Construction

Construction begins on bridge connecting Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia

A group picture of the ECOWAS delegates and accompanying project companies.

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.”

The key to maximum fleet productivity

A construction site with digital communication graphics overlaid.

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.

Potain self-erecting crane to debut at Batimat

The new Manitowoc crane in front of an old building.

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.

Tech partnership to unveil 1.7-ton zero-emission excavator next year

Swappable battery docks. (Image source: Hitachi Construction Machinery)

Hitachi Construction Machinery, a construction machinery manufacturer, has announced a collaboration with Dimaag-Al, a leading provider of electric solutions, to design and deliver to the market a 1.7-ton electrified hydraulic excavator

Expected to be completed by December 2024, the partnership aims to unveil the vehicle at Bauma 2025 in Munich before launching the product on the European market in 2027. The industry-leading machine will be geared towards use in urban construction and indoor demolition.

“To realise zero-emission, it is important to provide not only our products but also solutions combined with related products such as energy storage system,” remarked Kazunori Nakamura, vice president and executive officer, CTO, president of Power & Info Control Platform Business Unit and Research & Development Group. “For this purpose, the collaboration with various partners is the key to success. Since the battery module for this collaboration from Dimaag is versatile and applicable to various electric products, further acceleration of the electrification at construction sites can be expected. We are excited to partner with an innovative company like Dimaag and would like to expand our electrified vehicle lineup.”

High power construction machinery

Hitachi will provide technical information of the base machine and specification requirements for the electrification while Dimaag will integrate its Electric No Compromise Off-Road Ecosystem (ENCORE). First showcased at Consumer Electric Show 2024, ENCORE is comprised of Dimaag’s high power, swappable battery modules, advanced thermal management system, inverters, motors, power electronics and software for EVs as well as charging stations.

Ian Wright, cofounder of Tesla and VP engineering at Dimaag, commented, “Dimaag’s ENCORE technology has been deployed across multiple prototype off-road vehicles to validate our design intent of no compromise on safety, all-day performance, and affordability. We are honoured to partner with Hitachi Construction Machinery to be a pioneer and enable economies of scale for the ENCORE tech stack. This partnership marks a significant step towards achieving electrification of agricultural and construction machinery, with no compromises.”

Smart building solutions transform Eastern Africa

Smart building solutions by BASF and Takazuri

Additive packages from BASF have been specifically tailored to suit the unique weather conditions of the region.

Takazuri and BASF have teamed up to deliver durable smart building solutions in Eastern Africa, focusing on climate resilience with sustainable products

This collaboration features Takazuri’s Climatile technology, which uses locally sourced and processed post-consumer materials, paired with BASF’s additive packages customised for the region’s unique weather conditions. The aim is to offer long-lasting, eco-friendly solutions that drive economic development in Africa and positively impact the construction industry and local communities, with the potential to expand to other regions.

“Sustainability is at the core of our business. Our commitment is reflected in our products, which are designed for high performance and multi-functionality while utilising locally collected and converted waste from urban settings, and soon, from ocean plastics collected off the Kenyan coast,” explained Maria Schlesinger, co-founder and CEO of Takazuri.

According to the African Development Bank Group, Africa’s population is projected to double by 2050. This rapid growth and urbanisation are increasing plastic waste and the demand in construction sectors. Takazuri aims to address this by providing affordable climate resilience solutions through local resources and partnerships in various sectors, including housing, commercial, healthcare, education, and humanitarian relief.

Climatile is a roofing and cladding solution designed to enhance indoor temperatures with superior insulation and improved solar reflectance and emittance. It also features a safe rainwater-harvesting surface that resists corrosion. The Climatile system includes a smart clipping mechanism that enables the addition of functional accessories, such as ultra-light frameless solar panels and biophilic components, making it an “upgradable” solution for climate resilience.

Takazuri has been committed to advancing Kenya’s role in climate action and sustainable construction. With products projected to expand across the region and continent, Takazuri is leading the charge towards a more resilient and eco-friendly construction industry in Africa.

“Throughout the development of our technology, BASF has been an invaluable partner, assisting us in areas such as process optimisation, thermal stabilization, and enhancing the service life of the post-consumer recyclates. BASF’s expertise has been crucial in creating additive packages tailored to the region's harsh weather conditions,” added Schlesinger.

Takazuri has also partnered with Gabriel Chemie, a prominent European masterbatch producer, to supply customised Combi-Batch containing colors and stabilizers. This helps ensure dispersion and homogeneity in the polymer matrix during tile conversion.

Plastics require stabilization against thermal and photo-oxidation to meet processing, life cycle, and application requirements. Additive stabilizers are essential not only for virgin plastics but also for improving the quality of post-consumer recyclates used in sustainable applications like Climatile. Proper restabilization with antioxidants and light stabilizers is critical for ensuring the long-lasting performance of Climatile technology, offering leak-free roofing at an affordable cost.

“Our team worked closely with the Takazuri team to understand the technical requirements, specifications, and market positioning of Climatile. This collaboration allowed us to design an optimal additive system to address the challenges of using post-consumer recycled materials for extended outdoor exposure,” said Bettina Sobotka, head of global marketing and development, plastic additives at BASF. “We hope this collaboration benefits the construction sector and local communities in East Africa, fostering economic growth.”