Construction Review Africa

In Africa, for Africa, by Africa

Powering up Nigeria

The scramble for investment opportunities

Kenya: A contractors success story

South

MANAGING

COUNTRY

Kenya - Francis Makari

Uganda - Samuel Bujingo

Nigeria - Boladale Ademiju

WRITERS

Emmanuel Onsomu, Elaine Young, Newton Mthethwa, Lindsay Wagner

WEB & GRAPHIC DESIGN

Augustine Ombwa

Frankline May Moses Ngunjiri

ADVERTISING

Kenya

William Mutama, Fred Okoth, Frances Lagoussis (Mombasa), Trizah Njoroge, Faustine Salleh

South Africa: Manoko Thosago, Tabitha Muthoni,Winnie

Powering up Nigeria

Scrambling

The poor state of Nigeria’s power supply as evidenced by frequent power blackouts and altogether unreliable supply will soon be a thing of the past as the government’s new policies begin to bear fruit.

Cover Picture: The 500MW capacity Omotosho II Power station in Omotosho, Ondo state. It has four General Electric (GE) Frame 6E gas turbines operating in simple-cycle mode.

Tom Kiage

Malawi: Anderson Fumulani

Ghana: Samuel Hinneh Zimbabwe:

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Exterior Building facades

Aesthetics in modern office buildings have taken on greater significance as clients endeavour to make a pronounced statement in line with their vision.

We take a look at whats on offer.

Trioscope Architectual Planning and Interior Designers

We take a look at one of Kenya's leading Architectural firms and its path to success crowned by the completion of Cardinal Otunga Plaza located in Nairobi's CBD.

Editor's Comment

Africa needs power

Electricity is essential for Africa to have any meaningful development. Studies show that a country requires at least 500kwh per capita to begin to move forward in development and most of Africa falls far below this basic minimum. In most countries power supply is instead characterized by frequent blackouts even where available.

Electrical powers vital role cannot be over emphasized. It offers hospitals refrigeration facilities and improves economic activities such as farming and fishing to name a few. Small towns literally light up when they are connected to the grid.

Governments have begun to wake up to this reality and are proactively engaging the private sector as a key partner in investment in the power sector. In Nigeria as in several other countries privatization of inefficient power utility companies is becoming the rule rather than the exception and private investors are now putting up independent power plants to bridge the gap between supply and demand.

In this issue we look at Nigeria’s case, the successes and the pitfalls on the road to provision of adequate power supply.

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Northwest Ventures Ltd

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Robert Barnes

US$6bn petrochemical project launched

A US$6bn petrochemical complex has been launched by the board of the General Authority for the Northwestern Suez Gulf Economic Zone. The Tahrir project will entail the construction of a petrochemical industrial complex on an area of five square kilometres in Ain Sokhna. The board’s chairman, Major General Mohammed Refaat, said that Minister of Industry, Foreign Trade, and Investment Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour has taken special steps to support the project adding that the project is labourintensive and it will helps fight unemployment.

Egypt Morocco Egypt Ghana

Refaat said that one half of the project is funded through local investments, and the other through a Saudi-Emirati partnership with companies registered with chambers of finance in the UAE and London. The authority’s board designated Engineer Adel Ayoub, Chairman of the Main Development Company (MDC), to contract with Basel El-Baz, chairman of the Tahrir complex, a subsidiary of Carbon Holding, in order to sign a partnership contract within the area that has yet to be annexed, measuring 14 kilometres.

The administration of the Tahrir Complex will extend the project’s facilities at its own expense. The complex includes several factories that will provide various chemical supplies for the local market in multiple governorates of Egypt. They will be exported through the Sokhna and Adabiya ports in Suez. Upon operation, the project will provide 3,000 direct employment opportunities and 50,000 indirect employment opportunities.

Construction industry registers 4.27% growth rate

The Moroccan construction industry registered a compound annual growth rate of 4.27% during the review period (2009-2013). This growth was supported by government reforms including the liberalization, modernization and privatization of previously government-run sectors. Despite the financial crisis and the Arab Spring uprisings, the government increased expenditure on the construction and renovation of roads, airports and seaports.

This is according to a research report on construction in Morocco - Key Trends and Opportunities to 2018. The report indicates that the construction industry growth is expected to remain healthy over the forecast period (2014-2018), as a result of the governments focus on infrastructure and residential construction. The residential, infrastructure and commercial construction markets collectively accounted for 84.1% of the construction industry’s value in 2013. The contribution of these three markets will be significant to overall industry growth, with industry output expected to record a forecastperiod CAGR of 5.06%.

Mega tourism project planned for Sinai

Arabia Group for Development and Urban Progress, Egypt’s real estate firm, is planning to invest in a 1million square metre project in Sinai, Egypt. The mega tourism project will include a hotel and 2,000 touristic and residential units. This is according to Tarek Shoukry, the group’s chairman.Shoukry confirmed that 80% of the project’s plans and approvals have been finalized adding that the company believes that Egypt’s real estate market is heading to a notable increase in demand on property units. He noted that during the past five or six months, consumers have become more assured about the market. Shoukry said work on the tourism project will begin in mid 2015, by which time the company expects Egypt’s political situation to have improved.

Shoukry is upbeat that the market is significantly stabilising and improving, a trend he expects to continue for the coming year. He pointed out that from now to 2016, the real estate market will witness two and a half years of growth. Real estate investment and advisory firm Jones Lang LaSalle published a report in early April where it predicted that Egypt’s real estate market would remain subdued but gradually recover in late 2014 and 2015. The report added that the signs of economic recovery in Egypt have positively influenced the real estate market.

Kingdom Hotel Investments

Ghana, in partnership with MAN Enterprise, has commenced site mobilisation and construction activities on Ghana’s first fivestar multipurpose residential facility dubbed as the Ambassador Heights. The luxury development is an extension of the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel and it will comprise three and four-bedroom city homes for private ownership. Each home will enjoy its own garden and access to the amenities and services of the surrounding complex: concierge services, world class dining, shopping, spa, swimming, fitness, all in the comfort of a secure environment supported by 24 hour electricity and water supply.

The General Manager of MAN Enterprise, Mr Clovis Abi Nader, said they are extremely excited to be developing this kind of project in Ghana and the region. He said the Ambassador Heights will command an extremely high quality of international luxury standards. Although work is expected to be completed by December 2015, the developers announced that only a limited amount of inventory in the second phase of the project is currently available for purchase. Mr. Abi Nader said discerning Ghanaians and Nigerians have been eagerly anticipating the start of the development which has realized sell-out of its first phase of inventory.

Ambassador Heights development

Tanzania

East Africa’s largest convention centre

The Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) is finalising processes to construct a convention centre. The roposed Mount Kilimanjaro International Convention Centre (MKICC) will be the largest convention centre in Eastern Africa. built in Arusha on a plot along Njiro Road and once completed; the stateof-the art complex is going to feature conference halls capable of housing 10,000 delegates. "The MKICC will have a flagship plenary hall capable of accommodating more than 2,500 people in addition to exhibition floor which can be converted to have another conference facility to sit 7, 500 people, the largest in East Africa," revealed the Managing Director of AICC, Mr Elishilia Kaaya.

Kenya

Uganda

100km ring road to be constructed in Kampala

The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has confirmed that plans to construct a ring road to circumnavigate Kampala are in advanced stage. The Kampala Outer Beltway is aimed at reducing traffic jams on the main roads entering the city centre. UNRA publicist, Dan Alinange, said UNRA is looking at distributing traffic especially on Jinja road and Entebbe road when entering the city adding that the objective of the project is to ensure that commuters from Jinja to Gaba can connect straight to their destination without coming to the city centre.

UNRA has already announced tenders for a feasibility study and the design plan for the 100km road. According to UNRA, the road will start around Gaba, running through Mukono/ Seeta, Namugongo, Kira, Kasangati, Matugga, Wakiso, Buloba and Nsangi, linking with the proposed Kampala-Jinja, Kampala-Entebbe and Kampala-Mpigi express ways.

Ethiopia

- Architectural Association of Kenya

- Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya

- Institute of Engineers of Kenya

- Association of Consulting Engineers ofKenya

- Association of Professional Societies of East Africa APSEA)

- Kenya Property developers Association

- Institution of Surveyors of Kenya

South

Africa

- ASAQS

- SAICE

- South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession

- Khuthaza ( Women for Housing)

- Concrete Manufacturers Association

- Green Building council of SA

- South African Property Owners Association

- Master Builders South Africa

Uganda

Institute of Surveyors of Uganda

- Association of Ethiopian Architects

- Ethiopian Association of Civil Engineers

Botswana

Institute of Botswana Quantity Surveyors

Ethiopia

Construction Contractors Association of Ethiopia

Zimbabwe

- Zimbabwe Institute of Quantity Surveyors

- Zimbabwe Institute of Engineers

- The Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe (Cifoz)

Ghana

- Ghana Institute of Engineers

- Architects Registration Council

- Ghana Institute of Surveyors

- Ghana Green Builders Association

- Ghana Institute of Planners

- Association of Building and Civil Engineering

Contractors of Ghana

Angola

Brazil offers US$2bn

for development

The Angolan government has received a credit line worth US$2bn from Brazil to help in the construction and energy sectors. This becomes the sixth credit line that Angola has received from Brazil. According to Armando Manuel the Finance Minister of Angola, the new line raises the amount to US$7.83bn something which improves the ties that the two countries enjoy. There are different Brazilian companies that are involved in the energy and construction sector in Angola even though China still remains the main partner and buys almost half of the oil from Angola. China has given Angola a loan of up to US$13.4bn for the oil infrastructure construction making Chinese construction firms to be the major players in the country.

Namibia

Institute of Namibian Quantity Surveyors Association of Consulting Engineers of Namibia

Tanzania

- Tanzania Institute of Quantity Surveyors

- 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)

As a single-source provider for filling, palletising and packaging technologies, BEUMER Group supports its customers in all respects supplying sustainable solutions from a single source. The BEUMER stretch hood A sees the intralogistics specialist from Beckum redesign its tried-and-trusted packaging system from scratch. During the development, our specialists analysed various components and optimised them in terms of function, arrangement and ergonomics. This includes an intuitive menu system on the machine control via a softtouch panel, an optimised, ergonomically designed workplace for the operator and material-friendly transporting of the film in the machine thanks to an innovative film transport system.

The new system also features improved system performance and needs far less floor space. For companies in the construction material, chemical or food and beverage industries, the topic of safety when transporting and storing palletised products has become more important. This is what prompted BEUMER to develop a new machine in its proven BEUMER stretch hood model range that offers even more practical and safer handling for the user, compared with other machines in this model range. To facilitate work for maintenance staff, and thus ensure higher machine availability, the new BEUMER stretch hood A is accessable without a platform and steps. Maintenance work, such as changing the blades, or the sealing bars, are now handled at floor level.

www.beumergroup.com.

BASF Master Builders Solutions®

BASF has launched the Master Builders Solutions® brand in South Africa. The brand strengthens BASF’s industry orientation: It stands for BASF’s commitment to provide the whole construction industry with tailored products and solutions. Master Builders Solutions® has already been introduced in the Asia Pacific region, including Russia, Turkey, the Gulf Cooperation Council and Kazakhstan. It will be completely rolled-out worldwide by the end of the second quarter 2014. Master Builders Solutions® draws on a number of successful specialty brands such as Master Builders®, Glenium® and Ucrete®. It is based on a more than century-old tradition of innovations for the construction industry.

"In Master Builders Solutions, we concentrate our ability to collaborate across technologies and functions on a global scale. That way, we create solutions geared to meet the individual construction challenges of our customers", said Dr. Tilman Krauch, President of BASF’s Construction Chemicals division. The range of products and services marketed under the brand features a global naming system, helping BASF to support customers and partners with constantly high quality and consistent products and services. The portfolio of products and services marketed under the brand embraces chemical solutions for new construction, maintenance, repair and renovation of buildings as well as infrastructure: concrete admixtures, cement additives, solutions for mining and tunneling, waterproofing, etc.

www.basf.co.za

Sika MultiSeal-ZA is a self-adhesive, bituminous sealing tape; one side laminated with aluminium foil. This handy DIY product is an ideal, quick-fix solution for sealing and repair against water ingress and draughts in roofs, including sheet metal work; building cracks; inside of gutters; and bituminous felts and other types of roofing sheet. Sika MultiSeal-ZA is UV resistant, very easy to apply, economical, weather-proof and it can be over-painted.

It allows easy adhesion to many substrates, is bitumen-resistant, and can be applied at low temperatures. Using it is easy:– simply clean the surface area; cut the tape to the necessary length; remove the release film; and press the tape firmly onto the substrate with a suitable pressure roller. Voila! Due to market demand, Sika has launched this product in three new sizes: 50mm x 2.5m, 75mm x 2.5m and 100mm x 2.5m. Available at all good DIY stores.

Colson

An important component in Legrand’s industrial product range are Colson cable ties, designed for use in areas where there is exposure to aggressive chemicals, moisture, extreme temperatures and ultra violet rays. Legrand’s extensive range of electrical products and systems for the industrial sector encompasses control and signalling devices, cable marking systems, terminal blocks, enclosures and industrial sockets, as well as transformers and power supplies.

“These flexible and corrosive resistant Colson cable ties can withstand the effects of oils, greases, petroleum products, chlorinated solvents and saline mists,” explains Luk Ivens, general manager, Legrand Southern Africa. “They have a humidity absorption under 2% and can endure temperatures of between -40 and +85 °C. This range is also fire resistant, with a flame application time according to EN 50146: 10 s.”

Colson cable ties are available with halogen-free black polyamide, with external or internal teeth. This range has a minimum tensile strength of 22 daN (EN 50146) and a maximum ratchet force of 5,5 daN. A special tool used to tighten these cable ties, ensures a perfectly tight and secure installation, and for a neat finish, excess material is easily cut off.

Sika MultiSeal-ZA

EPC Project Risk Management

Date: 10th - 11th September, 2014

Venue: Jo'burg, South Africa

Contact: Emily Ng Suet Ling

Email: EmilyNg@ marcusevanskl.com

Website: www.marcusevansconferences-africa.com

At the EPC Project Risk Management conference, we will demonstrate methods of identifying risks at an early stage, to ensure that your project planning is done effectively. At this conference we will highlight techniques of scheduling your turnkey project throughout its lifecycle, to prevent delays. We will present a half day workshop that will equip you with the skills to prevent cost overruns due to known and unknown risks, that might arise during

your design build project. In addition to this, the conference will cover the Front Engineering and Design (FEED) phase, to ensure maximum ROI from your EPC project. We will cover nontechnical risks such as; resource planning and the deployment thereof, labour relations, gaining stakeholder buy-in and preventing reputational damage due to project failure. This conference will focus on Joint Venture (JV) Partnerships, to ensure that you align your organisation with a JV partner who compliments your in-house capabilities. We will also focus on the tendering and bidding challenges and how to determine whether you have the necessary resources to take on the EPC project and its inherent risks.

The South African Renewable Energy Council

The South African Renewable Energy Council (Sarec), the umbrella body and single voice for all renewable-energy associations in the country, has been launched.With offices in Johannesburg , the organisation comprises the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association, the South African Wind Energy Association (Sawea), the Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa and the Southern African Solar Thermal and Electricity Association. The Chairperson of Sarec, Johan van den Berg, who is also CEO of Sawea, says Sarec had its genesis in 2011 when the various associations participated individually in the drafting of the Green Economic Accord. Through that process, government made a request for the creation of a single entity with which it could consult. Van den Berg revealed that Sarec will seek to encourage the further development and deployment of renewable energy in South Africa’s energy mix. It will also seek to highlight the positive contribution that such a deployment could have on communities, electricity security, employment and on the creation of green industries. One of Sarec’s first projects will be the production of a documentary exploring the impact that the first wind and solar projects have had on surrounding communities.

Port Expansion East Africa

Date: 23rd - 25th September, 2014

Venue: Dar Es Salaam,Tanzania

Contact: Melissa Morgan

Email: Melissa.Morgan@iqpc.com

Website: http://bit.ly/1rM73wD

Increasing capacity and improving efficiency at East African Ports

Growing volumes of cargo at all African ports has forced port authorities and operators to increase capacity, analyse operations to increase efficiency, and employ measures to allow bigger ships into their ports. The East Africa Region has various projects underway. The new Lamu Port in Kenya costing $5.3 billion and the Bagamoyo port in Tanzania costing $11 billion are examples of countries preparing for the ever growing port capacity needs. Reconfiguring port layout, and increasing berths at existing ports and conducting dredging more often, have been other strategies that numerous ports have employed to meet this need. Port of Maputo will be undertaking dredging to increase its channel depth from 11 meters to 14 meters this year, to allow larger vessels entry.

Date: 16th - 17th September, 2014

Venue: Pemba, Mozambique

Contact: Contact: Melissa Morgan

Email: Melissa.Morgan@ iqpc.com

Website: http://bit.ly/1rM3aYt

IQPC’s Nacala Infrastructure Development Summit is back after a hugely successful launch in 2013. If you are involved in, or need to be involved in, this major regional infrastructure development project then this summit is crucial to your business. This event is the only one in the Mozambique market and therefore essential to all businesses working in the region. The Nacala Road Corridor Project (NRCP) aims to support the economic growth in the SADC region and facilitate the export of key commodities through the Port of Nacala. To achieve this there needs to be strong collaboration between Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia and the key private companies in the region. Funding has been approved for Phase 4 of the project in Zambia and Malawi. However, Mozambique still faces funding challenges and is looking for answers from the international business community. Following the highly successful inaugural event in 2013 this year’s event will look deeper into the key infrastructure developments taking place. The summit will provide an update on the Moatize Railway construction project to the Port of Nacala. Key speakers from government and private sector will share their stories in this exclusive two-day event.

Atlas Copco Eastern Africa recently showcased its construction equipment at their customer open day at the Safari Park hotel situated in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. The aim of the event was to display their range of construction equipment and get their customers to meet the team, interact and share ideas. Atlas Copco offers a wide range of construction equipment for many different applications – from road construction equipment, construction tools, compressors and generators. One of Atlas Copco’s brands is Dynapac, a widely known name in the road construction industry. Dynapac recently launched its new brand identity. In the new design the Atlas Copco logotype is clearly visible on the products together with the Dynapac name. The color scheme has changed to yellow and grey, which is already used for construction tools, portable compressors and generators. Dynapac offers a wide range of products including, rollers, asphalt pavers and planners for the East African market.

Angola strikes US$1bn rail, energy equipment deal with Export –Import Bank

Angola is set to get railway and energy equipment worth US$1bn in a deal financed by Export –Import Bank (Ex-Im) of US. General Electric (GE) will be the main supplier in the deal. US$650m will go into equipment for energy while the remaining amount will be used for railway machinery. According to US state secretary, John Kerry, the United States wants to widen its economic ties with Angola.

Until now, Ex-Im has financed the state airline TAAG to a tune of US$600m for purchase of aircraft from Boeing. The Ex-Im bank intends to increase its activity in Angola by not just focusing on the state airline TAAG but to also finance the oil, gas, transport and infrastructure, mining and even small businesses sector. Some of the other areas that US intends to venture into in Angola include the agricultural sector, energy and technology. Some of the major US oil players in the Angolan oil market are Chevron and Exxon Mobil. Angola majorly depends on its oil products with 95% of the country’s export revenue dependent on crude oil production. Angola, Africa's second-biggest oil producer, has posted rapid economic growth since the end of a 27-year civil war in 2002.

Indorama invests on African expansion

Indorama Eleme Petrochemical Limited, the largest polyester producer in the world, plans to invest US$4.4bn in its operations by 2019 which will make it the largest petrochemical company in Africa. Eleme Petrochemical Limited Managing Director Mundra disclosed this when addressing the members of the Senate Committee on Privatisation, led by its Chairman, Senator Olugbenga Obadara, who were at the plant last week in continuation of their oversight visit to privatized enterprises in Rivers State. Mundra said US$575m had been injected into the company since its privatization and that N33.9 billion had been paid as dividend to the federal and Rivers State governments since its acquisition from the federal government in 2006.

Financial park to be developed in Tunisia

A US$3bn financial and real estate Development Park will be build in Tunisia. The park will be developed by Bahrain’s Gulf Finance House, a leading Islamic investment bank providing unique investment opportunities to high net worth clients. The development agreement signed by the Bahrain based bank and Tunisia will see Tunis Financial Harbour become the first financial park in North Africa and would cover 4.5million square metres in the Raoued suburb of Tunis. According to GFH, the park will include a corporate centre, investment banking and advisory centre, insurance area, residential spaces, offices, a golf course, a business school and trade centres.

Sanral to upgrade N3 highway

Almost US$1.45bn is needed by the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) to upgrade the N3 road between Piertermaritzburg and Durban in KwaZulu Natala in the next five years. According to Ravi Ronny, design and construction divisional manager for Sanral, this upgrade will exclude the Pietermaritzburg ring road and the re-routing of the N3 near hammarsdale. Initially Sanral had planned to upgrade the N3 between Cedara and Durban on an estimated amount of US$1.44bn. The second phase of advancement will be on the Pietermaritzburg ring road and Hammarsdale, expected to be complete by 2027 at a cost of US$1.52bn.

Lafarge SA, Nigeria units to be merged

Lafarge, French cement maker, plans to combine its South Africa business with Nigerian unit Lafarge Wapco. This will see the cement maker list its Africa interests together on the Lagos bourse. The deal, which is still subject to shareholders' and regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the second half of the year. According to Reuters, Mr. Guillaume Roux, the Lafarge Nigeria CEO, said the deal, worth US$1.35bn, will see the Lafarge group get US$200m in cash and 1.4-billion new shares in Lafarge Wapco to effect the merger. The new company Lafarge Africa will have a market capitalization of over US$3bn listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange with Lafarge group owning 73% of the combined entity.

Atlas Copco Showcases their equipment

Xavier Vilalta is a Spanish architect and professor. He studied Architecture in Barcelona and the United States in the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago

Xavier Vilalta Sustainable Architect

Xavier Vilalta combines practice with teaching and lecturing in cultural institutions and venues. He has taught as a professor at Barcelona Tech ETSAB and the University of Lleida. In 2004, he founded the design firm XVA in Barcelona, Spain. With XVA, he has developed a very prolific early work in Spain followed by international projects in emerging countries in Africa and the Middle East.

Xavier Vilalta is not your ordinary architect–if there is such a thing. Xavier’s passion for sustainable architecture that is respectful of cultures and beneficial to communities has taken him across the world, during which he has learned from traditional African design and Ethiopian culture, and onto the stage at TED. Xavier Vilalta’s work focuses on nature and people as well as how to reconnect the two thinking about our contemporary urban life as part of the environment where Architecture grows from the local natural conditions and traditions. He is interested in vernacular architecture related to sustainability. He defines sustainability as the relationship between Architecture and the program it contains and its social values, the way it is designed and built and how it will perform in the future.

with him and below are some excerpts.

What inspired you to start working in Sustainable Architecture?

I spent part of my childhood with my family in the countryside of Catalonia, in the middle of apple trees. My grandfather taught me how to take care of them and influenced me with his passion for work and for the land. With him, I learned how to observe in order to improve your surroundings, taking advantage of the existing resources. I remember he used to tell me: “You have to stop, think, and then do.”

For me, this is sustainability, and I apply these principles in architecture: To transform the existing conditions of the raw material to create something to better satisfy the present necessities, without compromising future generations.

What is one of your favorite things about what you are doing?

Xavier Vilalta is interested in vernacular architecture related to sustainability and he defines sustainability as the relationship between Architecture and the program it contains and its social values, the way it is designed and built and how it will perform in the future.

His projects have been recognized by international awards such as the Young Architect of the year at the Leaf Awards 2008, and two consecutive awards, 2009 and 2010, the SAIE Selection of the energy exhibition of Bologna in Italy for the sustainability of his projects. In 2011, he became a Fellow of TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design). Xavier Vilalta just started a new multidisciplinary collaboration by becoming Brand Ambassador of Oliberté Footwear. He says he is quite excited to join forces with a company that, like him, has a strong passion and commitment to Africa and especially Ethiopia. In September 2013, Oliberté became the World’s First Fair Trade Certified (TM) footwear manufacturing factory. Oliberte and The Reporter had a chat

One of the most exciting moments of architecture’s creative process is researching the site of the project. I really enjoy analyzing the existing conditions of a place, its culture, and its traditional references, to find inputs that will make the project an essential part of it.

What has been one of your biggest struggles?

More than a struggle, it was a challenge to do my first project outside of Spain. One of my clients in Spain decided to develop a vocational school in the city of Mekelle, Ethiopia and invited me to go with him. I didn´t even blink my eyes before saying yes. I had to start from scratch, learn again how to be an architect.

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Cityscape Abu Dhabi

Date: 22nd-24th April, 2014 Venue: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

Abu Dhabi Market Overview Conference debated the sustainability and momentum of

More than 50 media partners promoted the event globally.

Abu

more than 17,000 attendees over the 3 action-packed days 15% increase.

Abu

welcomed more than 120 regional and international exhibitors covering 15,000sqm of

Competitive Solar Energy Solutions for West Africa 2014

Date: 6th - 7th May, 2014 Venue: Pullman Dakar Teranga Hotel Dakar Senegal

Delegates follow proceedings.

Delegates follow proceedings at the conference hall.

Delegates take a tea brake.

Guest speaker presentations.

Guest speaker panel.

Abu Dhabis maturing property market.

Interactive session.

Cityscape

Dhabi welcomed

Cityscape Abu Dhabi was officially opened by HH Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi was in attendance

Cityscape

Dhabi

exhibition space.

Powering up Nigeria

The country needs an injection of US$3.5B annually into the power sector and the government is relying on the private sector to invest.

The poor state of Nigeria’s power supply as evidenced by frequent power blackouts and altogether unreliable supply will soon be a thing of the past as the government’s new policies begin to bear fruit. The importance of adequate electricity in today’s world cannot be overemphasized as many studies have proven time and again that increased electricity consumption per capita stimulates economic growth as well as social development in any community.

A simple observation shows that adequate electricity can improve lives tremendously by providing light, refrigeration for food and medicines while increasing gainful economic activity. It is not uncommon in Africa to see a small sleepy town transformed into a bustling center when it gets connected to the grid because with it comes

the establishment of sawmills, posho mills right down to a simple barber shop and even small rudimentary movie theaters airing world cup matches or the latest soaps. Studies show that the minimum per capita consumption required to stimulate meaningful economic and social growth is 500kwh, in Nigeria it is currently at a paltry 115kwh. Nigeria recently became the largest economy in Africa after rebasing its GDP to the year 2010 and the country can now boast of being the 29th largest economy in the world and the largest in Africa surpassing even South Africa.

By comparison however South Africa still remains well ahead in the power sector when you consider that it produces 40,000mw for a population of 50 million compared to Nigeria’s 4,000mw for a population of 170 million. The cost of not having power is colossal and it is estimated that presently the lack of adequate power supply continues to sap away a staggering US$130billion that would otherwise have added to its GDP. Nigeria currently has 23 power plants connected to the grid with a total installed capacity of 10,00mw and 6000mw available capacity. The nature of the countries supply is principally thermal based though there are 3 major hydropower plants accounting for about 2000mw of installed capacity and 1000mw of available capacity. These facilities are woefully inadequate.

The need for more power has therefore become a critical factor in Nigeria’s next growth chapter and President Jonathan is well aware of this. The government’s

The government sold 10 power supply plants that were under the NIPP to private investors.

ambitious plans to increase availability of power started when President Jonathan unveiled the Power Sector Roadmap. Under the plan, the government was to gradually deregulate the power sector and attract private sector investment amounting to US$3.5 billion annually in a bid to move power generation from 3,500mw to 40,000mw by the year 2020. Though interim generation targets for 2011 and 2012 were not met, the current Minister Professor Chinedu Nebo has been credited with continuing the momentum and tangible gains are being realized.

Reforms

One of the key reform steps in the roadmap was the intention to deliberately attract private investment participation in injecting US$3.5billion required annually to realise the goal of 40,000 mw generation capacity and this has been initiated by the unbundling and privatization of the national power utility known as the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) an acronym which for some stood unflatteringly for 'please have candle nearby'.

Late last year the President handed over share certificates and licenses to the purchasers of electricity generation and distribution companies that were the aftermath of the unbundling of PHCN into 18 companies – 11 distribution companies, 6 generation companies and 1 transmission company.

The government has only retained ownership of the transmission company but has none-the-less engaged a private Canadian company to manage it. The process was described by many as one of the most ambitious and successful privatisations of the power sector in Africa with the process earning the government US$3 billion according to some estimates. In March of this year the federal government sold the 10 power plants built under the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) for US$5.8

billion. The National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) was conceived in 2004 as a major fast-track initiative to add significant new generation capacity to Nigeria’s electricity supply industry. The government is to use the money to develop additional power plants. Eight of these power plants were initially designed as open-cycle gas turbine (OCGT) power plants while the remaining two

Congo-Brazzaville

Vandalism of gas pipelines has had a devastating impact on the supply of power .

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were designed as combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plants. Seven of the OCGT plants have the capacity to be expanded to combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) configuration. Only Geregu and Omotosho power plants had been commissioned by the time they came under the block though the rest were said to be over 90% complete. It is expected that the power plants will add another 5000mw of power to the national grid once they are completed by their new owners.

Incentives

In a bid to attract further private investment in the sector the federal government has set-up a raft of incentives to attract foreign direct investment into the power sector.

For instance in order to stimulate the local production of electrical equipment, manufacturers of transformers, meters, control panels, switchgears, cables and other electrical related equipment are enjoying tax holidays of 5 to 7 years for investors who invest in these areas.

Power plants using gas are assessed under the companies income tax act at a reduced rate of 30% while in addition the government is allowing 100% foreign ownership of electricity plants which was previously the preserve of the government. Investors thrive on predictability and the government has implemented a transparent and predictable tariff adjustment mechanism that covers cost of production and provides adequate returns on investment at all times.

GEA Refrigeration Africa (Pty) Ltd

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GEA Refrigeration Technologies engineering for a better world

The opportunities that lie in investing in the power sector have even attracted the attention of GE the American multinational with interests in power supply. Last year the Chief Executive Officer of GE, Mr Jeff Immelt pledged to invest US$1billion in Nigeria’s power sector and this year committed to make available a fund worth US$350million to finance mini power supply facilities that would generate between 1MW to 20MW as a faster solution to Nigeria’s power crisis.

Power plants using gas are assessed under the companies income

Challenges

The set targets of reaching at least 18 hours of power supply a day for the Nigerian population has been bedeviled by one setback after another blamed on various aspects such as rain, grid capacity, vandalism and sabotage. Recently the Minister of Power Chinedu Nebo was reported as saying that power supply had dropped to about 3,200MW in March from 4,000MW due to vandalism at 5 different gas pipelines that supply gas to power plants. To put the problem of vandalism into perspective consider that the country could generate more than 10,000mw but this has been heavily curtailed by a drop of over 4000mw. This statistic was given by The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Publicity Secretary, Mr. Seyi Gambo recently when he spoke to reporters. Some suspect outright sabotage orchestrated by those who have the most to loose if the power sector reforms are successful Transmission capacity also needs to keep up the pace of generation. Minister Nebo particularly stressed the need to develop the sector’s transmission capacity and expand the wheeling strength, so that all power generated can be effectively transmitted. The minister also said there were huge challenges in transmission "because we need to be sure that we have more wheeling capacity than generation, so we need to beef up our generation capacity and transmission capacity.''

The investment opportunities are broad in Nigeria from investing in power supply plants, manufacture and supply of electrical equipment such as transformers and even training. With sustained focus there is no doubt that consistent gains will be made and the most recent target set by the Minister for Power of 6000mw of power by December is the latest target that everyone will be keenly watching. If successful it will mark a break with the past.

INTEGRAL

Concrete Waterproofing by Cr ystallization

Xypex forms a non-soluble crystalline structure deep within concrete to block pores and seal microcracks against water and aggressive chemicals –even under extreme hydrostatic pressure. Available as a coating, dry-shake and admix, Xypex is ideal for new construction, rehabilitation, and precast applications.

5000x magnification of mature Xypex crystallization

Matthew Fidler (Regional Manager – Africa)

Tel: +44 (0) 1684 577756

E-Mail: matthew.fidler@xypexuk.com

Web: www.xypex.com

Diesel Power

Meeting Africa’s power deficit

Africa is the world’s fastest growing continent and with this has come the need for more power to drive economic growth however, presently Africa suffers a severe power deficit that has emerged as the greatest threat to meeting its economic growth into the future. An African Development Bank report estimates that only 26% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s population has access to electricity and for those who do have, the spectre of power outages is all too common resulting in a production loss of 12.5%. Diesel power offers a stop gap measure as standby power or as prime power in more remote areas and the difference in the economic development gains is like the difference between night and day. During power outages, emergency backup electrical generators powered by diesel engines provide reliable, immediate and full strength electric power.

HIMOINSA

HIMOINSA was founded in 1982 and set out to offer power generation solutions capable of satisfying continuous, clean and efficient energy supply needs for customers in southeast Spain and the surrounding area. By providing world-class products that deliver the best experience possible to their customers, they later expanded their presence to more than 100 countries across five continents. The company is established as a worldwide benchmark among manufacturers of gensets. With outputs ranging from 3 to 3,000kVA, they have been designed to provide both standby and continuous power. Their ultrasilent enclosures feature curved edges corners, with a 25 mm double radius of curvature. Internally lined with rock wool, an insulation material with outstanding acoustic and thermal properties, HIMOINSA gensets lead the market in terms of quality. Designed for exposure to extreme environmental conditions, they are highly waterproof and protected from any contact with water and moisture.

According to HIMOINSA Sales & Marketing director, Guillermo Elum, their products are available in the African Market through their subsidiary in Angola and designated agents across Africa. Guillermo also added that their products are unique and fit the African environment in that they are heavy and able to work with high and low temperature and to bear the extreme conditions.

HIMOINSA has supplied an emergency power system for the Telconet Cloud Center project, the most important data center in Ecuador, installing HMW-810 T6 generation sets under 2N+1 configuration. In total it has installed 24 soundproofed units in a 20 FT container, with

MTU engines for operation in parallel with load sharing. Drawing on over 30 years of experience, the multinational has supplied power to major international projects across the five continents, providing power solutions in the construction, rental, telecommunications, residential, data center, supermarket, mining, hospital and industrial sectors and developing high power solutions for extreme situations in both low and medium voltage. Particularly noteworthy in Africa is the recent start-up of an energy generation plant in Angola, designed by the Angolan Ministry of Energy and Water (MINEA). The project is designed to generate 25MW PRP and deliver 20MW of continuous power to the grid, with 15,000 volts at 50 Hz. At the same time, it supplies the Cassaque pumping station in the town of Zango IV on the Kwanza River. A total of 18 gensets have been installed, nine model HMW 1785 T5 units and nine model HMW 2200 T5 units.

Power Link UK

Power Link UK was founded in 2010. They are innovative leaders in the field of engineering and mechanical equipment. They also co-operate with many other original equipment manufacturers around the world.They have acquired a remarkable reputation as a high quality provider of electrical equipment and air compressors. They work in the international field of electrical equipment offering a comprehensive range of generating sets, ATS cabinets, parallel devices, air compressors and lighting towers. They cover areas of commerce, military, aerospace, mining, power stations, healthcare and residential. They serve the worldwide market, and sell to over 50 countries/ areas including; UAE, Indonesia, Russia, Europe. They also sell to African countries namely Ghana, Kenya, Algeria and Egypt, South Africa. Their team is built up of dedicated production technicians with years of experience, diligently working on advanced product development, adapting to the individual users requirements to meet demand.

PowerLink is ISO9001:2008 registered with each of their products tested prior to dispatch to ensure delivery of reliable quality products. They offer competitive prices with a huge range of products. Their high quality products are branded with components such as Perkins, Leroy Somer, ABB, Cummins, Stamford and Deep See Electronics. They have strong localized distributor networks and international warranty services, bespoke design for project based customers, and strong robust design, built for longevity and low cost ownership making them suitable for Africa’s environment.

To read more and to comment on this story visit http://www.constructionreviewonline.com

CoNTRIBUToRS

HIMOINSA

Guillermo Elum elum@himoinsa.com www.himoinsa.com

PowerLink UK

Julie Zhu

Sales Manager info.uk@powerlinkworld.com www.powerlinkworld.com

MW Generators

Paul Long Sales Personnel p.long@mwgene.com www.mwhire.com

GMGen Power Systems

Antonio Cavalleri sales@gmgen.com www.gmgen.com

FW Power

Fabian Ware Managing Director fabian@fwpower.co.uk www.fwpower.co.uk

Grupel Generators

Silvia Marques Marketing Manager marketing@Omnisantos.com www.grupel.pt/p/

Well and power Limited

Charlie Farrow

Sales Director charlie@wellandpower.net www.wellandpower.net

Forest City Generators

Andrew G. Lamb Managing Director forestcity@compuserve.com www.forestcitygenerators.com

Cummins Power Generation

Cletus Makombe cletus.makombe@cummins.com www.cumminspower.com

Exterior building facades

Aesthetics in modern office buildings have taken on greater significance as clients endeavour to make a pronounced statement in line with their vision. A building’ skin can define its value, performance and architectural expression hence a well thought out façade design system can make a new building work more effectively for its owners, occupants and environment. Façade designs that are cognisant of the fundamental synergistic relationships between the façade and lighting and mechanical systems have the potential to deliver high performance over the life of a building.

Several materials are now on offer and as technology advances, more materials are coming into the market that offer ever greater performance levels. But what are those performance standards that need to be attained? The key desired attributes are provision of adequate daylight, protection from the elements and of course energy saving functionality from lowered lighting and heating or cooling bills.

Curtain walling

Most modern building facades consist of curtain walling which is basically an aluminium frame infilled with glass, stone, metal or any other suitable material which the architect may feel will create the desired finish.

Ventilated facades

With the advancement of mechanical fastening systems ventilated facades have become the rave when it comes to

exterior cladding. Proponents advance several advantages as the reasons for their success which include ease and speed of installation, reduced risk of detachment of the tiles as well as reduced stress on the substrate.

Photovoltaic glass

Curtain walling has always held a certain fascination with solar panel manufacturers because of the large free surface offered to generate energy from the sun and use it to power the same building or export it to the grid. Nowadays architecture and photovoltaic solar energy can be combined to create a new form of construction.

Terra Cotta

Terracotta which is a clay based ceramic has also come of age. Though its manufacture stil consists of fire, ware rand clay as it has for millennia, skill and workmanship has developed and architects are beginning to appreciate the possibilities it offers.

Several components come into use when cladding some of these are aluminum framing, stainless steel components, glazing, rubber gaskets, sealant, insulation and metal connections. All need to be properly installed to ensure optimal performance. The building whether it is a hotel, high rise office building or a block of apartments needs to exude elegance while offering a comfortable working environment for occupants.

In this article we take a look at some of the key players in this industry and what they have to offer.

Africa.

RHEINZINK GmbH & Co. KG

Alexander Forbes Insurance HQs, Johannesburg, South Africa; RHEINZINK Cladding in standing seam technique. In upholding its reputation as a leading company in the realm of high-quality products for the construction industry, RHEINZINK provides a comprehensive range of roof and facade systems that facilitate both traditional and individual solutions for every taste and style, distinguished by the modern look and aesthetics that RHEINZINK-Titanium-Zinc is known for. By creating weatherproof and durable building envelopes, the use of metal facade systems and external wall cladding are of increasing importance to the construction sector, particularly where individualised design is a prerequisite.

The metal facade with its wide range of options is an exemplary means of expression used extensively throughout the world, and in this context RHEINZINK is constantly developing and redesigning many types of facade systems and manual cladding techniques. Currently the RHEINZINK sales programme includes more than ten different systems for facades and external walls alone. In particular, this involves modern facade versions such as corrugated and trapezoidal profiles as well as reveal, shiplap and

horizontal panels. In addition, there are small and large format tiles, angled standing seams, roll caps and various special seam forms, still so popular in modern buildings. Thus it can be seen that RHEINZINK facade systems can be used for virtually any construction need, allowing all design preferences to be satisfied. The material and resulting systems meet all the modern requirements for environmental sustainability, safety, product quality and reusability. Their products are used in African countries like South Africa, Namibia, Nigeria, Guinea, Kenya and Mauritius.

TERREAL

Terreal designs and manufactures terra cotta wall claddings, sunscreens and roof tiles. It is the worldwide leader in manufacturing terra cotta products. Based in Paris, France, Terreal specializes in a product range of facades, structural clay products and roof tiles. This extensive and diverse product offering is produced in 25 clay factories located around the world.

RHEINZINK GmbH & Co. KG

South African Office Wilkinson, Stephen stephen.wilkinson@rheinzink.co.za www.rheinzink.co.za

TERREAL

Catarino Aurélie aurelie.catarino@terreal.com www.terrealfacade.com

Lithos Design srl info@lithosdesign.com www.lithosdesign.com

BUTECH Building Technology S.A. Juan Saura juan.saura@butech.es www.butech.es

Areniscas de los Pinares

Jesús Borro Fernández export@areniscas.com www.areniscas.com

Sistema Masa masa@sistemamasa.com www.sistemamasa.com

Alexander Forbes Insurance Headquaters, Johannesburg,South

Incredible performance!

Recent successes in the Rob Ferreira and Afrisam’s cement projects show why Layher South Africa has become the industry’s point of reference when it comes to failsafe scaffolding requirements

It has been established that behind every successful construction project in South Africa there is a reliable scaffolding system. That’s why in most procurement briefs the application of foolproof products is requisite. So, when contractors involved in two recently completed projects – the development of nurses’ accommodation units at the Rob Ferreira Hospital in Nelspruit and fitting a new deduster kiln at the Afrisam cement factory at Ulco, near Kimberley - required scaffolding solutions, they did not hesitate to opt for Layher South Africa’s products, given their track record in enabling a high level of productivity and enhanced safety.

Staircase for hospital project

Confronted with the need for fast and safe access scaffolding during construction at the Rob Ferreira Hospital, Leading Iconic South Africa (L.I.S.A) Scaffolding and Norse Projects cc turned to the versatile and fast Layher Allround System. In the project, two of Layher’s products were used – a façade scaffolding system with access levels at every two metres and a staircase system with a width of 1.57m and a safe working load of up to 500kg/m2. Worth mentioning was the staircase’s benefits. Erected progressively up to the height of the top of the formwork, it gave the project team fast, convenient and safe access to the work area to do preparations for the next concrete pour. Its adaptability was illustrated when it provided convenient access to widths up to 2.07m wide and loadings up to 750kg/m2.

Allround System for Cement factory

In addition, the relevance of Layher’s Allround Scaffolding products to projects in a diversity of industries was demonstrated in the installation of a new deduster at the Afrisam cement factory at Ulco, near Kimberley. Given the short turnaround time required to erect over 2,000m2 of access scaffolding up to the height of 22m on site, Lisa Scaffolding, the scaffolding contractors, settled for the failsafe Layher Allround System. This enabled Global dust extraction equipment experts, Scheuch GmbH, to execute a safe and efficient installation within a record four months. Noteworthy, thanks to the scaffold, the project team was able to do work at several levels and included access for several traders with very little or no alterations. Another most outstanding aspect at the project was the 6 m deep suspended scaffold, which was erected at ground level and then placed by crane in the areas where work had to take place inside the kiln. The approach reduced the time and risks associated with erecting a suspended scaffold in situ at higher areas. Talk about innovation!

Industry yardstick

Positive feedback from the application of Layher South Africa’s products in the Afrisam and Rob Ferreira hospital projects confirms that Layher has become a point of reference for scaffolding requirements in construction projects. Since the landmark success of its products in the Eskom’s Simmerpan project, Layher has emerged as a supplier of first choice in the face of cutthroat competition. “We are greatly indebted to various industries in showing confidence in our products, and will continue going allout to deliver the best possible products,” comments Managing Director, Guenter Blank.

An enduring partnership

An outstanding aspect that needs to be highlighted in projects in which Layher SA’s products have been successfully used is the prominent role of L.I.S.A Scaffolding, a black woman owned company. Through its association with L.I.S.A, Layher underscores its dedication to black economic empowerment. L.I.S.A Scaffolding is under the perfect stewardship of Lisa Hadebe. “Our involvement with L.I.S.A Scaffolding has continued to grow from strength to strength since the Simmerpan Project. We committed to play our role in skills transfer through the supply of quality scaffolding products,” says Blank.

LAYHER SCAFFOLDING –

Cut costs, improve safety, increase efficiency.

ALSO PRESENT IN SOUTH AFRICA

With Layher, you get the complete package: precision-engineered scaffolding, manufactured exclusively in Germany, by means of highly automated processes. Expert advice on the best solution for your project. Handson training and on-site support. Plus a spirit of partnership that transcends conventional supplier relationships. The result is greater safety, speed and cost-effectiveness. And greater competitiveness for your business. www.layher.co.za

Trioscape Planning Services

Designing Cardinal Otunga Plaza located in Nairobi’s CBD has marked a high point in their success story

Some construction projects can be extremely challenging based on the brief of the client. This is something that Trioscape Planning Services, a Kenyan owned architectural and interior design firm, knows only too well. When the firm was commissioned by the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi to design the Cardinal Maurice Otunga Plaza, it knew this was a complex project going by the brief of the client and the site context.

According to Architect Peter Opon, a Trioscape Partner, the client wanted an iconic building that would stand out being adjacent to the classical architecture that is the Holy Family Basilica. The new building was not supposed to take away the symbolic importance of the Holy Family Basilica. “The client wanted a building that would be in sync with Basilica but also represent modernity,” says Opon, adding the job was delicate owing to its association with the late Cardinal Otunga who is in the process of being beatified.

The fact that Trioscape was able to deliver the job according to specifications, making Cardinal Otunga Plaza outstanding in a historically significant context. It is a testament to how the firm has managed to put its mark on the country’s architectural and interior design landscape. Delivering on the project has not only elevated its status in the industry but has also played a role in the firm being awarded the contract for the 5,000 seater Subukia Shrines Catholic church that is designed on a steep hill.

Established in 1999, Trioscape is an indigenous firm that is committed to the growth of the industry by delivering quality jobs on time and on budget. Apart from Opon, the other directors are Charity Nyaga who joined the firm recently and Architect Steve Oundo, Board Chairman of the National Construction Authority (NCA).

Trioscape was established soon after the 1997 general election, a time when the country’s economy was at its lowest, growing at below two per cent. With the economy being on its knees, the construction industry had literally grinded to a halt. Worse still, this was a period when professionals in the building and construction sector were

Cardinal Otunga Plaza

Architect Peter Opon

Venice Court, Block “B” Door No. 2. Menelik Road - Kilimani.

P.O. Box 2439-00200 Nairobi. Tel: +254 30 3860754

Fax: +254 20 3860753. Mobile: +254 735 675374, + 254 713 896280 Email: laurez@wananchi.com

Wadia Construction Co. Ltd

P.O. Box 46447-00100 Nairobi, Kenya. Tel: +254 20 3540099, +254 770 621311/771 621311. Email: wadia@iconnect.co.ke

ignored leading to quacks invading the industry. “It was definitely not the best moment to go into private practice,” explains Opon, who developed his skills at three foreign owned architectural firms.

In 2002, however, the country witnessed a new dawn with a new government that ushered in a new sense of revival and optimism across all sectors of the economy. The building and construction sector witnessed an explosion of vibrancy. According to Opon, there was a sense of urgency in the sector to overcome the need for residential, commercial, educational and other many developments.

The new vibrancy in the sector came with good tidings for Trioscape, which has since then been involved in several projects. “Resilience and hard work made us overcome the tough period,” explains Opon, adding that today Trioscape is a respected firm with many projects under its name ranging from residential projects, office blocks, schools, hospitals to churches. More importantly, Trioscape has managed to penetrate an industry that for years has been dominated by foreign firms and is able to compete for any type of jobs irrespective of the magnitude.

One of the strategies that have enabled Trioscape to stamp its authority in the industry is investing in the right people. Architecture is a highly skilled discipline and thus having well trained professionals is critical. This is why Trioscape has assembled professionals who are able to

deliver on even the most complex projects. It also invests in training and capacity building for its employees to keep them abreast with changing trends in the building and construction industry. “We have the right capacity in terms of personnel,” says Opon, adding that while staff movement among firms is high, Trioscape has a very low staff turnover.

Another strategy the firm has adopted is strict adherence to professionalism. While there are firms that engage in malpractices to win contracts or fail to advise clients accordingly, Trioscape believes in best practices. In so doing, the firm adequately advises clients on all aspects of a project to enable them make informed decisions particularly on the issue of costs. This is critical in ensuring the project is implemented on budget, thus avoiding situations whereby projects stall midstream.

Having ventured into private practice at a difficult moment, Opon has witnessed a change of fortunes in the industry and believes the current boom is not about to recede any time soon. “The current boom is a result of a lull of many years. What we are witnessing should have happened years ago,” he observes, adding that demand for housing and office space is still high. Besides, efforts by the government to streamline and enforce professionalism in the construction sector are factors in sustaining the boom.

Lunar Gardens

Subukia Shrine

Reception Area Cardinal Otunga Plaza

We are proud to be associated with Trioscape Planning Services Limited

Suite 11, 4th Flr, Vision Plaza, Mombasa Road

P.O. Box 19721-00100 Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: +254 20 2066927

Cell: +254 733 909553, +254 751 264480 Email: mail@ed-cons.com

Tusker House, Ronald Ngala Street. P.O. Box 7354-00300 Nairobi, Kenya. Tel: +254 20 2218452, + 254 722 450694 Email: barakaelectrical09@ymail.com

Mucai Drive Road, Off Ngong Road. P.O. Box 2646-00202 Nairobi, Kenya. Tel: 020 2726929/39, 2573927 Email: chinazhongxingk@hotmail.com We are proud to be associated with Trioscape Planning Services as the Main Contractor of Cardinal Otunga Plaza

Edon Consultants International Ltd

Providing Diverse Consulting Services to the Construction Industry

Within Nairobi’s South B Estate is a unique piece of architecture standing out from other structures in the vicinity. The refreshing design of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church is an immediate eye catcher and sums up the creative makeup of the architects behind this church building - Edon Consultants International Limited. Edon Consultants International Limited was first established in 1982 as a sole proprietorship under the direction of Arch. Jeremiah Edmond Obar Ndong, trading as Edon Consultants. The firm later expanded and became an international company when it opened offices in Uganda and Namibia and became a Limited Liability company in the year 2000.

Edon Consultants International Ltd now has a core staff of 26 staff consisting of 7 Architects and Project Managers, 10 technicians and 9 Support staff. Architect Jerry Ndong is one of the most experienced in Kenya with an impressive résumé covering more than three decades. He holds a B Sc. (Arch) degree from Khartoum University. He has been Chairman of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK), Secretary General and Vice President of Africa Union of Architects (AUA and Committee Member at the Board of Registration for Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS) among other credentials.

Edon Consultants International provides the following services: Design and supervision of building projects,

Engineering Contractors

Proposed Ministry of Legal Affairs & Constitutional Development - Sudan

Kengen RBS Gardens - Nairobi, Kenya

Interior design for completed projects, Landscape design, Project management, Co-ordination of the activities of professionals involved in building and construction projects, Obtaining local authority and statutory approvals for building construction projects, Feasibility studies for building development projects, Arbitration between contractors and developers as well as Assessment of dilapidation or damage to buildings.

The following selected projects indicate the diversity of the firm’s operations.

• British Embassy Visa Building –Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia - U.S.$ 0.75 million

• Siaya Teachers Plaza Hotel- Siaya town - U.S.$ 1.7 million

• Nile Princes Hotel, Victoria IslandU.S.$ 4.2 million

• Galaxy Down Town Hotel, KisumuU.S.$ 1.2 million

• Extensions to Asili Co-op House –Nairobi - U.S.$ 2.5 million

• Rehabilitation to Kenyatta National Hospital - Nairobi - U.S.$ 11.6 million

• Extensions to Kenyatta University Library - Nairobi - U.S.$ 1.0 million

• 22 storey new wing and extensions to existing 5 storey Uajiri house –

The firm has a diverse portfolio having been involved in almost all fields of building construction. The firm has been engaged in Institutional, Industrial, Residential, Office, Commercial, Hospitality and Religious projects. It has also been involved in Master Planning. Edon Consultants International now operates primarily in eastern Africa mainly in Kenya, in Uganda, South Sudan and Rwanda.

Nairobi - U.S.$ 19.0 million

• Staff houses and extension to offices at Sony Sugar Factory – Nyanza Province - U.S.$ 5.0 million

• Siwaka Housing Estate (154 units) Nairobi - U.S.$ 2.0 million

• Mountain View Housing Estate (120 units) Kisumu - U.S.$ 1.6 million

• Gudka Housing Estate (120 units) Kisumu - U.S.$ 1.0 million

• Proposed Eastlands Arcade, Nairobi (mixed development) - U.S.$ 72 .0 million

• HCDA refrigerated warehouses – 8 different towns in Kenya - U.S.$ 20 .0 million

• Postbank Training and Sports Complex – Nairobi - U.S.$ 4 .0 million

• Rehabilitation of 84 Health Clinics –Nairobi - U.S.$ 4.7 million

• Office block for D. Kizito on Luwum street – Kampala - U.S. $ 1.5 million

• Proposed 90 primary schools project for ADRA Uganda (Adventist Relief Agency) funded by DANIDA - U.S.$ 3.0 million

• Bugema University Library, UgandaU.S.$ 0.9 million

• Construction of Girls Dormitory at Bugema, Secondary School, UgandaU.S.$ 0.8 million

• Reconstruction of our Lady Queen of Peace Church In Nairobi South “B” after it was burnt down - U.S.$ 0.75 million

Proposed Lake Bilira hotel Rwanda

Extensions to Asili Coop House

BUILDING, CIVIL ENGINERING CONTRACTORS, ROOFING & WATER PROOFING SPECIALISTS

ITALBUILD Imports

Italbuild Imports Ltd was established in July 1997. We are registered with the National Construction Authority as a Building and Road Works contractor in category NCA 1 & NCA 3 respectively. We are also specialists in roofing and waterproofing products of the latest generation. We are proud to be associated with Edon Consultants Int. Ltd in the construction of their Projects…

NAIROBI OFFICE: OFF LANGATA ROAD, NEXT TO NPC KAREN P.O. BOX 601-00502 NAIROBI T/W:020-2304121/8, FAX: (020)2366228 CELL: 0733 603925/ 0723 706953 EMAIL: info@italbuildimports.com MOMBASA OFFICE: MAKANDE ROAD, SHIMANZI P.O.BOX 90189-80100 MOMBASA, TEL: (041) 2495477, 2495488, FAX: (041) 2495541 CELL: 0720-953374/ 0733-603926 EMAIL: mombasa@italbuildimports.com

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Stellar Builders Limited

The story of successful companies almost always features difficult beginnings and modest business in the formative years. Not so for Stellar Builders Limited, a general building contractor based in Nairobi. The firm, which is barely six years old, got its big break almost from the very beginning after bagging a contract to undertake the construction of 85 maisonettes in Nairobi for Chigwell Holdings, a reputable local residential property developer. The project was Phenom Estate, a middle class housing scheme not far from the city centre. Having proven its worth, the firm quickly was awarded the next two phases of the project consisting of a total of 183 units.

So how did the company manage such a feat given that most contractors can only dream big but have to start very small and struggle to grow?

“We started off with people that we knew”, reveals the directors of Stellar Builders adding that confidence in the company’s capability naturally got boosted after successfully completing the first project.

“We worked on trust basis”, they say, adding that a good credit line with their suppliers was also a major enabling factor. The young firm is already registered with the National Construction Authority under the category NCA1 which means it can undertake projects of unlimited value. It is the highest class by the industry regulator.

Stellar Builders has continued to grow steadily and now employs between 20 and 30 skilled staff at senior level while at least 150 others are engaged on its projects at any one time through labour contracts. The directors estimate that their projects create between 700 and 800 indirect jobs. Since the company’s inception, it has mainly been engaged in housing developments.

“This does not mean we cannot undertake other types of projects”,

It’s Kencom Sacco estate.

say the directors. “In fact, we have undertaken a church project in Eldoret”.But the company’s forte appears to be in residential buildings. After the success with Phenom Estate, the company went on to win several bids. Stellar Builders is also the contractor behind Fivestar Meadows Kiambu, a project by AMS Properties consisting of 116 villas. It is also working on Greenspan Estate Phases 4 and 5 in Donholm(apartments and maisonettes) as well as another project by Kencom Sacco consisting of 113 villas in kiambu.

According to the firm’s directors, most of these jobs come from their close working relationship with consultants. “Whenever they have tenders, they invite us to take part”, they say. “Also, when you already have something to show in form of completed projects, it becomes easier to get new jobs. The quality of our work helps us get more business.” The firm cultivates a good relationship with its suppliers who have been critical in its success. So far, the company has not carried out any work in the public sector. The directors say government projects normally entail stringent requirements including bonds and bank guarantees which may not always be easy to get.When it comes to challenges, Stellar Builders takes it all in stride. “Challenges are part of any business and not just in the construction industry”, say the directors.

“Challenges will always be there, for example, capital”. The recent entry of foreign contractors on the Kenyan construction industry in large numbers has sent some local players in panic mode with many crying foul and accusing the Government of favouring foreigners in its contracts. So is Stellar Builders, like its contemporaries on the local scene, afraid of being driven out of business by foreign contractors? Not in the very least according to the firm’s management. “If you are doing a good job, why should you feel threatened?” they pose. Stellar Builders hopes to continue serving the industry and remaining on the growth path. With its motto “Aim High”, the company has high expectations for the medium and long term. According to the directors, they expect to double their growth over the next five years. “We also intend to hire more professionals and expand within Kenya”.

“We consider ourselves as nursery or primary school pupils in the industry”, they add modestly. “We would want to go to college at some point.” Clearly an understatement considering the magnitude of projects Stellar Builders has managed to get into its portfolio in the six short years since its establishment in 2008.

Wood finish tiles

- 20 x 100cm

- 15 x 90cm

- 30 x 60cm

Road, Nairobi, Kenya. Mobile: +254 722 597166

Tel: 020-3587001/2/3/4 www.sajceramics.com

Phenom Estate

Mombasa

Saj Ceramics is proud to be associated with Stellar Builders Ltd.

• Bathroom accessories and fittings.

• Ceramic & Granito wall and floor tiles.

• Stone, Glass mosaics & Border tiles

• Vitra sanitary ware.

KENTOP HARDWARE & TRADERS LTD.

P. O BOX 9182-00300 NAIROBI, KENYA.

Email: kentophardware@gmail.com Mob: 0722 414418, 0737 414418.

Terraforce’s new Decorwall block

Getting a grip with the new Decorwall block

In October 2011 Murray & Roberts Western Cape, an operating division of Murray & Roberts Construction, was awarded a R193million contract to construct the R300-million Willowbridge Place office development. The new development is located on the corner of Old Oak Road and Carl Cronje Drive, Tyger Valley in the northern suburbs of Cape Town.

As construction commenced, the planning and construction of this prominent building was met with a number of challenges. Says Gerald Kriedemann, the company’s senior contracts manager: “The site layout pre-determined limited space around the perimeter of the site, which added to the proposed strip of permeable paving right around the building, meant the footprint of the entire structure taking up 90% of the site area. As a result, the steep embankments on three sides of the building prohibited the original plan to have gently landscaped slopes below the busy Tyger Valley road.”

Neill Zaaiman, main contractor on site, called in retaining wall specialists, Decorton Retaining Systems, to propose a cost effective solution. Based on a design by Fred Laker, Terraforce recommended engineer, a terraced retaining wall design - using the new Decorwall block - with walls of up to 7m high, was accepted by the client. The walls are built on a concrete foundation at an inclination of 65 degrees. The close proximity of a busy road made it necessary to beef up

the installation with reinforced concrete infill inside the blocks and geogrid layers in the backfill at certain intervals. In this fashion, the block facing and the backfill material form a combined force to resist overturning momentum. As Excessive groundwater was unearthed during excavation, a substantial drainage system was installed behind the block layer to keep the installation stable over time.

Says SP van Blerk, of Decorton Retaining Systems: “We managed to successfully excavate the backfill as well as install 10 500 Decorwall blocks within a tight timeframe of two months. The client is very happy with the end result and with landscaping complete; the walls create a pleasant green belt around the building.”

Client:

FirstRand Bank and Growthpoint

Properties

Developers: Eris Property Group

Architects for the main contract: Stauch Vorster Architects

Engineers for the main contract: Sutherland Associates

Main contractor: Murray and Roberts

Civil contractor: Neill Zaaiman

Retaining walls: Decorton Retaining Systems

Landscaping: Servest Landscaping

SPEC-CON Concrete Repair Specialists

Across Africa, from Mauritius to Mauritania from Cape Town to Cairo;the skills, people and technology that is SPEC-CON.

SPEC-CON (Pty) Limited, a concrete repair specialist company, was formed 20 years ago by a group of professionals working in the construction industrywho identified the need for acommitted specialist in the field of concrete repair and structural rehabilitation. The company, with its headquarters in Midrand, Johannesburg South Africa, has two regional offices in Newcastle, KwaZulu Natal and Vanderbjlt Park. Spec-conrecently opened a branch in Kolwezi, DRC, and hopes to extend its services intoSub-Saharan Africa with a particular view of increasing its footprint in the mining industry.

Concrete Repair Specialists

Structures the world over, built in the previous fivedecades, and are failing to meet service life expectations due to three factors: the environment, durability and the lack of quality control during the construction phase.Spec-con saw the need for a dedicated specialist in this field whose primary aim is to add value by extending the service life of strategic structures in the mining and industrial environment. The founders of Speccon, having worked in similar environments in Northern Europe, were familiar with specialized products and techniques required to repair deteriorating concrete structures. Spec-con offers specialized services in

the areas of Concrete Repair, Structural Grouting, Structural Investigation, Concrete Crack Injection, Gunite&Shotcreting Work, Core Drilling as well as preparing budgets and formulating structural maintenance strategies.

Project Management

Spec-con is also currently involved in a Project and Technical Management capacity looking after the civils and structural steel reparation component of the ZAR 2 Billion Reline of ArcelorMittal’s N5 Blast Furnace in Newcastle, KZN.The four year project involved structural design, tender administration, measurement and supervision of the implementation phases.

Diagnostic Survey Division

SPEC-CON’s diagnostic survey division assistsin ascertaining the health of a structure before any structural repair strategy is decided upon. The survey establishes the cause and severity of the deterioration, by encompassingdetailed inspections and the use of ultra sound and GRP technology. These techniques assess the severity and quantify the extent of the defects in order to accurately estimate the potential costs. The information gleaned from the diagnostic survey allows the client to make informed decisions.

Repair Techniques

Some of the techniquesthat Spec-con applies to different projects includes patch repair that entails partial depth repair and full depth repair. Shutter and cast methodswhere formwork is erected prior to casting of specialized groutsand repair products.

Shotcrete is an excellent tool for stabilization and support of structures in a very short time and for concrete applications without using any moulds. Over the past years, sprayed concrete has replaced the traditional methods of lining tunnel profiles and has become very important in stabilizing the excavated tunnel section. Shotcrete is more dense, homogeneous, strong and waterproof than many

Additional repair techniques include such methods as

Specialising In

- Supply, erection, modi cation & dismantling of access sca olding

- Lightweight aluminium access towers

- Swing platforms (Electric & manual)

- Industrial rope access

Congratulations to Spec-Con on your 20th anniversary. All the very best for the future!

60 Moore Street, Wadeville, Germiston, 1422

Tel: 011 824 3974/5

Email: accounts@bosssca olding.co.za

Website: www.bosssca olding.co.za or alternatively, nd us on Facebook

Systematic Approach

After deciding on the repair technique to be used, the implementation phase follows.A systematic approach to concrete repair includes identifying, testing, preparing, repairing, protecting, as well as cataloging and keeping accurate records as the work proceeds. As part of the quality control procedures - a checklist is drawn up where each phase of the repair is completed and checked before proceeding. The actual repair involves the removal of all corrosion from the reinforcing steel and the use of premixed concrete repair mortars applied in multiple layers to the level of the adjacent undisturbed concrete. Protection of the repaired structure is crucial, and protective coatings are selected to provide anti-carbonation protection, effective cover, crack bridging properties and a uniform appearance and color. As the economic climate continues to be harsh, every organization strives to cut cost- and it is here that concrete repair and rehabilitation

Gunite repair inside a silo.

Precision grouting.

provides a solution. Instead of building new and expensive infrastructure,repairing existing infrastructure is the answer. As attention returns to repairing and upgrading of our infrastructure, there is a need for professionally applied, cost-effective solutions that will meet rigorous specification criteria for quality and durability.

Operations

Spec-con operates through-out the African continent and it is actively involved with projects in Botswana, DRC, Mozambique, and Namibia. The company has worked in Southern Russia,East and West Africa and the Indian Ocean islands. Its client base includes companies such as,Arcelor Mittal, Anglogold Ashanti, Kinross Mining, Barrick Mining, Iam Gold, FL Smidt, Sappi, Sasol and Fipag.

Skills Transfer

The company, employing 40 professionals, composed of 10 qualified engineers and project managers, 10 technicians and 20 artisan repair specialist- sees skills transfer as a very useful tool in marketing its services. Spec-con provides on-site and class-room training- this includes proper use of the equipment, understanding of the material chemistry, safety and environmental considerations as well as record keeping and quality control. Spec-con prides its self on being able to respond quickly to the client’s needs anywhere on the African continent. From Mauritius to Mauritania,from Cape Townto Cairothe skills, people and technology that is Spec-con.

Specialist concrete coatings.

•

VOID FORMERS AND PILE CASINGS

Development

The Superlite Void Former has been developed to provide the South African construction industry with a low cost, lightweight and robust cell former. They are designed to meet the stringent performance requirements imposed by local design and on-site conditions. They are spirally locked, seamed and swaged for maximum strength and resist the full hydrostatic pressure of concrete and all loads associated with the compaction or vibration of concrete during placing.

Product Characteristics

Superlite cell formers are available in uncoated or galvanised mild steel. Standard material thicknesses are 0,6; 0,8; 1,0 and 1,2 mm but other thicknesses can be catered for if the need arises. The standard maximum length of the cell former is 6 m, but special longer lengths are available on request. Where extra long lengths are required, the cell formers may be supplied in split lengths and fitted with a system of spigot and socket joining collars to enable the contractor to achieve any length that may be required.

Stop ends can be provided if required to prevent the ingress of concrete, if the cell is to be used as a void former. Timber braces can be provided to minimise the risk of distortion during transport action especially where long distances are involved.

Address. 131 Anvil Road, Isando, South Africa

Tel. +27 11 974 8511 | Fax. +27 11 974 8510

E-mail. areddy@armco.co.za | mail@armco.co.za

Web. www.armco.co.za

Table 1 Standard Diameters and Masses

One Stop Shopping Smart Hygiene Solutions

Franke Washroom Systems offers a wide selection of products for various uses. From washroom basins, taps, shower trays and toilets to urinals and fixtures.

Experienced Franke experts plan and produce them, bringing their technical know-how to collaborations with architects, planners and other partners in order to realise individual Smart Hygiene Solutions. Franke combines the knowledge and experience of projects in various applications. Smart Hygiene Solutions by Franke Washroom Systems can be found in Commercial, Office Administration, Sports, Police and Prison, Hotel and Airport, Education, Elderly Care and Health projects.

Hospital Projects

SLOP HOPPERS, DRIP SINKS, BOTTLE RACKS, BED PAN WASH-UP, SURGEON SCRUB UP UNITS, PLASTER OF PARIS SINKS, BATHS

Franke is the leading supplier of sanitaryware products to hospitals, clinics and mortuaries, environments where hygiene is of the highest priority. Franke is certified to ISO9001: 2008 quality management standards. Our designs and construction ensure that our products meet the demands of safety, hygiene and quality.

TROLLEYS, BODY TRAYS, INSTRUMENT CABINETS, WRITING DESKS

With over 100 years’ experience in precision stainless steel fabrication and metalwork, Franke have designed a customized range of products for mortuaries, post mortem and autopsy rooms. All mortuary, autopsy and post mortem equipment is manufactured in top quality Grade 304 & 316 Stainless Steel, for durability and hygiene.

SINKS, TABLES, WALL BENCHES AND SHELVING

Franke manufactures heavy duty industrial sinks and tables with sound deadening under frames. The range is complimented by a selection of modular designed shelving systems for medical and catering applications.

Dr AG Jeetoo Hospital - Port Louis, Mauritius

The Regional public hospital Dr A. Gaffoor Jeetoo is situated in the district of Port Louis in the Capital of Mauritius. First built in 1733 this major hospital is also one of the oldest. In October 2009 the project of New Jeetoo Hospital began. It consisted of building a new wing as well as upgrading and renovating the Hospital. The project budget was announced at Rs2 Billion, fully funded by the Mauritius Government.

Gamma Construction was awarded as builder and contractor, Mr Jay Soredoo as Architect and Prodesign as Engineers. The new Jeetoo Hospital has been operational since June 2012. The Hospital is modern, functional and spacious while still remaining within human proportions and equipped with hitech equipment. The facility is a model of green and smart building. Franke products supplied to the project include Sluice Sinks, Post Mortem Tables, Slop Hoppers, Industrial Sinks, Surgeon Scrub-up Units, and Zip instant boiling water HydroBoil units.

To read more and to comment on this story visit http://www.constructionreviewonline.com

Protronic-S AQUA130

Hands Free Hot and Cold Metering Tap

Protronic-S mains-independent, optoelectronically-controlled washbasin mixer DN15 with theft-proof aerator with integrated flow rate regulator. Wash basin mixer with battery operation.

Self-closing single mixer

Aqualine-C AQUA203

Self-Closing Pillar Tap

Noise group I, for wash systems, with aerator and integrated flow controller. Optionally for connecting to cold water or premixed warm water. Self-closing functional cartridge, pistonfree design, with automatic and backlash-free closure. Adjustable flow duration. Full metal construction, with twist-proof operating element, polished chromium-plated brass.

Self-closing pillar tap

Aquamix-C AQUA202

Self-Closing Hot and Cold Pillar Metering Tap

For wash systems, as a basin mixer with aerator with integrated flow controller. For connecting to the hot and cold water supply. Self-closing mixing cartridge, piston-free design, with automatic and backlash-free closure. Adjustable flow duration. With finely adjustable and twist-proof temperature stop. Full metal construction, polished chromiumplated brass. Optionally with connecting hoses or connecting pipes, connecting pieces with integrated non-return valves and dirt strainers.

Self-closing single mixer

Technical specifications

Minimum flow pressure: Volumetric flow:

Flow time:

1.0 bar

0.10 l/s at a flow pressure of 3 bar 1–15 adjustable

Aqualine-S AQUA201

Self-Closing Pillar Tap

Noise group I, for wash systems, with aerator and flow straightener. Optionally for connecting to cold water or pre-mixed warm water. Self-closing functional cartridge, pistonfree design, with automatic and backlash-free closure. Adjustable flow duration. Full metal construction, polished chromium-plated brass.

Self-closing pillar tap

Aqualine-S AQUA205

Self-Closing Bib Tap

Noise group I, for wash systems, with angled outlet and aerator with flow straightener. Optionally for connecting to cold water or pre-mixed warm water. Self-closing functional cartridge, piston-free design, with automatic and backlash-free closure. Adjustable flow duration. Full metal construction, polished chromium-plated brass.

Self-closing bib tap

Aquamix-S AQUA200

Self-Closing Hot and Cold Mixer

For wash systems, as a basin mixer with aerator with integrated flow controller. For connecting to the hot and cold water supply. Self-closing mixing cartridge, piston-free design, with automatic and backlash-free closure. Adjustable flow duration. With finely adjustable and twist-proof temperature stop. Full metal construction, polished chromiumplated brass. Optionally with connecting hoses or connecting pipes, connecting pieces with integrated non-return valves and dirt strainers.

Self-closing single mixer

Water Harvesting

Looking at available technologies that help overcome water scarcity

As part of enforcing the importance of water conservation the government of South Africa has recently launched a “War on leak” project, with a focus on fighting water loss by fixing leaking water channels. During the Water Week Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, MS Rejoice Mabudafhasi appealed to all water users to use it wisely and sparingly, “Water can be made available but if we do not conserve it, we will still experience challenges. Water conversation begins with each one of us; there needs to be a change in attitude and behavior to use water more wisely in our daily activities.”

Available Solutions for Water harvesting

Potable rainwater system- Rain water harvested can be stored and treated to drinking quality. Afterward it can be pumped into the main water supply of the house or business to supply water. When the tank emptied, it will automatically switch over to the municipal water supply.

Integrated Water saver installation

Rainwater harvesting is maximized and the harvested water will primarily be used for non-potable applications. Dedicated water supply pipes will be installed for flushing of toilets, general washing, topping up cooling towers or gardening. When the rainwater tanks are empty the supply to the applications will revert to municipal water until the rainwater tanks are topped up again.

Water saver installation

This stand-alone system harvests water for non-drinking purpose. If you want to save water for irrigation or industrial purposes this will be the right system. The water is partly filtered and pumped into the factory/irrigation system for use.

Basic rain barrel system

This is a small system that will capture and strain a small volume of water for garden or irrigation use. It uses gravity to supply the area that you want. This water can still be used as drinking water for animals.

Country standalone

This is a complete standalone package system and operates on solar power. It is a mini version of Use-rainwater deluxe system but cannot be connected to the national electrical grid or main water supply. It is an ideal package for schools and rural communities to generate quality drinking water from rain.

Benefits of harvesting water

• Rainwater system acts as an attenuation systems that prevents stormwater flooding

• It is good because it is extremely soft and only contains about 5 mg/l of dissolved solids compared to municipal water that contains about 400mg/l.

• Rainwater does not contain any chlorine or sanitizing agent.

Rainwater harvesting tank.

Rain water storage tanks

• By having a rainwater capturing and storing system your household or business becomes independent from the municipal supply. Should there be a problem with the municipal supply your house or operation can still function without the need to make use of tankers.

• Using rainwater conserves rainwater and saves you money.

• It minimizes the risk and exposure to harmful chemicals to your body.

• Because rainwater is soft you will have no scale buildup in your electrical appliances like kettles and geysers

Considerations

When installing rain water systems there are things which must be considered. “In order to understand how much rainwater can be captured you need to know the surface area of the building structure that will be used to capture the rainwater. By using the average annual rainfall data in your area you can calculate how much water will be captured during an average rain season. This will give you an indication of how much water you can capture and how big your storage tank should be. Don’t size it too big because you want it to overflow every once in a while to flush a bit of the surface layer of water”, states Manna Hoogenboezem from Use-rainwater. It is critical that the installer of the system size the correct supply pump for the application. This can only be achieved by carrying out a flow analysis of water volume requirement for the building.

Manna said wrong installation of booster pumps could result in overpressure and damage to household equipment or low pressure and low water flow to the house.Water pH and quality vary and it can have a significant impact on your water pipes and appliance. By analyzing the water quality and installing the correct treatment equipment you can extend the life and prevent damage to your appliance and piping system. Incorrectly sized filtration and sanitization components can lead to ineffective filtration and filthy water results in bacteria and unwelcome pathogens. “There is always a risk that treated water can find its way back into municipal water system. In order to prevent this from happening it is imperative that a backflow prevention valve is installed. This is legal requirement in many countries and it needs good engineering design practice when installing a system”, says Manna.

Some recent innovations

The Superhead Rainwater Tank–It automatically filters and diverts dirty and pollutant water every time it rains. Its design allows prevention of leaves and polluted rainwater from entering a water tank by means of a simple, yet highly effective first flush diverter. Although designed to avert gutter debris during the first rains, the Superhead filter also ensures that any subsequent debris is also prevented from entering the tank water supply. An adjustable drain valve at the bottom of the flush pipe controls the rate at which the polluted water drains, with the length of flush pipe determining the volume of water sacrificed to reach the overflow point.The filter is supplied as one complete system that requires only that the flush pipe be brought to accommodate the size of the roof catchment area. It is recommended that 20 liters per 100m2 of roof area needs to be flushed to produce clear water.

To read more and to comment on this story visit http://www.constructionreviewonline.com

Rain water collection system

Rainwater harvesting goes mainstream

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is not a new invention it has been around for more than 4, 000 years. Today’s renewed interest in this ancient technique of water conservation is a result of a greater interest in green buildings and consumers’ increased awareness of water as a threatened and critical natural resource. It offers building owners, builders and architects a number of important benefits. A RWH system integrates several components and design disciplines toward the common goal of capturing, storing and using this natural resource.

Whilst it may be fairly simple to capture roof water for irrigation or flushing toilets, it may be more challenging to correctly design and install an integrated rainwater harvesting (RWH) system. Aesthetic expectations and

comfort levels come into play in new designs while retrofitting in older buildings is even more taxing. From a building owner’s perspective, RWH offers the opportunity to decrease water and wastewater costs which are set to rise faster than energy costs, it eases the burden on already strained municipal infrastructures, decreases erosion and flooding caused by runoff from impervious surfaces and, importantly it is a relatively easy and effective way to demonstrate environmental stewardship. Conserving water through a sustainable and efficient RWH system provides on-site water for use in buildings (bathroom, laundry, kitchen) and for site irrigation.

Because expert knowledge is required to install a completely integrated and specified RWH system, it is important that architects and builders consult with rainwater harvesting specialists when considering rainwater harvesting, whether in a new building or as a retrofit. It is important to understand, the issues that need to be addressed at the design stage, what the various RWH system components(besides the tank)are and how they fit together, how technical hurdles can be overcome and how a properly designed RWH system will assist in greening the building, save clients money, specially in the design stage when it is more cost efficient to install the system rather than retrofitting it. An integrated RWH system is an important cornerstone of a sustainability strategy whether building a new home or considering it for commercial, industrial or agricultural environments.

Author: Patrick Rosslee,a rainwater-harvesting specialist at JoJo Tanks. For more information mail Patrick on RWH@jojotanks.co.za

Rethink your Green

Simple things make a difference

Rainwater harvesting is one of the easiest and most practical things homeowners can do to green their homes and demonstrate environmental stewardship. Plus it saves on rising water bills, reduces the load on strained infrastructures and provides water security against increasingly frequent municipal water outages.

Rainwater is perfect to use for all household cleaning including gardening, laundry and washing the car and the driveway. Good news for style conscious homeowners is that JoJo tanks come in different sizes and fashionable colours. They’re an eco-statement: so don’t hide them away!

A 750L JoJo Slimline™ buffer tank installed in line with the municipal water mains provides an uninterrupted water supply during municipal watersheds and its capacity can provide a 24hr emergency water supply for the average household.

JoJo tanks offer a unique 8-year warranty, are kind to the planet, tough, good-looking too … that’s why we proudly write our name on the outside.

Distinguished by distinction

Despite the prevalence of hundreds of similar products in the East African market, BARATON TRADE FZE is widely esteemed by customers for its devotion to quality

When price consciousness is the sole driver behind purchasing decisions, it is not uncommon for organisations to rue being fleeced by shady suppliers of various goods and services. It has been established that this oversight can end up costing much more than initially bargained for as the ‘affordable’ products can wear out within a short time, and the replacement costs can be astronomical. Thus, conventional wisdom recommends that it is rational to consult organisations that have a credible record in the supply of rock drilling machineries, compressors and drilling accessories.

One of the organisations that commands respect in the sector is BARATON TRADE FZE. As the leading importer and distributor of Rock Drilling Machineries, Compressors and Drilling Accessories in Eastern Africa, it exclusively represents FURUKAWA and AIRMAN Corporations of Japan, Robit Rock Tools of Finland, Brunner & Lay of USA, Jura Filtration of France, Tower Light and TESCAR Co. of Italy. The more countries open their borders to foreign products, the more customers have a wider variety of products to choose from. Simultaneously, this has resulted in low-grade products flooding the market. Nevertheless, BARATON TRADE FZE complies with expected quality standards. Aboma Taye, the company’s representative, assures customers that its products are authentic. He says: “All our imported products are genuine supplied directly by the manufacturers as per international standards.”

Confidence in Africa

Taye tells Construction Review that BARATON TRADE FZE is eyeing vast opportunities that lie untapped in Africa. It sees Africa as a fast growing continent with remarkable economic development. “Most of the development involves infrastructure that requires stone crushing. Construction sectors like buildings, mining, road

construction and other areas always require a continuous supply of crushed stone and we choose to be part of this supply chain in order to help sustain the growing economies infrastructure development.” Baraton Trade Fze became aware of this business potential through its sister company that is involved in Rentals of Construction Machinery that includes Rock drillers and compressors. After discovering the opportunities, they immediately decided to capitalise on it without hesitation, Taye says.

A cut above competitors

“Whereas it is not easy to separate the genuine from the counterfeit with a lot of product imitations in the market, BARATON TRADE FZE has managed to stand out amongst competitors. The reason behind this is that its products are mainly imported from Japan and Europe which give us the edge on quality and reliability aspects”, Taye reveals.

“We only focus on one field of business which helps BARATON concentrate and maintain quality service to our clients,” he says. “In addition, we take our after sales works seriously and provide extra services to our clients in order to maintain the highest customer satisfaction.”

Through its solid reputation, thus far, BARATON TRADE FZE has sold more than 45 units of pneumatic crawler drills,5 units of hydraulic drills, more than 50 Compressors, Hydraulic breakers and Hand drills within the last 3 years, Construction Review learns. Taye narrows down BARATON TRADE FZE’s popularity to the following factors: Efficient overall services, easy of maintenance and repair, reliability and dependability, Cost effective products and services, continuous spare parts and accessories supply through our sales outlets and workshop, well experienced technicians with mobile repair trucks, free professional training for client operators, and short delivery time.

Bloemfontein King Williams Town Polokwane Soweto Wetton George Marburg Port Elizabeth Upington Emalahleni Rossburg Paarl Rustenburg Vredenburg Pretoria Gardens

• Free roof truss quotations

At our Builders truss division we offer the following services:

• Professional advice and friendly service

• Supplier of all roof coverings at competitive prices

• Member of the ITC (Institute for Timber Construction)

• ITC certificate offered with all quotes (Roof inspection A19 certificate)

• Precision truss manufacturing

• Installation of trusses and coverings

• 5-7 day turn-around from order to delivery*

* (order means that money has been deposited and reflects in the Builders account)

For your nearest store contact our call centre 0860 284 533 of besoek ons by www.builders.co.za