Infrastructure investment boosts Manica’s project book

Project work in Namibia is on the increase with much development in the energy and mining sectors, says Patrick Kohlstaedt, general manager logistic services of the Manica Group Namibia. “With the world economy and investor confidence picking up, we expect the situation to further improve,” he says. “Future developments especially in the energy and mining sector are foreseen in Namibia and the region at large.” More activities in infrastructure investment in Namibia and its neighbouring countries and corridor partners is also expected to bring much opportunity for companies wanting to get involved in project work. “We believe infrastructure investments are driven by resource exploration, energy needs and partnerships between developing countries, specifically China and Africa. Therefore we foresee further growth in this area, should world economies continue to grow,” says Kohlstaedt. And with the Manica Group Namibia already heavily involved in two major projects, it is clear that the downturn of 2009 is finally something of the past and the predicted brighter future is on the way. “We have been involved in the development of the Caprivi- Link Interconnector, a new power line connecting the Zambian and Namibian grid. The total investment in this project is estimated to be more than R2bn,” says Kohlstaedt. “Part of the line is the construction of two substations. Both substations, Katima Mulilo and Gerus near Otjiwarongo, received four 111 MT transformers and the various ancillary equipment required for the construction of a substation. The line is set to be commissioned later this year.” The other project on which the company has been working is the construction of a cement plant in Otavi. With the total value estimated at R2.5bn, it is the biggest single foreign direct investment in Namibia since independence. “We are responsible for delivering components from CFR Walvis Bay to the site,” says Kohlstaedt. “Various charter and liner services delivered more than 30 000 freight tonnes to the port of Walvis Bay.” While there are still challenges to address such as having sufficient and suitable equipment and transport available at the time and place required to ensure a project is completed successfully, the opportunities far outweigh the challenges. “The Port of Walvis Bay and Manica are well positioned to support projects along the Walvis Bay corridors into Angola, Zambia, DRC and Botswana. In addition the Port of Walvis Bay itself is planning a major upgrade in the next 36 months, worth in total about R2bn,” says Kohlstaedt. “This will further strengthen the performance of this port and hinterland connection.”