Meet Israel Haimbili, Civil Engineer in Training

Meet Israel Haimbili, Civil Engineer in Training

When faced with the decision between a career in medicine or engineering, Israel chose engineering – and has never looked back. His passion for problem-solving and community upliftment is brought to life every day in his role as a Civil Engineer in Training at Lithon. When not at work, you’ll find him playing chess, relaxing…

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Meet Kobus Steyn, Structural Engineer

Meet Kobus Steyn, Structural Engineer

Inspired by a documentary he watched as a boy, Kobus knew exactly what he wanted to do from a very young age. He now brings his lifelong passion to life as a Structural Engineer at Lithon. When he’s not tackling challenging projects at work, he’s outdoors spending quality time with his family.   What inspired…

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Meet Brandon van Wyk, Civil Engineer in Training

Meet Brandon van Wyk, Civil Engineer in Training

From a young age, Brandon was captivated by the world of civil engineering, learning the ropes from his father during holiday jobs. Now at Lithon’s Swakopmund office, he’s inspired by the potential to positively impact communities and the environment. When he’s not engineering solutions, Brandon enjoys personal development and quality time with loved ones. What…

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The Nuances of Multi-Disciplinary Engineering

The Nuances of Multi-Disciplinary Engineering - Website Image

Like a clock with its many different moving parts, so is the world of engineering. By now you know more about civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering, each with its own subdisciplines. Most engineering projects, especially big ones like skyscrapers, bridges, or power stations, require a harmonious interplay of these distinct disciplines. This collaborative process,…

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What 2023 Meant for Engineering?

What 2023 Meant for Engineering

It’s always interesting to reflect on the year that was, to understand some of the key happenings that influence the way we work and the projects we undertake. We spoke with Lithon’s CEO, Gert Maritz, to gain insight into the developments of 2023 that are set to shape the future of engineering. Here’s what he…

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How Engineers Can Help in Times of War

How Engineers Can Help in Times of War

War is catastrophic. It tears lives and communities apart as it upends the fabric of society itself. Infrastructure crumbles, homes become ruins, and places we once knew and loved turn unfamiliar and hostile.  While the emotional and physical scars of war are often permanent, rebuilding society, if we work together, is possible. Helping countries get…

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Cutting-Edge Technologies Transforming Structural Engineering

Cutting-Edge Technologies Transforming Structural Engineering

In a previous article, we discussed some interesting facts about what it’s like to work as a structural engineer. Now, we’d like to look at what’s changing and explore the cutting-edge and continuously evolving technologies in the structural world. Again, we went to our go-to head of Structures, Valontino James, for some insight into the…

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5 Things You Didn’t Know About Structural Engineering

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Structural Engineering

For many people, structural engineering conjures images of towering city office blocks, bridges spanning across rivers or sports stadiums with their awe-inspiring domed roofs. But these aspects of structural engineering are merely the tip of the iceberg. What really goes on is far more intricate than meets the eye.  We chatted to Lithon’s head of…

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8 Sustainable Transport Trends

8 Sustainable Transport Trends

In a world that’s always on the move, it’s important to pause and reflect on the environmental impact of our chosen mode of travel. While change may happen slowly, it’s the progress towards it that counts.  Changing our mode of transport might be a big weight for the average citizen to carry, but rest assured…

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5 Things You Didn’t Know About Roads

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Roads

Roads are the arteries of our cities, pumping life to and from the heart. While most of us experience roads on a daily basis, whether via car, bus, bicycle or foot, we often don’t give much, if any, thought to how they’re designed. If we did, we’d realise that the roads we take for granted…

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ISO Certified Engineers in Namibia & Quality Management Systems

ISO Certified Engineers in Namibia

In April 2023, Lithon received ISO 9001:2005 certification. This demonstrates our commitment to exceptional quality, customer satisfaction, and continued improvement. This milestone also highlights the expertise of ISO Certified Engineers in Namibia, who play a crucial role in maintaining high industry standards. It also means a lot more! Lithon’s Lynn Stephansen was part of the…

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5 Key Insights into the Role of Project Management in Engineering

5 Key Insights into the Role of Project Management in Engineering

Engineering projects involve many moving parts with large teams of consultants and stakeholders. This complexity requires robust project management in order to ensure a high level of excellence is reached on time, and within budget. It’s not as easy to achieve as it sounds and requires a rounded set of skills. We chatted to Lithon’s…

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A Beautiful Bounty of Butternuts

A Beautiful Bounty of Butternuts

How one small farming project in Mariental is solving food insecurity in Namibia. Lithon’s founder, Adriaan Grobler, is passionate about venture engineering and the impact that comes from investing in these kinds of projects.    In essence, Venture Engineering brings engineering thinking and skills to innovative ideas and projects that can significantly improve the life…

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5 Exciting Ways Airports will Change in Future

5 Exciting Ways Airports will Change in Future

Air travel helps people and goods travel safely between sometimes far distances, at the fraction of the time it takes any other type of transport. It’s one of the great engineering achievements of the 20th Century. Think of the ancient sailing ships fraught with the dangers and health risks of lengthy time spent at sea,…

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Meet Sam Ekandjo, CEO of Lithon Developers

Meet Sam Ekandjo, CEO of Lithon Developers

Lithon Developers has a new CEO. He’s passionate about the difference well-planned property development can make in the world, but did you know that this hard-working guy also has a 5th Dan black belt in karate, and likes to prepare budgets (just for fun) in his free time? We sat down with Sam to find…

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What to Expect in 2023 and Beyond

What to Expect in 2023 and Beyond

It’s always fun to imagine (and predict) what the future might hold. Lithon’s founder, Adriaan Grobler, has a few thoughts about what the world of engineering might bring us in 2023…   Technology will disrupt Possibly the biggest catalyst for change across the world – technology – will continue to force us to evolve at…

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What’s Happening at Lithon Foundation?

What’s Happening at Lithon Foundation?

Lithon Foundation acts like a bridge – and engineers love building bridges! Our strategy is to support, guide and strengthen organisations (receivers) that are already making an impact in people’s lives and communities. Part of that strategy involves connecting these organisations with willing and able companies and individuals (givers) who believe in a cause, but…

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What Does an Industrial Engineer Do?

What Does an Industrial Engineer Do?

Industrial engineers focus less on making actual things, and more on designing efficient and cost-effective processes. Ever been mesmerised by watching an automatic assembly line at a factory? Well, there’s an industrial engineer to thank for making that work.   They figure out how to use primary resources – people, machines, materials, space, information, and energy…

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7 Intriguing Facts About Transport Engineering You Probably Didn’t Know

7 Intriguing Facts About Transport Engineering You Probably Didn’t Know

Transport engineering is a wide field which includes everything with wheels/mobility and the infrastructure that carries them. It’s a challenging discipline which involves complex problem solving and requires plenty of experience to do it well. We chatted to Lithon’s Civil and Transport Business Unit leader, Richard Laborn, to dig a little deeper into transport engineering.…

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What Does a Transport Engineer Do?

Meet Valontino James, Structural Engineer

Whether it’s high-speed railway networks, a bridge over water, an airport runway, or simply a suburban street, we’ve all experienced and used one of these marvels of modern society. If you’re wondering who to thank for these, your smooth transition from one highway to another, or the delight of catching every green light, look no…

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Meet Valontino James, Structural Engineer

Meet Valontino James, Structural Engineer

Valontino James heads up Lithon’s Structural Engineering business unit. We discovered that not only is he one smart guy (he is currently pursuing his PhD) and passionate about structural engineering, but he’s also a half-marathon runner, enjoys a good braai, and loves music with soul. 1. When did you join Lithon? In October 2021, but…

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Windhoek Rehoboth Road Upgrade to Free-Way Standard, Geotechnical Investigation

Windhoek Rehoboth Road Upgrade to Free-Way Standard, Geotechnical Investigation

Geotechnical investigation to evaluate the underlying founding conditions through testing pitting, core logging and laboratory testing of soil and rock samples to determine competent founding layers. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES Geotechnical consulting services, soil profiling, core logging, interpretation and evaluation of laboratory test results and investigating and proposing foundation types and depths.

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Redirection of Pumpstations Swakopmund, Geotechnical Investigation

Redirection of Pumpstations Swakopmund, Geotechnical Investigation

Geotechnical investigation to determine material consistency with depth and determine the depth of rock to inform the design team for design requirements, excitability and determination of quantities. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES Geotechnical consulting services, and dynamic cone penetration testing to determine the soil consistency with depth and determine the depth of rock bed.

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Meet Lydia Steyn, Accountant

Meet Lydia Steyn, Accountant

Accountant, Lydia Steyn, is based at Lithon’s Oshakati branch and is one of six on the Lithon finance team. In true, family-business style, Lydia is also wife to Cilliers, who is an engineer and the branch manager at Oshakati. We sat down with Lydia to find out that she likes even numbers, enjoys camping in…

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5 Amazing Facts About Civil Engineering You Probably Didn’t Know

5 Amazing Facts About Civil Engineering You Probably Didn’t Know

Civil engineering is one of the oldest, yet least understood professions. These engineers are the backbone of every society – responsible for designing and constructing buildings, bridges, roads, dams, and other structures. But that’s not all!  Here are some awesome facts about the history of civil engineering that you probably didn’t know.   1. It…

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What Does a Civil Engineer Do?

What Does a Civil Engineer Do?

From the Pyramids at Giza in Egypt, to the Great Wall of China, civil engineers have played an important role in creating the world we know.    Civil engineers design, construct and maintain the civil infrastructure that allows us to live in our homes without fear of our roof caving in, drive on our roads…

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Meet Juliandri Grobler, Systems developer and debtors clerk

Meet Juliandri Grobler, Systems developer and debtors clerk

Systems developer and debtors clerk, Juliandri, joined the Lithon family in September 2021. In fact, as the daughter of Lithon founders, Adriaan and Adri Grobler, she was really born into the family! Despite having never intended to work with her parents, Juliandri is feeling right at home, and loving her job.   1. Tell us…

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What Does a Mechanical Engineer Do

What Does a Mechanical Engineer Do

From inventing the wheel to perfecting flight, mechanical engineering has been responsible for major inventions that have shaped the world as we know it.  Mechanical engineering revolves around motion and energy transfer and uses mathematics, science, and technology to solve real-world problems.  Read on to find out more about what mechanical engineers do.   What…

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7 Characteristics of a Successful Engineer

7 Characteristics of a Successful Engineer

Engineers are the inventors, designers, problem solvers, and builders of the world we live in. They are often called ‘unsung heroes’ because they design products that we use every day without even knowing it. But engineers also invent new technologies that change our lives in big ways. Here are some typical character traits that help…

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Meet Muhenje, Experienced electrical engineer

Meet Muhenje, Experienced electrical engineer

Experienced electrical engineer, Muhenje, joined the Lithon ranks in August 2021. We recently had a chance to sit down with him and find out what he loves most about his job and working at Lithon. Why did you choose to become an electrical engineer? I was attracted to electrical work from a very young age.…

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What does a structural engineer do?

What does a structural engineer do?

The Colosseum, the Eiffel Tower, the London Underground, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Taipei 101 all have one thing in common – a structural engineer turned them from an idea into a reality. Structural engineering is part of the broader field of civil engineering. It ensures that the ‘bones’ of a structure can confidently stand…

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7 things to know about engineers

7 things to know about engineers

Ever wondered what engineers are really like? Let’s take a lighthearted look at these complex problem solvers with some insight from someone who’s been married to a civil engineer for almost 15 years. They can be masters of DIY. This will depend on their field of engineering, but it’s likely that home DIY projects will…

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Meet George Uusiku, engineering technician

Meet George Uusiku, engineering technician

Given that he’s been an integral part of the Lithon team for more than a decade, it’s rather fitting that George Uusiku’s friends nicknamed him ‘Lithon Guy’ on the day he received his job offer. We chatted to him recently to find out what his average day looks like, what he appreciates about Lithon’s culture,…

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What does an electrical engineer do?

What does an electrical engineer do?

It’s almost impossible to give a short answer to this question, but if we had to try, we’d say that electrical engineers are the brains behind anything to do with electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. So that’s how it comes to be that power stations, the internet, navigation systems, and telecommunication networks – seemingly very different…

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What is venture engineering anyway?

What is venture engineering anyway?

The Lithon Group has recently launched a Venture Engineering division to identify and create new business and development opportunities in Africa. Wondering what venture engineering is all about? And why a consulting engineering firm is initiating its own projects and developments? We answer these questions and more right here. What is venture engineering?  The short…

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What does an engineer do?

What does an engineer do?

Engineering is all around us. And we engage with it every day in almost every aspect of our lives. From the smartphone that connects you to your world to the car that gets you from A to B and the office building you work in – all of these require the specialised skills of an…

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Meet Hannes Van Schalkwyk, civil engineer

Meet Hannes Van Schalkwyk, civil engineer

Hannes van Schalkwyk was born in Namibia, but with a father who worked as an accountant for a mining company, he spent much of his childhood in South Africa, moving from one small town to another. In 1996, having completed his engineering studies at Technikon Pretoria, he returned to his country of birth and, before…

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Meet Fabianus Gomachab, structural engineer

Meet Fabianus Gomachab, structural engineer

Fabianus Gomachab is a natural storyteller and teacher who shares his passion for engineering in understandable and relatable ways. He’s also an avid reader and sports fan, loves spending time with his wife, family, and friends, and recently started farming sheep and goats – not that surprising, considering he comes from a family of cattle…

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Tsumeb Urban Eco-Village

Tsumeb Urban Eco-Village

At the Lithon Group, we are passionate about new venture creation through greenfield deal-making and development services. To illustrate this, we’re introducing an initiative of our own – and it’s not only a first for Namibia, but it’s also quickly become Lithon Holdings CEO Adriaan Grobler’s all-time favourite project. This is none other than the…

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Meet Willie Knouwds, Sales Business Unit Leader

Meet Willie Knouwds, Sales Business Unit Leader

Willie Knouwds arrived at Lithon in March 2020, just days before the start of the Covid pandemic. But joining the company as the team was forced into lockdown certainly hasn’t stopped him from getting down to business and becoming an invaluable member of the Lithon family. As the Sales Business Unit Leader, Willie leads and…

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Studies: fundamental to project success

Studies: fundamental to project success

At Lithon, extensive research and feasibility studies are an integral part of our project advisory and consulting engineering offerings. These scientific analyses determine the viability of a proposed project by considering risk factors and how likely the project is to succeed. “Without these studies, the potential success of a project is unknown, and it may…

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Meet Dalene Vries, Incorporated Engineer in Training

Meet Dalene Vries, Incorporated Engineer in Training

Dalene Vries has a family she loves, a career she’s passionate about, and she’s about to start work on her dream project. But it took plenty of dedication and hard work for her to get to this point, including studying civil engineering part-time, while being a mom of two with a full-time job! We caught…

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Why every company needs an X-team

Why every company needs an X-team

When Namibia recorded its first cases of Covid-19 in March 2020, Lithon was perfectly positioned to meet the pandemic’s challenges head-on and seamlessly transitioned to remote work within a single weekend. And that’s largely thanks to the company’s strategic planning and its earlier deployment of an X-Team – a group of young employees tasked with…

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Meet Cilliers Steyn, Graduate Civil Engineer

Meet Cilliers Steyn, Graduate Civil Engineer

Cilliers Steyn was introduced to Lithon in 2015, when he completed a year of in-service training with the company while studying civil engineering. The encounter was a win-win – Lithon found a young engineer passionate about his chosen field, while Cilliers found a company with a culture that spoke to his heart and a team…

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The rise of the aerotropolis

The rise of the aerotropolis

Dr John D. Kasarda tells us that “airports will shape business location and urban development in the 21st century as much as highways did in the 20th century, railroads in the 19th and seaports in the 18th.” If you haven’t come across the term aerotropolis before, this is what is meant by it.  The aerotropolis…

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Towards a renewable future

Towards a renewable future

Harnessing the power of renewable resources like wind, sunlight and rain may not be a new concept, but it is one that’s becoming increasingly critical to the survival of our planet. As a key enabler of sustainable development, renewable energy is highlighted in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to “ensure access to…

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A favourite project: the Husab Mine Access Road

A favourite project: the Husab Mine Access Road

When our Husab Mine Access Road project was completed in June 2014, it boasted the longest bridge to be constructed since Namibia’s independence and was recognised for how it handled an environmentally sensitive area. But this infrastructure project is notable at Lithon Namibia for another reason – and is an all-time favourite of CEO Gert…

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Meet Bartle Rautenbach, Engineering Technician

Meet Bartle Rautenbach, Engineering Technician

Bartle Rautenbach (affectionately referred to by his colleagues as Oom Bartle) was born in Usakos, a small town on the banks of the Khan River in the Erongo Region. He joined the Lithon office in Swakopmund (just 140 km away from his birthplace) in January 2009 at the peak of his career – one that…

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From the desk of Adriaan Grobler

From the desk of Adriaan Grobler

What is impact investing? Over the last decade, impact investing has been seen more regularly, by both business and public sectors, as a new asset class, capable of providing market related returns on investments. In fact, it’s recently become a megatrend in the investment world as impact investors seek financial returns while making a positive…

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Engineering for good: sustainable development projects changing lives

Engineering for good: sustainable development projects changing lives

In her foreword for the Engineering a Better World conference programme, Dame Ann Dowling, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, outlines the critical role that engineering must play as civilization moves ahead.  After calling attention to the breakthrough achievements of the engineering industry in the 20th century, she notes that, “we are far from…

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From the desk of Adriaan Grobler

From the desk of Adriaan Grobler

The impact and effectiveness of Development Finance Institutions Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) aim to bridge the investment gap between commercial investments and state development aid in developing countries. Given their public funding and developmental mission, DFIs tolerate more risk with their longer view on investments. They’re also not constrained the way private investors are. This…

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Meet Richard Laborn, Head of Civil and Transportation

Meet Richard Laborn, Head of Civil and Transportation

Coming from a family of Caterpillar mechanics, Richard bucked the trend by becoming an engineer. In his 30-year career, he’s worked on a number of large-scale projects, including the Tati Nickel Activox project in Botswana and the Sishen South Mine development in South Africa. With a wealth of expertise and three decades of on-the-job experience,…

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A closer look at civil engineering

A closer look at civil engineering

Civil engineering has been around for a very long time. It’s one of the oldest types of engineering (second only to military engineering), and it deals with the design and construction of infrastructure like roads, dams, bridges, and sewage systems. In fact, the construction of the pyramids of Giza, between 2550 and 2490 BC, could…

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Meet Amarildo Paulo, Oshakati Branch Manager

Meet Amarildo Paulo, Oshakati Branch Manager

Smart, confident and charismatic, Amarildo Paulo was introduced to Lithon in June 2009, when the company gave him a bursary to continue his civil engineering studies in Cape Town. More than a decade later, he’s still with the consulting engineering firm, managing its Oshakati branch remotely from Windhoek. We spent some time with him recently…

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PMS Visual Assessment and Budget Recommendations, Otjiwarongo

PMS Visual Assessment and Budget Recommendations, Otjiwarongo

Visual assessments of about 82 km of surfaced roads and 26 km of gravel roads around Otjiwarongo and compiling a 5-year maintenance budget with recommendations.  The visual assessments were done in accordance with the relevant PMS methodologies. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES Visual assessments and feedback on pavement conditions Cost estimates for the proposed rehabilitation and maintenance…

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Namcor Retail Fuel Station in Otavi

Namcor Retail Fuel Station in Otavi

Planning, design and construction supervision of the new fuel station, which included all forecourt components and a convenience store/shop. The engineering disciplines included Civil, Structural, Mechanical and Electrical. New building services required were sewer, stormwater, fire protection, domestic water supply, bulk and domestic electrical supplies, stand-by generator, air-conditioning & ventilation, refrigeration, LPG, kitchen equipment, access…

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Namcor Retail Fuel Station in Mariental

Namcor Retail Fuel Station in Mariental

Planning, design and construction supervision of all engineering disciplines, i.e Civil, Structural, Mechanical and Electrical for the pump and tank installation. The forecourt works included the steel canopy, underground fuel tanks, product lines, electrical and communication, dispensers, spill containment areas, oil separator, stormwater and 3 pump islands. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES Client liaison. Principle Agent. Coordination…

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Namcor Retail Fuel Station in Karasburg

Namcor Retail Fuel Station in Karasburg

Planning, design and construction supervision of the new fuel station, which included all forecourt components and a convenience store/shop. The engineering disciplines included Civil, Structural, Mechanical and Electrical. New building services required were sewer, stormwater, fire protection, domestic water supply, bulk and domestic electrical supplies, stand-by generator, air-conditioning & ventilation, refrigeration, LPG, kitchen equipment, access…

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NamPower Rural Electrification Project – Shamukweni Locality

NamPower Rural Electrification Project – Shamukweni Locality

Lithon Project Consultants was appointed as engineers for NamPower’s Rural Electrification of Oshamukweni Locality in the Okongo area of Ohangwena Region. This project includes a 14km Medium Voltage line, four 33/0.4kV transformers and about 4 km Low Voltage electrical networks that supplies power to the required facilities. This project was executed at a total cost…

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VEN Pre/Post Installation Inspection

VEN Pre/Post Installation Inspection

As part of a larger effort to increase their energy efficiency, Vivo Energy Namibia has installed solar photo-voltaic (PV) power systems at a select group of Shell fuel stations. Following the initial success of solar power installation at these stations, and the continued drive to harness clean energy at all their fuel stations, the company…

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Meet Lynn Stephansen

Meet Lynn Stephansen

Lynn has spent most of her career in the consulting engineering industry. It’s here, she says, that she learned the value of teamwork – and came to realise that even small and seemingly insignificant components can make or break a project. After taking a career detour and spending four years as a professional event manager,…

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The Oshakati Open Market

The Oshakati Open Market

Oshakati is the capital city of Namibia’s Oshana region and is home to about 37,000 inhabitants. In 2008, Lithon Project Consultants (LPC) was appointed by the Town Council to work on the development of a new Oshakati Open Market to replace the existing market. According to Namibia’s NBC News, the project formed part of the…

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The growing significance of agricultural engineering

The growing significance of agricultural engineering

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the term agricultural engineering? Tractors? Irrigation? Grain silos? While these form an important part of this highly specialised branch of engineering, there’s a lot more to it – especially when it comes to sustainability. Let’s take a look.   What is agricultural engineering? Agricultural…

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From the desk of Adriaan Grobler

From the desk of Adriaan Grobler

Harnessing impact investing to advance human wellbeing in Africa. “We can transform our anxiety into passion. Fear can become hope. The moment demands deep and unwavering commitment to transforming it all. The economy. The planet. The way we treat, see, and live with one another.” – Jessy Tolkan In his book Impact: Reshaping Capitalism to…

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The what, why and how of mechanical engineering

The what, why and how of mechanical engineering

Did you know that mechanical engineering is one of the oldest engineering disciplines? Or that aerospace engineering is one of its many branches? Or even that cruise control was invented by a blind mechanical engineer named Ralph Teetor? Mechanical engineering is a fascinating discipline with a multitude of real-world applications, but before we get ahead…

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Modern marvels of structural engineering

Modern marvels of structural engineering

Why do we feel confident taking lifts to the tops of tall buildings or driving through kilometres-long tunnels? Because structural engineers have made it safe for us to do so. These highly skilled professionals take architectural designs and ambitions and make them structurally possible. As the Institution of Structural Engineers explains, they “design the strength…

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Finding purpose through Lithon Staff Development Programme

Finding purpose through Lithon staff development programme

Lithon Project Consultants CEO, Gert Maritz, is incredibly excited about the expanding possibilities at the Namibian-based engineering consulting firm. Along with his raft of new responsibilities, he is deeply committed to overseeing and advancing the staff development plan he designed during his tenure as COO. Formally implemented over two years ago, the programme is based…

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Meet Fred Mudge

Meet Fred Mudge

Meet Fred Mudge   2021 has been a big year for structural engineer Fred Mudge. Not only does it mark his fourth year as a member of the Lithon team, but he’s also just married his university sweetheart. We chatted with him on his first day back from his honeymoon in Zanzibar to find out…

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Meet Magretha Vlok, COO of Lithon Holdings

Meet Magretha Vlok, COO of Lithon Holdings

Magretha Vlok isn’t most people’s idea of a typical engineer. Colourful and confident, with a sense of style to match – she firmly believes that “beige isn’t a colour” and has been known on occasion to team tartan with African and animal prints. This newly appointed COO of Lithon Holdings brings energy, experience and a…

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Project Management at Lithon Project Consultants

Project management at Lithon project consultants

At Lithon, we’ve recognised the pivotal role project management plays in delivering well-executed and cost-effective projects. As part of our long-term strategic plan for the business, we established a dedicated Project Management Office (PMO) in early 2020, headed up by our COO, Scott Richards. Our goal? To not only develop an effective project management culture…

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9 fascinating facts about mining

9 fascinating facts about mining

Mining may not be something most of us think about, but this multi-billion dollar industry plays a fundamental role in our everyday lives – there are over 15 different mined minerals in the average car, for example, and it requires as many as 35 mined minerals to produce a television. Now that we’ve got you…

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A look at some of the world’s best and worst roads

A look at some of the world’s best and worst roads

Over 1.4 billion cars currently travel on roads ranging from small country lanes and quiet backroads to mid-city routes and multi-lane highways. Some, like the ones we drive on every day, make very little impression on us, while others are triumphs of engineering that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Here are some…

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Providing expert skills in road and transportation infrastructure

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…

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Lithon Foundation: Caring for Namibia’s most vulnerable

Lithon Foundation: Caring for Namibia's most vulnerable

Established in 2014 to formalise Lithon’s commitment to Corporate Social Investment, the Lithon Foundation exists to bring hope and possibility to people and communities.  “Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the souls you can, in every place you can, at all the times you can, with all…

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Mentorship: It’s part of the strategy

Mentorship: It’s part of the strategy

In 2002, Adriaan and Adri Grobler founded Lithon with a vision of positively impacting people’s lives. Initially, their focus was on making a meaningful difference to nearby communities in need. However, as the business developed, and the team grew, it became clear that they could also realise their vision within the company itself – by…

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Meet Gert Grobler, Lithon Executive Director

Meet Gert Grobler, Lithon Executive Director

Gert may be a recent addition to the Lithon team, but already the effect of his creativity, innovative thinking and complex problem-solving skills are being felt by the business. An actuary with a strong financial and business acumen, Gert is energised by those around him and committed to positively impacting the lives of others in…

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Meet Scott Richards – Head of Project Management at Lithon

Meet Scott Richards - Head of Project Management at Lithon

Scott Richards started his journey with Lithon in early 2019 as a project management consultant. Now, almost two years later, he’s a member of the Exco team and is heading up an exciting new project management business unit. We chatted to him to find out about his transition from engineering to project management, his focus…

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How a successful CSI programme benefits everyone

How a successful CSI programme benefits everyone

In 2019, “companies spent an estimated R10.2 billion on corporate social investment (CSI) in South Africa.” (Trialogue Business in Society Handbook 2019) The retail and wholesale (22%), mining and quarrying (19%) and financial services (16%) sectors made up the top three contributors. While CSI is not to be confused with a company’s purpose, the two…

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O.R. Tambo Airport – Runway upgrade

O.R. Tambo Airport – Runway upgrade

OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) is situated in Kempton Park in Johannesburg, South Africa, and was opened in 1952. According to the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA), it’s not only the company’s flagship airport, it’s also the “biggest and busiest airport in Africa.” In March 2018, Lithon Project Consultants was appointed by ACSA to…

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