Construction

The launch of this facility marks a transformative shift in the company’s operations towards sustainable energy use. (Image source: Lafarge Africa)

Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading innovative and sustainable building solutions company, has launched an Alternative Fuel and Raw Material (AFR) platform in Nigeria

The company, a member of the Holcim Group, has established the new platform at its Mfamosing plant in Cross River State. Viewed as a demonstration of its commitment to reducing environmental impact and driving local empowerment, the Lafarge Aims to significantly reduce its carbon footprint by replacing conventional fossil fuels with alternative energy sources derived from non-recyclable waste materials.

“Today is more than a significant milestone for Lafarge Africa; it is a remarkable step forward for Nigeria’s construction industry, setting new standards in sustainability and innovation. This facility will enable us to use alternative fuels and materials in our production, lowering our CO2 emissions and positioning us as a leader in sustainable practices across Nigeria and Africa,” remarked Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, GMD/CEO of Lafarge Africa Plc.

Alade-Akinyemi made the comments while speaking at the commissioning event that gathered key government officials, community leaders, industry stakeholders, and relevant partners. He continued by emphasising that, beyond the environmental benefits, the platform will foster local economic growth by creating “a diverse chain of jobs for individuals, small businesses, and entrepreneurs involved in collection, sorting, and supply of materials to the plant.” The facility is also expected to generate demand for local truck operators, logistics providers, and small- to medium-sized businesses.

Towards a Nigerian circular economy

The AFR system is part of a broader sustainability strategy aligned with Holcim’s global commitment to net-zero emissions and sustainable innovation in construction. The AFR facility helps advance Nigeria’s transition toward a circular economy by reducing waste and supporting environmental goals.

As such, it has been praised by local leaders and government leaders. Prince Bassey Otu, Executive Governor of Cross River State, represented by Micheal Odere, Honorable Commissioner for Finance, Cross River State, stated, “We are proud to have partners who share our vision of an environmentally sustainable and economically vibrant Cross River State. Today’s project by Lafarge is a significant addition to these efforts, reflecting how public and private sectors can work hand-in-hand for sustainable development.”

“Lafarge is setting a new standard by significantly reducing emissions and engaging the community in environmental stewardship,” added Etukudo Etim, State Coordinator, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Cross River State. “This project is a win-win for both the environment and the economy.”

An updated H120 GC hammer. (Image source: Cat)

Caterpillar has updated several of its GC hammers, turning them into more durable and high-performance pieces of equipment

The versatile GC hammers are designed with large hammer tool diameters and deliver high-impact power in order to quickly break through tough materials encountered in a range of application such as road construction, trenching and demolition. The updated Cat H130 GC, H140 GC, H160 GC and H180 GC hammers feature powerful hydraulics and quick access to maintenance areas to increase productivity, improve uptime and reduce costs, according to Cat.

“Earlier this year, we updated the H110 GC and H120 GC models, and they have been well received by our customers,” explained Tom Munch, senior product consultant. “Expanding these feature upgrades to the H130 GC through H180 GC models gives customers a full range of durable and reliable hammer work tool solutions fully validated and matched to machines from the 10- to 55-ton class sizes.”

Durable, effective and easy to maintain

To increase production and efficiency at the jobsite, Cat has aimed to combine power with fast impact frequencies. The new hammers have large tool diameters from 155-185 mm and have high impact power.

Moreover, durability is ensured through the standard high-vibration adapter alongside power cells made of high-quality alloy steel enabling a two-stage heat treatment process. Hydraulic components are also shielded from damage by heavy-duty side places to boost reliability.

Besides durability, Cat has also taken pains to improve and simplify the way maintenance is performed on the equipment. With quick and easy access to maintenance areas already hallmarks throughout the GC hammer line, the new models now feature a slip-fit and 90-degree rotatable lower brushing for easy replacement in the field. These help to reduce service time and extend service life.

Daily tool inspection and grease points are accessible from ground level with the hammer mounted on the machine. According to Cat, this enhances safety and reduces the time for routine maintenance. Finally, reinforced connecting hardware and easy bolt tightening help to provide strong, durable joints to extend the hammer life.

Cat has also made headlines recently for introducing its new Dynamic Energy Transfer solution the can transfer energy to both diesel-electric and battery-electric large mining trucks while they are operating. Learn more in the recent issue of African Review available now.

Jon Lopez, Yanmar CE's new president for the EMEA region. (Image source: Yanmar CE)

Jon Lopez has been named as the new president of the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region for Yanmar Compact Equipment (Yanmar CE)

Reporting directly to José Cuadrado, CEO of Yanmar CE and joining the CE executive leadership team, Lopez has been tasked with driving forward the company’s strategic objectives and maximising operational excellence across the territory.

“The EMEA region offers tremendous opportunities for growth, and I look forward to working closely with our talented team to deliver innovative, customer-focused solutions, while driving operational excellence across the region,” remarked Lopez. “Together, we will continue to strengthen Yanmar CE’s position as a leader in the compact equipment market and build a more sustainable future for our customers and communities.”

In pursuing these ambitions, Lopez will draw from his extensive experience within the industry, having worked across within it for more than 20 years. Joining from his previous role as senior vice president of truck and mounted forklift at HIAB, his skillset has been identified as one of the missing pieces of the puzzle which will help to advance Yanmar CE’s goals in the region.

“We are excited to welcome Jon to the Yanmar Compact Equipment team,” commented Cuadrado. “With his extensive experience and strong leadership in international business, he will play a critical role in our mission to achieve sustainable growth in the EMEA region and position Yanmar CE as a leader in the compact equipment market.”

Tshegare Moletsane, SANRAL’s transformation officer, explaining the importance of the scheme. (Image source: SANRAL)

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has unveiled a new Contractor Development Programme (CDP)

The new initiative is part of the organisation’s Horizon 2030 Strategy and Transformation Policy which aims to foster the growth of black industrialists across the construction value chain. Specifically, the new CDP is targeted at supporting black contractors in the Northern Cape and was introduced to the local community by Lehlohonolo Memeza, chief corporate affairs officer at SANRAL.

“If an infrastructure doesn’t have pillars, it will collapse,” commented Memeza. “We’ve seen we can’t operate if we don’t make transformation our centre and stronghold, so it’s been elevated to a pillar, and this Contractor Development Programme accompanies it.”

The CDP is aimed at addressing the challenges faced by contractors in the ‘missing middle’ of Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) grades, focusing on grades 5CE to 7CE. These contractors often face difficulties in securing work, obtaining experience and developing their businesses. The programme aims to bridge these gaps by providing contractors with access to SANRAL projects, as well as critical support such as training, mentoring and financial assistance.

Tshegare Moletsane, SANRAL’s transformation officer, added, “An industrialist is vital to us because we don’t want a situation where, when part of the construction value chain encounters challenges, the Contractor Development Programme, and ultimately SANRAL, suffers.”

He continued, “A black industrialist is a producer. You are not going to be constrained by anybody, you are going to produce to your maximum. We really want you guys in the next five years to match the big fives, to really resource you, to give you a platform that you can really prove yourselves and grow. That’s a mindset that we want to move you away from being a subcontractor mentality to really start playing with the big boys. We really need your support and your focus.”

A more inclusive construction industry

Through the programme, SANRAL aims to improve the overall performance of contractors in terms of financial viability, innovation, competitiveness, quality and employment practice. It is also designed to increase the participation of black women, people with disabilities, youth, and military veterans in SANRAL projects in order to create a more inclusive construction industry.

This was praised by Thandi Solo, a representative of the South African Women in Construction organisation (SAWIC) and a contractor, who said, “I appreciate SANRAL for the good work you are doing by actively prioritising transformation, particularly by targeting women.”

The new programme could help contractors take advantage of the flurry of construction activity being spearheaded by SANRAL in South Africa. Last month, the organisation suggested it expected to award a further R3.8bn (approx. US$212mn) by the end of the year. Click here to learn more about this story.