most of your uptime and safety.

Fluids and lubricants An active maintenance routine begins with a day-to-day check of fluids, as well as coolant, hydraulic fluid and engine oil.

If any of these levels are low, be certain to fill-up with the manufacturer’s recommended type of fluid, paying specific attention to categorizations, as well as viscidness for the operating environment.

It’s also significant to keep these parts clean and use clean rags while checking levels to avoid impurities.

It’s also imperative to frequently oil the machine at recommended interludes, taking into consideration the application and temperatures the machine will be operational in. Manufacturers usually recommend the use of a quality lithium-based versatile grease to oil all main pivot points, such as cylinders, booms, and blades Filters.

There are several filters on a compact excavator for the fuel, engine, air and hydraulic systems, and each may have different service interludes. When dirty or totally blocked, a filter can directly influence performance and compromise delicate components. The majority of industry excavators have air filter limit indicators intended for the purpose of forewarning operators to maintenance requirements. To avoid system contamination, it’s dangerous not to remove the filter until the mandatory time.

Fuel Most manufacturers stipulate the use of clean, superior No. 2 or No. 1 grade diesel fuel. Operators with machines that regularly work in cooler climates may choose the option of specifically formulated blends 12

designed to avoid gelling.

At a minimum, ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel must be used in these machines to cut exhaust emission levels. Depending on construction site environments, owners and operators must also be conscious of water separation that can happen in a fuel filter as a consequence of a lower quality fuel supply.

Undercarriage Conceivably the most apparent wear item on the excavator undercarriage is the track. Most of compact excavators use rubber tracks and the life expectancy of the track is mostly reliant on the surroundings they are exposed to and the user’s functional habits. Tracks should be inspected on a day-to-day basis to look for cuts, tears or areas that bare the steel imbeds. Any punctures could let moisture or contamination to go into the track.

The most significant undercarriage interval item to observe is track tensioning.

A loose track is likely to de-track and will be harmful to its valuable life.

CR | November/December 2023

Cooling system An effective cooling system depends on on satisfactory airflow and suitable coolant level. If either is missing, it can fail performance, lead to an overheat state — or worse yet — hasten engine damage.

Proper cooling system maintenance comprises checking the airflow through the system and checking coolant hoses for leakages. The radiator, condenser and oil cooler can be cleaned by applying low pressure air or water, but use care not to damage the radiator’s fins.

Electrical system The electrical system of most compact excavators uses a 12-volt battery and fuses for the main reason of shielding this system in the occurrence of an electrical overwork.

Always replace botched fuses with like kind and amperage rating. Battery cables should be fitted and uncontaminated.

Examine for deterioration on the cable ends and the battery terminals. Prevention can normally be alleviated with suitable dielectric grease www.constructionreviewonline.com

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13

WATER SUPPLY

How to conduct error-free field pressure tests on PVC pipelines

F

ield pressure testing of PVC pipelines has proven to be a contentious issue in South Africa, with consulting engineers and installers often having different interpretations of how testing should be conducted. DPI Plastics has developed a ‘howto’ guide on field pressure testing to ensure that the integrity of a pipeline is not compromised as a result.

the condition of test equipment like end caps, hoses and pressure testing machine prior to commencing the test. “If equipment leaks, the test will be compromised. Calibration of test equipment, especially pressure gauges, should be checked. Inaccurate pressure gauges will not only compromise the integrity of the test, but may lead to over-pressurisation and subsequent damage of the pipeline.”

Modern plastic pipes are manufactured under controlled conditions and the testing regime at the manufacturing facility includes hydrostatic pressure testing of pipes and joints. This ensures that they are capable of delivering on minimum performance requirements. When the pipe is laid on site, however, pipes are joined outside the control of the pipe manufacturer.

All pipes require large volumes of water to conduct a field pressure test, and Snyman advises that a check should be undertaken to ensure that there is sufficient water available on site prior to the commencement of the test.

“What’s more, any concrete work, like thrust blocks, should be given sufficient time to reach full strength prior to testing, in order to preserve their integrity.”

The field pressure test is therefore used to test the integrity of the pipe joints which were completed on site. This test is covered by the SANS 2001:DP2 – Medium pressure pipelines standard. DPI Plastics product manager Renier Snyman notes that although the standard attempts to lay down the rules thoroughly, it is often misinterpreted or misunderstood. “The most commonly misinterpreted test parameters are pressure, duration and length,” he explains.

Snyman stresses that it is important to check 14

CR | November/December 2023

Temporary end caps fitted for testing purposes should be restrained against end load movement under pressure. “It is important to bear in mind that end load forces are high and restraints for end caps must be able to withstand these forces. For example, 500 mm class 12 PVC pipe subjected to 18 bar pressure generates an end load of approximately 18 tons directly onto the end caps.

According to Snyman, the pipes also have to www.constructionreviewonline.com

WATER SUPPLY

be properly backfilled in order to keep them from rising up from the trench during testing.

“It is important to keep the joints exposed, however, as it will make inspection for leaks much easier and quicker,” he continues.

pressure of the pipeline to allow the pipeline to settle under that pressure and to highlight possible leaks that would otherwise only develop after some time under pressure. With this in mind, the following requirements for test pressure are set out in SANS 2001: DP 2.

Determining test length

First requirement: The test pressure must be 1.5 times the working pressure of the pipeline, up to a maximum of 10 bar. Above 10 bar, the test pressure must be the working pressure of the pipeline plus 5 bar. The requirement refers to the working pressure of the pipeline, i.e. the pressure the pipeline will operate under. It does not refer to the pressure class of the pipe.

Pipelines can sometimes be several kilometres long, and it is therefore beneficial to test the pipeline in sections. “This method is more accurate and takes less time to inspect the joints. It also requires less water for each test, and is quicker to fill the line.

If a problem arises, it will also be noticed sooner and can be rectified before kilometres of pipeline is laid,” Snyman points out.

All pipes require large volumes of water to conduct a field pressure test For example; a pipeline with an operating pressure of 16 bar should be tested at 21 bar (16 bar + 5 bar). Snyman notes that the mistake is often made to test at 1.5 times operating pressure, regardless if the

Requirements for determining the test pressure The reason for performing the pressure test is to establish that the pipeline does not leak.

Test pressure is raised above the operating

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WATER SUPPLY

operating pressure is above 10 bar or not. “In this case, the difference between the correct pressure above and a 1.5 times operating pressure (24 Bar) is 3 bar.”

Second requirement: The test pressure must be between 1.25 times and 1.5 times the operating pressure at any point in the pipeline. This requirement makes allowance for variation in the test pressure. Due to differences in static head in the test section, it allows the test pressure to vary between 1.25 and 1.5 times the operating pressure at any point along the test section.

Test procedure Once the section of pipeline is ready for testing and the ends have been sealed and secured, Snyman states that it is advisable to fill the line slowly, to ensure that air is not trapped during the filling procedure. “It is also preferable to fill the pipeline from the bottom to push air out at the top of the pipeline. A breather should also be left open at the top of the pipeline for air to escape.”

If filling the pipeline from the highest point, Snyman advises allowing sufficient time for air to settle to the top before starting the test. “It is good practice to leave a filled pipeline for 12 hours for air to settle at the highest point. The air must be removed before commencing the pressure test.”

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When determining the test pressure, it is important to consider the location of the pressure gauge on the pipeline. If the pressure gauge is at the highest point along the test section, one has to add the static head (vertical height difference in metres between the lowest and highest points) of the test section to the reading on the pressure gauge.

After pressurising the test section slowly, the stop ends and thrust blocks should be checked for movement. If movement is detected, the test must be immediately terminated for repairs to take place. Once the pipeline has reached test pressure, the joints must be inspected for leaks.

If leaks are found, the pipeline should be depressurised, and leaks repaired before restarting the test.

Pipelines can sometimes be several kilometres long, it is therefore beneficial to test the pipeline in sections Pipelines can sometimes be several kilometres long, it is therefore beneficial to test the pipeline in sections

“If there are no visible leaks and the pipeline has stood under test pressure for the required duration, close the isolation valve between the test equipment and the pipeline. After an hour has elapsed, restore the test pressure and measure the amount of water needed to do so in litres. SANS www.constructionreviewonline.com

WATER SUPPLY

2001: DP 2 contains equations, depending on the pipe material, to calculate the allowable amount of water, in litres, needed to restore test pressure in the pipeline,” says Snyman.

pipes of nominal diameter below 400 mm.

During this time, the pressure inside the pipe should be maintained by means of a suitable pump.

As an example we consider a test section of 250mm PVC-U Class 16 pipe, 500m long.

The equation for PVC pipes is as follows: 0.01 x OD mm x Test Length km x √Test Pressure MPa. Therefore 0.01 x 250 x 0.5 x √2.1 = 1.811 litres. Snyman highlights that if more than 1.811 litres of water is needed to restore test pressure, the test failed and one should find the leak before retesting.

Once the test duration has elapsed, an additional hour is needed to perform the allowable pressure drop test. If the pipeline fails the pressure test, the leak needs to be located, repaired and the test repeated. “All air must be bled out of the pipeline before repeating the test,” observes Snyman.

Test duration

Anyone performing a field pressure test should inspect test equipment beforehand to ensure it is calibrated and leak free. When pressurising the pipeline, one should take into account the location of the pressure gauge and any static head that may add to the test pressure.

Although SANS 2001: DP 2 is specific about the test duration, Snyman warns that the prescribed duration is not well-known and often not adhered to. “I have come across pipelines that have been pressurised and left for 24 hours under pressure. Such practices not only defeat the objective of the field pressure test, but may also damage components in the pipeline.”

He reveals that the test duration is three hours for pipes of nominal diameter 400 mm and above, and between one and three hours for

Conclusion

“It is very important to ensure that all air is removed from the pipeline before pressurisation and to pressurise the pipeline slowly. If the correct test procedure is followed, one can be assured of accurate test results and long service life from the pipeline,” Snyman concludes.

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November/December 2023 | CR

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WIRING

Wiring Systems: Refurbishment of older wiring systems

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ne of the first types of wiring incorporated insulated spacers supporting conductors, in the early stages these were often bare conductors.

This was a relatively easy type of installation not ideally suited for homes because electric shock was a great risk.

Often when carrying out refurbishment or repairs on an existing building, older wiring systems are sometimes encountered by electricians. For the new generation of electrical installers this can be the first time they have encountered an older wiring system in working operation.

It is quite difficult to explain the nature of a wiring system when there is little or no practical information available.

An older wiring system does not necessarily mean the installation is unsafe.

Lead-sheathed Lead-sheathed cables were another type utilized, which consisted of tinned copper conductors with rubber insulation, often having a cloth covering, then an outer lead sheath. This proved to be a popular type, due to the ease and speed of the installation methods. The fixing methods were bottle- style clips which were prefixed along the route and then the lead- sheathed cable was laid along the route and the clips used to secure the cable in place.

The lead sheath formed the circuit protective conductor and it was essential that this was maintained to ensure that the sheath could not become live. At each termination there was a clamp system that secured the lead sheath to a metal box.

This type of cable offered an element of mechanical protection but the rubber insulation was liable to deterioration over a period of time, often due to excessive heat or overloading at the terminations of accessories. If lead-sheathed cable is found within an installation, it can be inspected and tested to determine the condition of the lead sheath and the rubber insulated conductors, but it is advisable to leave it undisturbed until such time as the wiring system can be replaced.

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Wooden trunking Vulcanized India rubber insulated cloth covered conductors encapsulated in a wooden- style trunking system, which had normally two grooves for the conductors to be located. This was a time- consuming process where usually carpenters were used to complete the system for the early electricians. The rubber insulation was liable to cracking over a period of time, often due to excessive heat or overloading at the terminations of accessories and there was the inherent fire risk associated with the wooden system.

Should this type of system be encountered, the only course of action would be replacement, although a detailed description including photographs and the retention of the system for display purposes would be greatly appreciated.

Tough rubber sheath Another popular type was, rubber insulated, tough rubber sheath cable (TRS) which was easily recognized by the black coloring, similar to the modern PVC cable. This once again proved popular because the flexible nature of the cable assisted the speed of the installation.

However, the mechanical protection for this cable was almost nonexistent. Also, the rubber was liable to deterioration depending on whether it was being subjected to overloading and/or high ambient temperatures. This cable type was also susceptible to damage from exposure to direct sunlight. The resultant deterioration often led to the loss of the insulating properties where the rubber became dry and inflexible, normally resulting in cracking of the sheath and inner core.

When the TRS cable is discovered, it can be inspected and tested to determine the condition but it is advisable to leave undisturbed until such time as the TRS wiring system can be replaced.

Polyvinyl chloride The introduction of polyvinyl chloride as a means of insulation revolutionized the electrical wiring industry www.constructionreviewonline.com

WIRING

by providing an insulation product with technology whereby our original cables are coated a long lifespan originally expected to be with a white PVC on the inside layer and colored approximately 25 years but is now still on the outside layer,” affirms Mr. Shah. undetermined.

The Administration Manager at Metsec Cables The initial PVC cables were installed Limited Mr. Davis Ndonye, a local manufacturer utilizing imperial- sized conductors, 1/.044, of Power Transmission and Distribution 3/.029, 7/.029 and 19/.044 for those who Cables; insists that, KEBS needs to be stricter remember them, and it can be difficult to in ensuring compliance by imported cables. determine their cross sectional area.

Customer awareness should be heightened to counter counterfeit and substandard products.

The introduction of low smoke and fume “Competition is high to entry of new manufacturers (LSF) cable to the PVC cable market and imports while consumer awareness is low removed the danger from fire hazards to medium. Consumers should go for products associated with electrical installation fires. with extensive variety and sizes, countrywide availability high quality, ISO Certification and When old wiring systems are encountered, Environmental Certification,” he adds. “Metsec it is extremely important to determine the cables embody all these quality,” he asserts. type of system you are dealing with. Failure to be aware of the dangers can lead to an increased risk of electric shock or the risk of fire to the building.

In addition, Stephen Liasides of alverncables is of the opinion that the world is advancing in leaps and bounds with regard to technology and this move tends to be more electronic and thus sensitive, automation, interfacing, prohibiting of harmful lead and gasses, to mention just a few.

“This makes the products available much better quality and although more difficult to manufacture something one can be proud to put your name to,” he adds.

He further advises consumers to consider more than just price since price is only one factor and not the key factor. “Use reputable companies and products. Where electricity is concerned lives are often at stake plus endless costs in downtime,” he reiterates.

Mr. Gregory Raffaele, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at EMSI insists that, temperature resistance, flexibility, new fiber optic and mechanical resistance are important factors to consider when repairing old wiring systems. “But besides all the existing approvals or standards, a contractors and their client should always consider the practical requirements which do not always fall within existing standards,” he adds.

“The cable industry is a very traditional industry and trends vary on the applications and products. Chinese competition has been a challenge which has forced some manufacturers to increase their efficiencies and reduce their costs, but has also raised new concerns due to quality issues,” reiterates Mr. Raffaele.

Mr. A. V. Shah the General Manager at Coast Cables Limited (CCL) advises that, customers must always look for the best quality when it comes to cables it will power their homes, businesses and livelihood for decades. “They must do their research and purchase original cables from officially appointed distributors. Cheap counterfeit cables can be attractive to consumers until it leads to high costs when they are forced to replace their wiring due to shorts or being under-powered,” he adds.

Coast Cables Limited is a local manufacturer of house and underground cables; plus they import intensely technical and specialized cables from reputable cable manufacturers globally.

“We have noticed CCL counterfeit cables countrywide and urge consumers to avoid these by knowing who to purchase original cables from. Eyeballing our cables, one can notice that CCL cables are differentiated from counterfeit by our skin coating www.constructionreviewonline.com

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GEOSYNTHETICS

Geosynthetics; Adding value to infrastructure projects

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eosynthetics comprise of an extensive range of products available in the market and these can be categorized as Geotextiles, Geogrids, Geonets, Geomembranes, Geosynthetic Clay Liners Geotextile Encased Columns and Geocomposites

in harbours, dykes,) sector. Early adoption of geosynthetics in this market was in mining but has proven its benefits in various construction applications which include: rail construction, paved and unpaved roadways, reinforced soil walls (asphalt reinforcement) among others.

Geosynthetics are manufactured from different polymers like: polyolefin (Polypropylene and Polyethylene, with a very high chemical resistance) or polyester (PVA, glass, aramide). Usually in the overall project, geosynthetics are categorized through their role or function in the design or project such as any other engineering materials. There are 7 functions recognized for geosynthetics and they include the following: filtration, separation, reinforcement, drainage, barrier; surface erosion control, and protection.

Nicoletta Rigon, Sales Manager at GEO&TEX2000 points out that geosynthetics has emerged as an effective technology in Africa because it improves infrastructure and protects the environment, reducing some effects of climate change.

At the beginning, geosynthetics were not used in critical applications; they were mainly used as ‘buffer’ for safety, usually to cater for incorrect installation or poor quality workmanships. Almost 100 years later, geosynthetics are now widely used in many civil and mining sectors as a key-role player in the overall project, which can be the reinforcement of roads, lining of a heap leach pads, or just a simple erosion control on the shoreline (embankment on soft soils, bridge abutments, noise barriers, flyovers, reinforced load transfer platforms LTP on piles). Significant cost savings and improvement of the whole structure can be achieved thanks to the use of Geosynthetics.

Geosynthetics in the African Market The geosynthetics market in Africa is growing steadily.

While a large portion of the market is limited to mining and allied sectors, geosynthetics has been adopted by various applications in the infrastructure, environmental (landfill) and hydraulic (shore protection, scour protection 20

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Located in northern Italy, GEO&TEX 2000 is a leading manufacturer in Europe for nonwoven geotextiles. Thanks to investment in high tech machines, they offer high quality products suitable for roads, highways, railways, artificial basins and erosion control projects.

As Africa’s infrastructure develops and urbanizes, the load on natural resources will increase. Geosynthetics can be used in a wide variety of infrastructure challenges, right from mining applications to ground stabilization in pavements, container yards, and many more.

For instance, geotextiles can be placed as a separator creating a stable platform for the contractor to work.

Geogrids can improve the quality of the pavement layers in order to avoid the use of crushed stone, while geocomposite for drainage can intercept seeping water and geomembranes helps in avoiding any land fill leachate getting into the ground.

According to Mr. Victor Ibrahim of ACE Geosynthetics a manufacturer of geosynthetics in Taiwan, the geosynthetics market in Africa is growing. South Africa is still the www.constructionreviewonline.com

GEOSYNTHETICS

leading user of geosynthetics, with most of the applications focused in the mining sectors. Non-woven geotextiles, woven geotextiles, Geosynthetic clay liners and geomembranes are the most widely used and requested geosynthetic materials in Africa.

“We do expect to see an increased growth in geosynthetics usage in line with massive amount of infrastructure projects on-going in other parts of Africa, especially in East Africa. With these infrastructure projects, we expect to see further usage of geosynthetic materials such as geotextiles and geogrids for soil/slope stabilization, reinforcement of roads, highways, railways and pavement application,” Mr. Victor Ibrahim.

Francesco Fontana managing Director of Manifattura Fontana a company specialized in the production of added-value needle punched nonwoven geotextile comments that “Enviromental aspects in Africa need to be evaluated even more than in other parts of the world because of of its precious natural peculiarity Geosynthetics allow us to save a big amount of CO2 emissions compared to traditional technologies with sand, gravel and concrete. This is a huge advantage for the environment.”

Techfab India is an India baed company w ith 5 factories that was founded in 2003, with the objective of providing world class geosynthetic products and services to enable owners, consultants and contractors to design and implement reliable, economic and easy to construct solutions for a wide range of geotechnical, transportation, hydraulic and environmental related problems.

PRESTORUS, a multi business engineering company, has resulted to the need for African market and manufacturers take into account such conditions when it comes to design and product choice being placed placed on the table.

“We recommend reinforced and weld free geocells which are favorable with climate change such as our GEOCORD and GEOSTEP products.

These geocells are used in design, construction, reconstruction and repair of infrastructure facilities under 1-5 climatic conditions and at

Market trends Globally, there is a huge emphasis on sustainability and the impact of urbanization on the environment. In the geosynthetics market, the research and development funding and innovation is driven towards more products and technologies that minimize the impact on the environment and allow re-use of different types of material; this is according to Richika Bhawnani of Strata a leading provider of soil reinforcement technology and many geotechnical solutions in India (Geosyntetics reduce the carbon footprint).

Geotextile mattress for slope protection”For example, various geosynthetics enable re-use of waste materials and site-won materials (such as ash, slag, poor quality soil etc.). Essentially, it allows for use of locally (possibly marginal) soils and material. This minimizes the effort, costs, and environmental impact produced by importing material from elsewhere,” he adds.

Furthermore, according to Michelle Neermal of Maccaferri a designer and developer of complex solutions in the civil engineering, geotechnical and environmental construction markets, the variability of geosynthetics materials is huge, making very difficult for non-expert in the field to make the right choice in design and implementation. “Manufacturers are more and more coming closer to engineers and project manager to assist them with design recommendations, guidelines and even trial testing in order to support the right choice for the project,” she says. +254 724 256 665

The African continent is also experiencing climatic conditions such as high temperatures and long- term exposures to sunlight. This according to Pavel Razbegaev, Head of International Projects Department at www.constructionreviewonline.com www.constructionreviewonline.com

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temperatures from -65 up to +70°C. GEOCORD can be used with great success to fix the ballast layer in railway clothes and GEOSTEP can be used for reinforcement of slopes,” said Pavel Razbegaev.

When it comes to geomembranes, Peter Hardie, Technical & International Sales Manager AKS Lining Systems (Pty) Ltd notes that they are mostly used for very high risk containment applications (either protecting the environment or protecting a client’s asset).

“HDPE Geomembrane liners for instance offer many advantages over conventional clay lining systems, not only from a chemical resistance and life expectancy aspect, but also from greatly reduced construction time and additionally carrying capacity in most containment applications,” said Peter Hardie.

Peter further explains that “It is vitally important to check and confirm that the liner being purchased conforms to the Internationally accepted GRI-GM13 (or our own SANS 1526) specifications. These specification ensure the liners will last in our African sun in terms of UV resistance and offer the maximum life expectancy.”

Dam liners Dam liners are essential for preventing water loss from reservoirs and ponds; however it is essential that high quality dam liners are purchased if a long term waterproof solution is required. Predominantly manufactured from (high density) Polyethylene and Polypropylene, these geo membranes are used extensively for the containment of liquids, solids and gases in a variety of applications, including Attenuation Tanks, Flood Alleviation, Dam Liners, Gas Barriers, Landfill baseliners & Capping and process water ponds.

These liners will normally be provided in rolls which have to be welded together. This requires an experienced welding technician using the correct welding machinery; so as to ensure a proper bond is attained at the seam. Low quality brands offer poor adhesion properties, resulting in leaks from the seams over time. Replacing or repairing leaking linings can be very expensive, in addition to being time consuming and inconvenient. A little extra investment in a high quality liner should keep repair costs to a minimal level. (Proper installation of the liner as well as careful procedures for the installation of cover layers is crucial).

According to Philippe Grimmelprez of Mattex Geosynthetics, which is a major manufacturer of woven geotextiles in Dubai – UAE and Nonwoven Geotextiles in Al Jubail-Saudi Arabia, can quality Geotextiles offer many advantages for contractors, consultants and governments.

In principle are geotextiles, woven or non-woven, used in almost every civil engineering project. Often are the geotextiles used also in combination with other Geosynthetics like Geogrids, Geomembranes, Geocells and Gabions.

The selection of the right polymer for the application concerned is the starting point for the selection of the best suitable geosynthetic.

Commonly are polypropylene and polyester non-wovens and wovens used and its usage depends on the application and requirement. For the most critical applications and soils is polypropylene the preferred polymer thanks to its resistance against chemicals (polluted soils and 22

environments with a high PH – e.g. concrete) that often can be found on sites. The excellent mechanical and hydraulic characteristics that can be achieved with polypropylene fibres also contributes to this significant preference. Today – with the current modern technology of Mattex Geosynthetics – can much higher strengths per unit mass be reached than ever before. This high performance geotextiles results in a significant advantage in the product, installation and transport cost.

“Mattex Geosynthetics is able to reach strengths that are up to 30% higher than geotextiles with similar weight a couple of years ago. This also leads to significant cost savings as the product is cheaper, more economical to transport and easier to install than heavier products. Contractors, designers, consultants and governments are more aware of the advantages and cost savings that Geosynthetics can bring to a project. Aside the significant cost savings that can be achieved with quality Geosynthetics is this also an environmentally friendly construction method,” he adds.

Challenges in the Market The biggest challenge faced in this market is awareness. Like many new technologies, enablement and adoption becomes a challenge. Especially in developing countries where exposure to these products are minimal, it is important to study and understand the use of geosynthetics.

According to AKS lining systems Laboratory Manager, a supplier of geomembranes in Africa, challenges in the market include: Inexperienced customers who purchase the cheapest lining option and do not consider the quality of the lining required for their specific application, transport of containers of lining from Port to remote sites; meeting deadlines and timeframes for inaccessible, remote locations and also Problems with Customs clearances relating to consumables and returnable tools As one of the experts in this industry, Strata takes several steps to ensure prospective and existing clients are technically sound with the material.

This includes installation guidelines, product guidelines, exhaustive test reports, informative case studies, technical in-person workshops, and several informational videos.

CR | November/December 2023

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BATHROOMS

D

Bathroom Remodel Ideas on a Budget

id you recently purchase a home and you need a bathroom remodel?

Have you been living in your house for decades and are tired of the look of the bathroom? Is it simply not as functional as you hoped it would be? Regardless of your reasons, if you’re working on a budget, you’ll be glad to hear that there are tons of ideas you can use to completely or partially remodel this essential part of your home. Keep on reading for some inspiration.

Leave the pipes in the same place What you need to take into consideration when planning this Bathroom Remodel is the fact that moving the pipes or getting all new plumbing will cost a lot of money. So, keep your budget in mind. If the layout is simply not good, you might have to do this but that also means that you might not have enough money to get all the latest fixtures. Look for a way to keep sinks, showers and toilets as close to their original place as possible. Sinks are usually the least expensive to re-position, so only move them if you can.

walls.

Tone down the tiles While you might think that floor-to-ceiling tiles look beautiful, you need to be aware of the price of such an endeavour. Seeing as how the expenses can quickly stack up, you should look into some alternatives. Other than using mildew-resistant paint and wallpaper for the walls, you can also save some money by using vinyl or linoleum for the floor. Reclaimed wood panels and concrete work wonders as well, so that is something else to think about. If you’re splurging on material, try to limit yourself to one statement wall.

Save money by buying local Another great way to save money is to purchase from local vendors and look for materials that can easily be harvested in your area. This means that you will not have to pay for the shipment and delivery and the chances are high that the material is widely available near you and potentially very cheap.

Find one item to splurge on Just because you’re working on a budget, it doesn’t mean that you can’t splurge on an amazing piece you find. However, you should keep it down to just one or a few items. If you plan on making this piece the focal point of the bathroom, you might be able to cut down the costs of other parts of the room. If the freestanding bathtub is going to be the centrepiece, you can use more affordable tiles for the floor, for example. If the sink will play this role, the countertop can be more economical.

Add a fresh coat of paint In case you are not looking to replace all the elements during your bathroom remodel, simply painting the walls can be enough. This can make a huge difference and will not leave a dent in your wallet. For instance, if your bathroom is currently mostly neutral, you can introduce a bold colour that will give the room an instant facelift. You can also leave most of it neutral but paint one statement wall in a bright colour or a stripe pattern for a dramatic effect. What is more, floorboards can also be painted and give your bathroom a chic update. Just make sure you use wood paint for this project.

Put up bold wallpaper Just like paint, wallpaper is also a cheap way to make a big change. This is something you can do on your own, without having to hire professionals and spend even more money on their services. The great thing here is that wallpaper comes in many designs, from floral scenes to geometric grids. Plus, you can even come up with a pattern of your own and have it printed on the wallpaper you will put on the

Search through antique shops If a vintage feel is something that you are hoping to achieve, you can also visit some local antique shops and see whether there are any pieces that fit your aesthetic. For example, maybe you can find a unique light fixture or an ornate mirror that will be the centrepiece. You might even be able to find a bigger piece such as a clawfoot tub that you can repaint in a bold shade if that is something you think would look good in your bathroom.

Look for deals online On the other hand, you can also look online for the items you need. Luckily, there are many specialized shops that often have products on sale. Regardless of whether you’re looking for floating vanities or quality bathroom accessories, you just need to pay attention to these websites to notice when you can purchase that piece you have been eyeing for a while at a discount. What is more, remember that there are certain dates around which you can find great deals, such as Christmas and Black Friday.

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Repurpose old furniture pieces Then, maybe you have some pieces lying around your home that you can repurpose for the bathroom. If you have plenty of space and are looking to make this a cosy lounge area, you can add a chair and a side table to the room.

Simply repaint them and they will bring a touch of luxury. You can also introduce a bench or an ottoman which can be used as storage as well.

Fix up old items if you can’t purchase new ones In case you simply cannot afford to buy a new vanity or bathtub, you can look online for various tutorials on how you can fix these old items up. For instance, perhaps you can paint the outside of the vanity and revitalize it. Maybe taking off the doors and having some open shelving will do the trick. Simply replacing the countertop might be enough.

Change the accessories Perhaps you are looking for a small change that will not impact your finances too much. In that case, you can simply swap out some of the accents. For example, upgrade your taps with a newer model that is more water-efficient. If they were chrome before, you can replace them with gold or black ones. This can be done with all the other hardware as well – from light fixtures to drawer handles, towel racks and toilet paper holders. Then, you can change your shower curtain, get a new soft rug and purchase new towels in a hue that will complement the entire colour scheme.

Make storage efficient Small bathrooms often have a storage issue. If you can’t fit any sort of premade element in the room, you might have to get them custom-made. However, this can cost you a pretty penny, which is why you have to look for some alternatives. For example, you can go vertical with open shelving. Plus, you can easily purchase shelf brackets and wood boards at a local hardware store and do this on your own.

Depending on where you install them, they can be used to display things or hide them away.

Something else you can consider is hiring a fabricator that can make a nice steel frame for an open vanity and then adding the shelves yourself.

Create your own artwork If you want some décor for the bathroom, there’s an affordable way to do that. If you have a creative hobby, you can put up your own artwork and proudly display it. Then, you can also simply print your favourite photos or works of art, frame them and hang them. This is a lowcost project that can add style to the room.

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PROJECT

Cathedral Mall to Give Kakamega Fresh Lease of Life

Kakamega is a bustling town in Western Kenya and serves as the headquarters of Kakamega County. With a population of almost 2 million and growing (Census 2019), Kakamega is ready for new investments to serve not only its residents but also those in neighbouring locations as well as those on transit.

The town has grown tremendously mostly as a result of initiatives by the County Government to support economic growth enablers such as transport infrastructure.

It is against this background that investors have continued to register their confidence in the town’s trajectory through new business ventures across retail, accommodation, health and other sectors.

The Catholic Diocese of Kakamega identified the need for a modern mixed-use commercial development that would augment the existing facilities while at the same time reflecting the vibrant culture of the people of Kakamega, thus The Cathedral Mall.

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The mall is located along the Kisumu-Webuye Road opposite Muliro Gardens within the Catholic Church compound. It has three access points, with the main one being from the service lane on the main highway.

According to Brickehaus Architects who are overseeing the project delivery, the client intended to have a mixed-use commercial development with commercial spaces and offices. “They desired a unique facility with all modern amenities yet reflective of the vibrant culture of the people of Kakamega.”

This development, a landmark in the town, will accommodate a major retail supermarket, offices, banks, restaurants, telecommunications customer care centers, electronic shops, spas and salons, pharmacies, insurance companies and clothing stores among other businesses.

The Cathedral Mall sits on slightly under 2.5 acres and delivers 80,000 sq ft of lettable space in the first phase. The second phase is an office www.constructionreviewonline.com

PROJECT

tower coming right above this podium level with 90,000sq ft of office space on 11 floors.

Facilities The mall features the following: CCTV Surveillance Borehole to complement County water Adequate water storage about 450,000Ltrs Standby generators Voltage stabilizers to ensure quality power supplied ClearVU fencing used to non-intrusive security screen KAPS parking management system 2 no. 26-person Lifts 4 no. escalators Adequate both basement and surface parking Design According to Brickehaus, The Cathedral Mall has been designed with the people in mind. “There are generous walkways, large atrium with enough lighting and ventilation.”

Brickehaus say the mall has adopted the zero barriers universal design considerations by taking care of persons with disability. “There are ramps at every access point as well as 2 no lifts in this phase and 4 no escalators. There is a generous terrace which provides an interactive space where customers will not only dine and wine but also unwind as they experience the beautiful views of the town.”

They add: “Of course the physical design of the mall is unique in order to make a statement in the

neighbourhood. Deliberate choice of vibrant external colours and strong features was considered to echo the culture of the people of Kakamega who have very vibrant culture and traditions and love celebration. Hence this mall is an amplification of the spirit of the people of Kakamega and the Mulembe spirit”.

Choice of Materials The main structure is in reinforced concrete and concrete blocks. Concrete hollow blocks were used on the slab to assist with sound absorption as well as make the structure light, hence reducing overall loading on the foundations.

Externally the building is plastered painted with weatherproof paint with mix of Alluminium cladding panels to give a unique and vibrant rhythmic pattern mimicking the local culture.

Internally, the walls are plastered and painted with environmentally friendly washable paint and the floors have porcelain tiles. The basement floor has power floated floor which is hard wearing natural concrete.

The parking area has heavy duty concrete paving blocks. Landscaping has been effectively used to bring softness to the external space. The choice of plants has been done carefully to ensure they not only enhance the physical environment but also survive in the area that usually experiences very heavy rainfall.

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PROJECT

According to Brickehaus, the mall has been designed to allow for air movement throughout the building.

“This was done though large entry ways on opposite sides of the build-

ing and a large atrium at the centre which has openings at the upper side.

This has ensured there is air movement and air exchange hence keeping the internal environment relatively cool. The atrium also brings in natural lighting in the public spaces hence eliminating the need for artificial light during the day.”

All washrooms have been fitted with presence sensors for the lighting to conserve energy and reduce lighting bills. “The escalators too have presence sensors and only operate when persons are but go off when not in use hence saving energy”, reveals Brickehaus.

Challenges faced by Project Team Every project has it unique challenges. No project runs exactly as expected. It is always upon the project team to make the necessary adjustments.

The Cathedral Mall is no different. A number of challenges were encountered.

Weak Soil in Kakamega Area The team conducted several geotechnical surveys but all results were below required strength. The soil bearing capacity for the area was found to be 110KN/M2 against a design strength of 250KN/m2. This required an ingenious engineering solution which the project engineers were able to provide. The whole foundation was stabilized to provide an artificially constructed stable ground on which the building sits.

Presence of underground water

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Kakamega has a lot of underground water and this posed a challenge as water had to be kept off all foundations to ensure structural integrity. The project engineers proposed numerous sleeves within the foundations with several collector sumps to be able to collect the water which would then be pumped out. This solution has worked effectively to manage underground water.

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PROJECT

Covid 19 The restrictions on interactions and movements following the outbreak of Covid 19 impacted the project significantly. To mitigate this, the contractor ensured the working hours were longer and in shifts to enable work proceed albeit at a much lower pace.

Escalation of Cost of Materials As a result of the pandemic and global restrictions in trade and movement of goods and materials, the price of construction items escalated globally and the Cathedral Mall project was not spared. This necessitated an honest roundtable discussion among all parties mediated by the consultants to enable the project proceed.

“For this, we sincerely thank the client for the vision and determination to have the project delivered despite all the challenges”, says Brickehaus.

“The biggest lesson learnt is to future proof all aspects of buildings in terms of designs, construction, contracts and to always have the user in mind in all decisions from design to construction.”

The project kicked off in September 2019 with an initial completion date of March 2021 but due to these challenges and heavy rainfall during the substructure construction, timelines and costs were impacted.

PROJECT TEAM Architects: Brickehaus limited Project Managers: Bahati Engineering Civil/Structural Engineers: Bahati Engineering Quantity Surveyors: SwiftCost LLC Services Engineers: Remax Consult Letting Agents: Kenval Realtors Main Contractor: Parbat Siyani Construction Ltd External Works Contractor: Rodz Construction Electrical Sub contractor: Sawarn Singh & Sons Ltd Plumbing Sub contractor: Express Plumbers Ltd Waterproofing Sub contractor: Kenbro Industries Ltd Lift sub-contractor: Kone E.A Ltd HVAC sub-contractor: Universal Engineering Services Ltd Glass & Alluminium sub-contractor: Ali Fabrication Solutions Ltd Borehole Sub contractor: Lifewater Drilling Ltd CCTV sub-contractor: Synthesis Systems Ltd Parking System sub-contractor: KAPS Signage sub-contractor: Galaxy Signs Africa Tiles: CTM Kenya

Brickehaus Limited Suite 20 Karen Connection Office Park Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 722 877904 Email: info@brickehaus.com Website: https://brickehaus.com/

We are proud to be associated with the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega as the Lead Architects for the Cathedral Mall - Kakamega

ARCHITECTURE + PLANNING + INTERIORS

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PROJECT

As devolved units continue to grow, many businesses and individuals are finding it worthwhile to invest in these regions rather than flock to the capital city and other large towns. Consequently, there has been a noticeable incremental trend in commercial and residential developments in regional (county) capitals.

Meru Greenwood City Mall Opening new frontiers

The Greenwood City Mall is part of the larger Greenwood City, a modern mixed-used development in the heart of Meru, about 225 kilometres east of Nairobi. Meru is considered a prime location for this kind of development as it is accessible from key towns around the Mt. Kenya region including Embu, Nanyuki and Isiolo. These towns have vibrant economies that can support retail business.

Designed by Triad Architects, Greenwood City itself, a development of Fusion Capital, is envisioned as an ultra-modern live, work and play community providing an ideal environment with natural open spaces with playgrounds, community facilities, commercial and retail space. It sits on six acres and is being implemented in phases. The mall, already complete, takes up 3.8 acres.

According to the developer, the intention behind Greenwood City was to deliver a Grade A mixeduse development in the fast-growing town and attract premium tenants like other major cities in the country. They were also cognizant of the potential of job creation during construction and from the businesses that would be domiciled in the city.

“We take pride in having delivered the first premium value mall in Meru and the greater environs featuring a modern international design with high-end finishes and well-planned retail shops. It also has world class facilities and amenities including the first escalator in the town and spacious panoramic lifts that open to the well-lit atrium and bespoke frameless glass balustrading. This is supported by spacious outdoor areas covering ample parking and well landscaped areas that brings out the mall’s identity to blend and conserve the existing flora.”

The mall was completed ahead of tenant fit-outs in October 2022 having commenced in 2015. Most of the construction was however undertaken during the Covid Pandemic.

As expected, the mall has already attracted key tenants including financial institutions such as Cooperative Bank, Stima Sacco, retailers such as Naivas and a host of other businesses that include 28

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PROJECT

809 Applewood Adams Building Ngong Road, Adams Arcade P.O. Box 12012-00100 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 20 8100590, +254 20 8100591 Mobile: +254 721 367435, 770 802071 Email: info@multiscope.co.ke Website: www.multiscope.co.ke

We are proud to be associated with the Greenwood City Mall Meru as the Project Civil & Structural Engineers

Fostering Sustainable Infrastructure

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PROJECT

Linton’s and Citywalk. Others are healthcare providers including Gertude’s, electronics shops and major fast-food outlets such as KFC and Java.

Choice of location The site has good accessibility and is near public parking spaces that will complement the parking at the proposed development.

It’s also near the major commuter terminus.

The property sits just off the Meru-Nairobi highway, which passes directly through the town’s CBD. The second largest of Meru’s matatu stages - Makutano Bus Station - is situated directly opposite. Thus, is accessible by public and private means as well.

Materials used The floor has a mix of high-quality ceramic and granito tiles with stainless steel cladding and balustrades and modern gypsum ceiling finishes. The shopfront designs feature powder coated aluminium. There is also significant use of glass in the façade and atrium to give a

BQC

naturally lit space.

Green elements The mall will soon be rolling out a solar power to the common areas. The overall design harnesses natural light to reduce energy expenses. Motion and time sensors have been incorporated in the common areas and washrooms to further reduce on the lighting costs.

In landscaping, the developer has retained indigenous trees around the area to give a seamless adaptation to the environment.

Services The mall is sufficiently covered with high voltage stable power supported by backup generators that cater to common power and a few tenant requirements. Water is supplied from both the county and borehole on site. The mall is connected to the bulk sewer system.

There are 220 parking slots on ground and basement, a perimeter wall and round-theclock security.

BEEQUE CONSULTANTS LTD. Quantity Surveyors & Building Economists

#19, Beeque House, Golf Course, Mbaruk Road, Tel:+254722667146,+254733734537 P.O. Box 3280 – 00200 Nairobi.

Email: info@beeque.com

SERVICES PROVIDED • Project viability studies & developer’s budgets.

• Budgetary Construction Cost Estimates & cost plans.

• Tender documents/Bills of Quantities.

• Pre-tender cost estimates.

• Procurement advice, tender action & process.

• Contract formulation.

• Construction cost management – cost monitoring, controls & cash flow projections.

• Interim valuations for Contractor’s payment certificates.

• Measurements and valuation of variations, financial appraisals, contract claim management & final accounts.

• Dispute resolution and management services.

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www.kitchensandbeyond.co.ke The Promenade (General Mathenge Drive)

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PROFILE

Maestro Architects celebrate 20 years of great designs Maestro Architects was founded in late 2003 by architects Charles Ogeto and Peter Kimathi after an unplanned meeting at a café in Kilimani, Nairobi. Ogeto had known Kimathi since their days at Githunguri & Partners, where the former worked before entering into private practice. "I was an architect at Githunguri & Partners firm while Kimathi was a student intern", Charles explains. "We became quite close while engaged on several projects at the office."

As they compared notes and caught up at the then-Kula Kona restaurant, the two architects discussed forming a practice that could take on huge works and, as Charles puts it, "join the big boys club." They considered the name Maestro, which means "master," as in "building master."

The company was then formed, and they established themselves at Mirage Plaza on Mombasa Road, where they remain to this day. As they say, the rest is history.

Maestro Architects can now confidently claim a place at the pinnacle of Kenyan architectural practice. With an excellent portfolio of projects spanning several genres, the firm now has the capacity to take on projects of any size. Maestro has been working on projects in both the public and private sectors, designing offices, institutions, apartments, private residences, warehouses, mixed-use developments, religious buildings, and other structures.

But it wasn’t a rosy beginning. “The first five years was a struggle,” reveals Charles. “We were not known. The jobs were not coming. And we thought if this continued, we would have to close.” After a visit by a seasoned architect David Mutiso of Mutiso Menezes International, Charles says the duo got a lot of encouragement.

“This is how you start,” Mutiso told the budding partners.

The two decided to change tact and go for government works. “To work for government, one had to tender and that required a number of documents. We visited the Ministry of Public Works and asked for a sample tender document, which we read like the Bible”.

Armed with some knowledge and the requisite documents, the firm made its tender debut in 2010. “We initially made a lot of mistakes”, remembers Charles, noting that tenders are quite complicated and one can be disqualified on simple grounds such as a missing document or lack of pagination.”

Eventually an opportunity came to tender for a project by the then Kenya Institute of Education (KIE) which is now known as Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD). The Institute needed a headquarters building with a media centre and a hotel. Maestro put in their bid. But as fate would have it, the tender was cancelled three times by the PPOA (now the PPRA) over anomalies. When it came to putting in bids for

Arch. Charles Ogeto, co-founder of Maestro Architects the fourth time, perhaps aware that Maestro were by now fatigued, the client asked the firm not to give up but to submit yet again.”

So we did it grudgingly since, as you know, tendering also has costs. We did it and forgot about it.”

Soon after, a man appeared at Maestro offices asking to see Charles. “It turned out to be the notification of their KIE tender win.”

This marked the beginning of Maestro’s engagement with Government. Since then, the firm has handled many assignments and is still working on government projects, besides private sector engagements.

Some of their projects include:

East African School of Aviation Chapel (Entry view) Courtesy of Maestro Archives

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2 DECADES OF MASTERY Congratulations On 20 Years at The Apex of Architecture

15 Years Warranty BascoPaints

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PROFILE

This was an expansive government project consisting of a Headquarters Complex, a Media Centre and a hotel as well as other auxiliary facilities. The contract sum was in excess of Ksh 4.7 billion at the time of award. It was to be implemented in phases. The first phase containing the offices and a few other facilities is already completed while the others are to be built during the second and third phases. The works commenced in August of 2013.

The KICD Headquarters – Phase 1 – Office Block.

KISUMU URBAN PROJECTS (KUP) – MODEL SCHOOLS This project, an initiative of the Kisumu County Government in conjunction with the Governments of Kenya and France (AFD), involved the creation of five model schools in rural areas. “We were selecting dilapidated schools and redesigning them to modern learning institutions with all the facilities necessary.” The project began in 2015 and was substantially complete by 2018.

Angira Primary School- Maestro Archives

KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL STAFF SACCO APARTMENTS This project involved the development of high-end apartments in the Westlands suburb of Nairobi. There were 50 two-bedroom units spread over 6 floors.

KNHSSS Apartments – Westlands Nairobi – Courtesy Maestro Archives

Maestro Architects are also involved in the Business Bay Square, one of the the largest malls in East Africa.

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PROJECT

Other projects by Maestro Architects include: East African School of Aviation Chapel – Embakasi, Nairobi.

St Veronica Catholic Church Syokimau, Machakos County.

Architect’s Impression of the Lapfund Crater City Mall, Nakuru– courtesy Maestro Archives

Villa Vista Commercial development – Meru County The Rolling Chaa, Hotel and Spa Resort – Nyamira County.

The LAPFUND project, is an extensive development in Nakuru set on 19 acres (formerly Eveready Battery Factory) and featuring an industrial park, offices, residential houses, entertainment center, commercial mall and a hotel, among others. It will be known as Crater City Mall when complete.

Kiri Consult is a company offering Civil and Structural Engineering Consultancy services in policy and framework development, feasibility studies, design, supervision, monitoring, auditing, and evaluation of programs and infrastructure in: WATER AND SANITATION Water Abstraction (Rivers, Springs, Boreholes, Dams’ Intakes), Conveyance (Pumping, Gravity, and their

Combinations), Treatment and Supply (Convectional

and Modular Treatment Units), Storage (Convectional

Dams, Sub-Surface, Sand Dams, and Ground Storage), Irrigation Systems; (Gravity Surface, Drip, MicroSprinklers), Water Shed Management,

Waste Water Collection, Conveyance, Treatment, Re-

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including Value Addition, and Storm Water Drainage and Management.

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KIRICONSULT Water, Transport & Structural Engineers

Nachu Plaza 12th Floor Along Kiambere Rd, Nairobi Tel: +254 731 191043 Email:info@kiriconsult.co.ke

BUILDING AND STRUCTURES Hotels and Recreational Facilities, Hospitals, Schools, Research Institutions, Industrial

Complexes, Commercial Developments, and Office Blocks, Residential Flats, Apartments,

Maisonettes, Bungalows, Bridges, Masts, and Pylons.

TRANSPORTATION Rural and Urban Roads Airports & Runways Railways

We are proud to be associated with KEMSA in the development of their Central Warehousing and Office Complex

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PROJECT

KEMSA Central Warehouse and Offices This is an ongoing project that commenced in 2018 and is one of Maestro’s largest. The Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) is a state agency charged with procuring, storing and distributing drugs and medical supplies for public health programs countrywide.

KEMSA required a state-of-the-art headquarters and modern warehouse to decongest their current premises. Maestro Architects won the competitive open tender. The design required an integrated master plan that featured state-of-the-art facilities that included automation of warehouse activities, climate control (ambient temperatures), fire station and a hazardous materials store, among others.

Construction of the warehouse was facilitated by The Global Fund and Government of Kenya.

The complexity of the project, especially the warehouse requirements, necessitated Maestro team to visit Europe for benchmarking. The team visited warehouses in Belgium and Denmark where they gained invaluable insights at global organizations such as Johnson & Johnson and DHL. Phase 1 of the project (the warehouse) is now complete and the project team is working on the final stages of Phase 2 that consists of the state-of-the-art offices with a helipad for emergency supplies.

KCAA height restrictions capped the development at a maximum of seven stories due the adjacent Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

M&M CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANTS Building Economists, Quantity Surveyors & Construction Project Managers

We are Proud to be Associated with KENYA MEDICAL SUPPLIES AUTHORITY (KEMSA)

MODERN WAREHOUSE  FLAMMABLE GOODS STORE  OFFICE BLOCK AT EMBAKASI, NAIROBI

GOLF VIEW OFFICE SUITES - MUTHAIGA. 7TH FLOOR - SUITE B7 (ii) ALONG WAMBUI ROAD, OFF KIAMBU ROAD. P. O. BOX 4677 - 00506, NAIROBI - KENYA. TELEPHONE: +254 (20) 6550 188 / 208. OFFICE MOBILE: 0701 946 020 E-MAIL: INFO@M-MCONSULTANTS.COM. WEBSITE: WWW.M-MCONSULTANTS.CO.KE

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