Posts Tagged ‘Lithon Holdings’
What Does a Transport Engineer Do?
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…
Read MoreMeet 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…
Read MoreWindhoek 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.
Read MoreRedirection 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.
Read MoreMeet 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…
Read More5 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…
Read MoreWhat 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…
Read MoreMeet 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…
Read MoreWhat 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…
Read More7 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…
Read MoreMeet 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.…
Read MoreWhat 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…
Read More7 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…
Read MoreMeet 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,…
Read MoreWhat 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…
Read MoreWhat 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…
Read MoreWhat 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…
Read MoreNavigating times of crisis
The world had barely emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic when the Russia-Ukraine war began to send shockwaves around the globe. This conflict has not only created a humanitarian crisis, it has also affected the availability and cost of essential goods and materials like food, fertiliser and fuel. What can business leaders do to future-proof their…
Read MoreMeet 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…
Read MoreLithon’s development model: a catalyst for change
Lithon’s new Venture Engineering division was born from a commitment to make a significant impact on people’s lives, and a firm belief that success starts with collaboration. Between those with the means to finance innovation, those with available resources for development, and those with the necessary expertise to bring the two together and facilitate a…
Read MoreA favourite project: the Monte Christo Road upgrade
The Monte Christo Road upgrade is set to have a significant impact on the city of Windhoek. The project officially started in August 2020 – and fortunately, design work was able to continue despite the Covid-19 pandemic. “Monte Christo Road lies at the heart of the Windhoek community and forms a vital part of the…
Read MoreMeet 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…
Read MoreTsumeb 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…
Read MoreMeet 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…
Read MoreStudies: 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…
Read MoreWhy 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…
Read MoreMeet 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…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreTowards 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…
Read MoreA 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…
Read MoreMeet 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…
Read MoreFrom 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…
Read MoreEngineering 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…
Read MoreFrom 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…
Read MoreMeet 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,…
Read MoreA 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…
Read MoreMeet 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…
Read MoreFrom the desk of Adriaan Grobler
Is development aid dead or alive? Development aid or Official Development Assistance (ODA) is defined by the OECD as “government aid that promotes and specifically targets the economic development and welfare of developing countries”. It’s supposed to help developing countries grow economically and uplift communities. But over the past 30 years, the impact of development…
Read MorePMS 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…
Read MoreNamcor 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…
Read MoreNamcor 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…
Read MoreNamcor 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…
Read MoreNamPower 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…
Read MoreVEN 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…
Read MoreMeet 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,…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreMeet Marsia
Meet Marsia Marsia Reed is a woman with purpose. And hard work has never held her back from achieving her goals. Capetonian by birth, Marsia moved to Namibia in 1990 – the same year the country gained its independence. Today, through the Lithon Foundation, she is helping to bring love and hope to the…
Read MoreFrom 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…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreModern 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…
Read MoreFinding 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…
Read MoreMeet 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…
Read MoreMeet 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…
Read MoreProject 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…
Read More9 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…
Read MoreLithon Foundation: Helping to tackle HIV/AIDS in Namibia
According to 2019 UNAIDS estimates, there are between 190,000 and 220,000 adults and children in Namibia living with HIV. As part of its outreach programme, and its ongoing commitment to uplifting the children of Namibia, the Lithon Foundation has teamed with two incredible organisations supporting AIDS orphans in the country. “Little by little, bit by…
Read MoreStrategic Executive Changes at Lithon
For nearly 20 years, Lithon has been led by a dynamic team committed to making a positive and significant impact in people’s lives. In 2016 we developed a strategic plan for our next 30 years, and, as a result, we’re delighted to share some exciting changes to our executive team. Our vision is to grow…
Read MoreElectrical Engineering: Moving the world forward
If you’re doing the laundry, driving to the supermarket, heating last night’s leftovers or watching your favourite series, you’re benefiting from innovations in electrical engineering (electricity, electronics and electromagnetism). And although it’s a relatively new discipline, it’s changed and continues to change the way we live, work, communicate and more. A broad and exciting field,…
Read MoreGrowing Leaders: The African Leadership Institute
The Lithon Foundation, which is a registered section 21 company and welfare organisation, is dedicated to “bringing love and hope to people and organisations through networking and collaboration.” An excellent example of this type of collaboration is the Foundation’s involvement with the Namibia-based African Leadership Institute (ALI). Founded in 2005, ALI’s mission is to inspire…
Read MoreA 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…
Read MoreMeet Adri Grobler, Finance and Administrative Manager at Lithon
With a heart to serve communities in need, Adri Grobler co-founded Lithon with her husband, Adriaan, in 2002. In the early days, they operated the company from their garage converted into an office with just one staff member to help out with admin. Now, almost two decades later, Lithon has grown into a group of…
Read MoreMeet 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…
Read MoreMeet 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…
Read MoreLithon Holdings: Working together for a better world
Lithon Holdings is a group of companies specialising in innovative engineering and sustainable development. Our highly skilled team offers clients everything from consultation, conceptualisation, research and development planning to seamless project management and efficient execution from our offices in Namibia, South Africa, and Ghana. But more than that, we are a company committed to building…
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