Providing expert skills in road and transportation infrastructure
Gert Maritz, a Lithon Project Consultant and Roads and Transportation specialist, gave us some insight into some of the projects that Lithon has been involved in. As experts in road, airport and rail infrastructure, Lithon is very proud to be a part of projects that are so important to a country’s development. Here’s a closer look at two of Lithon’s most recent large-scale road infrastructure projects in Namibia.
The Husab Mine Access Road
Key facts
- Contract value: N$180 million
- Client: Swakop Uranium (Pty) Ltd
- Construction timeline: January 2013 to June 2014 (18 months)
- Location: Erongo Region, Namibia
Project Purpose
The new Husab Uranium mine is one of the largest uranium mines in the world. The aim of this project was to ensure easy and safe travel to and from the mine, and a way to cross the nearby Khan River.
Project overview
This project saw the construction of a 23km access road and a 160m bridge, providing access to the Husab Mine. At the start, Lithon conducted a bankable feasibility study, including technical and financial analyses for the proposed road and bridge.
Once the study was successfully completed, Lithon detailed the geometric and storm water drainage designs as well as the structural design of the Khan River bridge. With designs in place, Lithon oversaw the construction, involving contract documentation, administration and full-time site supervision and quality control.
Project challenges
The Husab Mine access road is located in an extremely environmentally sensitive area, and the Lithon team had to keep the preservation of the protected acacia trees in mind throughout. In addition, part of the road was constructed in a river and the team had dealt with flooding during construction. Despite these challenges, the project was completed on time and within budget.
The Windhoek-Rehoboth Carriageway
Key facts
- Contract value: N$2.5 billion (estimated construction value)
- Client: Roads Authority
- Construction timeline: Construction commenced in January 2020 and is ongoing
- Location: Windhoek/Rehoboth, Namibia
Project Purpose
The road between Windhoek and Rehoboth had seen better days. To ensure safe travel, freer flowing traffic and general necessary improvements, a full upgrade was needed.
Project overview
The Roads Authority sought to upgrade the + 90km stretch of road between Windhoek and Rehoboth. Because of the multiple interchanges and large drainage and road bridges, we knew the safest solution would be a dual carriageway freeway. So that’s what we set out to engineer.
Lithon kicked off this project with a viability study in October 2014. From there, we detailed the road’s design, involving geometric and storm water drainage designs and structural designs for the bridges. As with the Husab Mine project, the design phase was followed by contract documentation, administration and full-time site supervision.
Project challenges
The main challenge on this project was that the initial freeway upgrade designs were created in 1973, and the area has undergone significant development since then. This meant that we had to rethink our work ahead, while not wanting to completely lose any of the past thinking. In considering existing structures and developments and growing public concerns, the Lithon team reviewed the existing designs, held public consultations, and redesigned the road to optimise safety, efficiency and the general environment.
