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Challenges in meeting functional and sustainability needs of Infrastructure in Southern Africa

Challenges in meeting functional and sustainability needs of Infrastructure in Southern Africa. Dr. Michael N Mulenga, FEIZ, MASCE, REng UNZA-School of Engineering

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Challenges in meeting functional and sustainability needs of Infrastructure in Southern Africa

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  1. Challenges in meeting functional and sustainability needs of Infrastructure in Southern Africa Dr. Michael N Mulenga, FEIZ, MASCE, REng UNZA-School of Engineering FUTURISTIC BUILT ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION, BEST PRACTICES, AND STANDARD FOR SOUTHERN AFRICA, NCC, Lusaka, Zambia , 24-25th February 2011

  2. Overview of Presentation • Introduction • Conception, Design and Specifications • Materials of Construction • Construction, refurbishment and maintenance of constructed facilities • Monitoring, Evaluation and Feedback • Conclusions and Recommendations

  3. Introduction Zambia-Country Profile • Landlocked country • Land Area 752, 612 sq km • Population 12.9 million • Total Road Network 67,671 km • Core Road Network 40,000 km

  4. Introduction (Cont’d) • Southern Africa is endowed with large amounts of construction raw materials • Manufactured materials such as structural and reinforcing steel, cement and masonry units are produced locally • Zambia imports different various manufactured materials from the region and other countries • Limited number of harmonized standards and codes of practice exist

  5. Conception, design and specifications • Successful construction projects require a thorough thought process to ensure performance to expectations • Concerted efforts are required between the various players (planners to designers and contractors) • Poorly planned and executed projects can lead to disaster •  The design process should be subjected to a quality assurance plan to ensure responsibility, accountability and traceability.

  6. Conception, design and specifications (Cont’d) •  The specifications should be ‘green’ and should encourage innovation. • New materials of construction and related practices can be promoted through intelligent specifications and advocacy. •  Issues of the Climate Change, for example, should be incorporated in our standards, codes of practice and specifications.

  7. Materials of construction • The behavior of constructed facilities depends to a large extent on the materials that are incorporated in the construction. • Basic materials such as the aggregates have to be blended and used in prescribed quantities • Manufactured materials have to be used ingeniously to satisfy strength, functional and serviceability requirements. • Use of novel materials of construction, such as composites, re-use and recycling of materials are all feasible options.

  8. Materials (Cont’ d) • For cost effectiveness and sustainability, emphasis should be placed on effective use the locally available construction materials • Standardization is key to promoting regional and international, bilateral and multi-lateral agreements that promote socio-economic developmental • SADC and COMESA protocols emphasize ‘trade beyond borders’

  9. Construction, refurbishment and maintenance of constructed facilities • To meet present and future needs, as well as heritage requirements, novelty in design, construction and maintenance is required • Education and Training and Research and Development (R & D) are major inputs. • Strong partnerships are required amongst stakeholders, to achieve futuristic built-environment.

  10. Funding for Education, Training and Research & Development • The efforts require sustainable funding and deliberate policies targeted at sustainable built environment. • One way is to ensure that a percentage of each contract sum is channeled to education, training, research and development.

  11. Monitoring, Evaluation and Feedback • There is need for monitoring and evaluation of the processes and the resulting constructed infrastructure. • Mechanisms for feedback and updating of the codes have to be developed • Information flow to end users should be efficient and effective, as demanded by the construction industry • Corrective action and improvements can then be instituted in a timely manner.

  12. Conclusions and Recommendations • Several materials of construction, from different sources are available on the Southern African market. • There is need for harmonization of standards in Southern African •  Standardization is a means by which we can boost regional and international developmental initiatives • ‘Green’ practices and innovation must be encouraged through intelligent standards, codes of practice and specifications, as well as advocacy.

  13. Conclusions and Recommendations (Cont’d) • Topical issues such as Climate Change need be incorporated in codes and specifications development • Robust Specifications should not be looked upon as ‘policing’ mechanisms, but rather ‘opportunities’ for innovation and sustainability. • Funding and strong partnerships between players is absolutely essential

  14. THE END

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