Construction

ECOWAS handed over the project to SCEGC, the contractor, and super-visiting consultant, AIM Consult. (Image source: ECOWAS)

Construction of a bridge over the Cavally River has officially commenced following the handover of the site by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to the contractor, SCEGC, and super-visiting consultant, AIM Consult

Considered a vital piece of infrastructure, the bridge will help to connect Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia and supports ECOWAS’s Vision 2050 goals of enhancing regional trade, transport connectivity and economic cooperation across West Africa.

“The 288-meter Bridge over the Cavally River is more than just an infrastructure project – it is a gateway to economic transformation for Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, and the entire West African region,” remarked the Ag. director of transport for the ECOWAS Commission, Chris Appiah, on behalf of the president, Alieu Touray Omar. “This bridge which addresses a major missing link on the Dakar-Abidjan corridor is expected to improve trade, reduce transportation costs, and create jobs, directly contributing to regional integration and economic growth.”

Designed as a two-lane, reinforced concrete cable-stay bridge, the structure will be built to withstand the environmental challenges the area poses. Physical work for the delivery of the project is expected to take 24 months, and plans for a temporary construction camp and material logistics through the Port of San Pedro were also discussed. At the ceremony, ECOWAS also highlighted the project’s additional social initiatives, including the development of markets, sanitation facilities, and employment opportunities for local communities.

Superintendent of Maryland County, Liberia, Henry Cole, Jr., stated, “This bridge represents more than a physical connection; it symbolises economic growth and collaboration for Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire. Our communities have long awaited improved infrastructure, and this project will open new economic frontiers for both nations.”

Fleet management has become a must-have for construction companies. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The introduction of innovative, intelligent software is enabling managers to more effectively coordinate their construction fleets, optimising the use of assets to save time and money

Keeping equipment working harmoniously and operating efficiently to meet project targets has always been a crucial component of the construction industry, with leaders tasked with ensuring they are getting the greatest output of their fleet at the lowest cost. This challenge is ever-evolving, compounded in recent years with the greater need to maximise personnel safety while also minimising climate impact.

It is within this environment that fleet management software has quickly become an indispensable tool for those running construction sites. With information around vehicle performance traditionally stored and interpreted physically, virtual platforms are now readily available as a way to manage the complexities of construction projects. With vehicles now easily equipped with telematics devices such as GPS, data points around real-time location, driving behaviour, vehicle health and beyond, are available in vast amounts, and fleet management software solutions serve to compile this information in a single platform and display it digestibly. A range of benefits can be unlocked by optimising the integration of the platform, including improved vehicle efficiency by assisting drivers and planning effective routes; monitored and lowered CO₂ emissions; up-to-date maintenance data to limit breakdowns and save on costs; enhanced safety by discouraging reckless drivers and providing real-time alerts; and much more.

Discover the full article, including coverage of the leading companies providing fleet management software, in the October issue of African Review.

The new crane benefits from the latest enhancements for Potain self-erecting cranes. (Image source: Manitowoc)

Manitowoc, a leading provider of engineered lifting solutions, will debut the new Potain Igo M 24-19 at the Batimat exhibition, running in Paris, France, from 30 September to 3 October

Replacing the best-selling Igo M 14, the new crane joins the Igo MA 21 and Hup M 28-22 A in the company’s range of mobile self-erecting cranes. Measuring 11.83 M in length in the folded position, the crane is well suited to manoeuvring through narrow and restricted jobsites, making it ideal for new home construction and renovations.

Boasting three jib configuration options of 12.3 m and 21 m as well as the full 24 m option, versatility has been prioritised to enable the crane to easily adapt to jobsite requirements.

“At Potain, we are driven to deliver innovative solutions that fit the market, and our customer’s needs. The new Igo M 24-19 optimises compactness, mobility, performance, and productivity for our customers to increase their return on investment,” said Rémi Deporte, self-erecting cranes product manager at Manitowoc.

The Igo M 24-19 has a permanent ballast installed and offers three steering axle options for travel. There is a 25 km/h tow bar, an 80 km/h tow bar, and a fifth wheel. The maximum capacity of the Igo M 24-19 is 1.8 t and will lift to 570 kg at its maximum jib length of 24 m. The height under hook is 19 m. Additionally, the crane can work in a raised jib position of 11° or 20° when more height under hook is needed.

The latest advancements from Potain are included in the crane’s design, including Smart Set-Up, Potain Crane Control System, Drive Control, Power Control, Steering Axle, and the Potain CONNECT telematics system. There are also several productivity options available including an onboard generator for power independence, hydraulic levelling for easier crane setup, Potain Plus load curve software, and the Top Site working range limiter.