Infrastructure shortfalls demand innovative solutions

While project cargo activity in Africa is on the increase, declining demand for commodities has seen a reduction in investment in mining projects. South Africa has seen volumes stabilise with much less on the go than a few years ago, says Willie Kriek, regional director projects mining for supply chain major UTi. Labour challenges and falling commodity prices have negatively impacted investment in mining sector projects,” he told FTW. “This has led to several projects locally being placed on hold and therefore we have seen less project cargo activity on the local front.” Africa on the other hand, said Kriek, was buzzing with projects across several sectors. “Industrial and energy sectors are very busy and there is a lot of South African involvement as many of the country’s companies are very successful in the project sector.” Africa’s lack of infrastructure, however, continues to hamper operations. “Many projects are extremely remote and there is no infrastructure which means that it starts from scratch – roads have to be constructed, energy and water sources established, and buildings erected. Finding innovative and creative solutions to getting cargo to areas where there is no infrastructure – or very little – remains the top priority and is often the differentiating factor between players on the continent.” According to Kriek it is for this reason that UTi makes sure project cargo specialists are well versed in Africa. “We travel the continent, we go to the countries because it is really the only way you will be able to come up with viable solutions to servicing the project sector,” he said. “At the same time it allows one to develop meaningful relationships with people at ground level. In Africa, how you align yourself with partners is just as important.” And ultimately, he said, project cargo is all about delivery – on time and within budget. “And that can be extremely challenging in Africa where one is always expecting the unexpected. Planning becomes a key component of success, as does finding creative solutions. There is no one size fits all and what works today might be a complete failure on another day. There are so many variables at play that being able to think on one’s feet is a must.” Kriek said UTi had put together a team of project specialists who understand Africa. “Being able to provide that expertise becomes a distinguishing factor as it allows one to be able to deliver despite the massive challenges that are faced.” INSERT There is no one size fits all and what works today might be a complete failure on another day. – Willie Kriek CAPTION Part of an SAG mill used for the milling of rock before it is processed, en route to Tanzania. It was moved from the Czech Republic to Nairobi in Kenya before being moved via road and barge to the Geita Gold Mine in Tanzania.