Prefabricated building manufacturer Kwikspace Modular Buildings has completed a R100-million accommodation project for the Ncala corridor project in Ncala, Mozambique.
This is one of the largest mining and construction projects to take place globally and will provide a route for the transport of coal from Moatize to the Ncala port. A Brazil-based mining company awarded the Ncala camp project to Kwikspace in 2012.
The 700 person accommodation camp comprising 10 000 m2 of accommodation, houses those involved with the project, including senior management, supervisory staff and workers, and further includes an office complex, ablution facilities, a large clinic, recreational rooms, a kitchen/diner and a laundry facility. Comments Nick Alexander, company business development director; "Our ability to swiftly transport and assemble the units was major advantage in securing the contract".
He further cites cost effectiveness and comfort as added benefits of the units and notes that clients have more flexibility when they rent the units, as they can reduce or increase the number of rentals during the course of a project. Construction and assembly, however, were not without their challenges which included logistical challenges; clearing delays at port customs; heavy rains; illness , such as malaria and a shortage of local skills and labour.
Says Alexander; "Kwikspace identified local skilled labourers and contractors who assisted the project as the company acknowledges that localisation is important for a country's development".
Kwikspace has been involved in several projects of varying sizes in Mozambique and opened a branch in Tete province about 2 years ago. The company plans to open another branch in the province Cabo Delgado in Northern Mozambique in 2014, as well as two or three branches in other Southern African Development Community countries in the next few years.
