The concept of a smart city is a moving target. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Brian Civin, chief sales and marketing officer a AfriGIS, explains why geospatial data is the cornerstone of sustainable smart urban development

There is an increasing need for cities to become more efficient, sustainable, and liveable. Smart city initiatives explore how advanced technologies – such as data analytics, IoT, and artificial intelligence – can improve city operations and public services, reduce energy consumption, and enhance quality of life. They also support environmental sustainability, and create safer, more resilient communities in the face of challenges like climate
change and natural disasters.

With technology evolving rapidly, the idea of cities that can ‘think’ and ‘react’ to real-time data has become a feasible reality. However, there are numerous misconceptions and challenges that need addressing to move from theory to practice.

Urban planning

Geospatial data has long been essential in urban planning for optimising land use, infrastructure, and assessing risks like water flow. While traditional planning relies on this data, smart cities go further by integrating data-driven technologies into all aspects of urban life, though the concept of smart cities remains largely undefined and still evolving. Geospatial data is crucial in this context because it provides the foundational information needed to understand and manage the spatial dimensions of urban environments.

By integrating geospatial data, cities can optimise the placement and operation of resources like energy grids, water systems, and transport routes, leading to more efficient and sustainable urban planning. Plus, geospatial data enables real-time monitoring and management of services, supports emergency response and enhances decision-making processes by providing a detailed, location-based understanding of how different elements of a city interact.

Discover the full article in African Review November, available here

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.”