CHALLENGES IN MEETING FUNCTIONAL
AND SUSTAINABILITY NEEDS OF
INFRASTRUCTURE IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
Dr. Michael N Mulenga, FEIZ, MASCE, REng
UNZA-School of Engineering
FUTURISTIC BUILT ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION, BEST PRACTICES, AND
STANDARD FOR SOUTHERN AFRICA, NCC, Lusaka, Zambia , 24-25th
February 2011
Overview of Presentation
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Introduction
Conception, Design and Specifications
Materials of Construction
Construction, refurbishment and
maintenance of constructed facilities
Monitoring, Evaluation and Feedback
Conclusions and Recommendations
Introduction
Zambia-Country Profile
Landlocked country
 Land Area 752, 612 sq km
 Population 12.9 million
 Total Road Network 67,671 km
 Core Road Network 40,000 km
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Introduction (Cont’d)
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Southern Africa is endowed with large amounts of
construction raw materials
Manufactured materials such as structural and
reinforcing steel, cement and masonry units are
produced locally
Zambia imports different various manufactured
materials from the region and other countries
Limited number of harmonized standards and codes
of practice exist
Conception, design and
specifications
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Successful construction projects require a thorough thought
process to ensure performance to expectations
Concerted efforts are required between the various
players (planners to designers and contractors)
Poorly planned and executed projects can lead to disaster
The design process should be subjected to a quality
assurance plan to ensure responsibility, accountability and
traceability.
Conception, design and
specifications (Cont’d)
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The specifications should be ‘green’ and should
encourage innovation.
New materials of construction and related practices
can be promoted through intelligent specifications
and advocacy.
Issues of the Climate Change, for example, should
be incorporated in our standards, codes of practice
and specifications.
Materials of construction
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The behavior of constructed facilities depends to a
large extent on the materials that are incorporated
in the construction.
Basic materials such as the aggregates have to be
blended and used in prescribed quantities
Manufactured materials have to be used ingeniously
to satisfy strength, functional and serviceability
requirements.
Use of novel materials of construction, such as
composites, re-use and recycling of materials are
all feasible options.
Materials (Cont’ d)
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For cost effectiveness and sustainability, emphasis
should be placed on effective use the locally
available construction materials
Standardization is key to promoting regional and
international, bilateral and multi-lateral agreements
that promote socio-economic developmental
SADC and COMESA protocols emphasize ‘trade
beyond borders’
maintenance of constructed
facilities
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To meet present and future needs, as well as
heritage requirements, novelty in design,
construction and maintenance is required
Education and Training and Research and
Development (R & D) are major inputs.
Strong partnerships are required amongst
stakeholders, to achieve futuristic built-environment.
Funding for Education, Training and
Research & Development
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The efforts require sustainable funding and
deliberate policies targeted at sustainable built
environment.
One way is to ensure that a percentage of each
contract sum is channeled to education, training,
research and development.
Monitoring, Evaluation and
Feedback
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There is need for monitoring and evaluation of the
processes and the resulting constructed infrastructure.
Mechanisms for feedback and updating of the codes
have to be developed
Information flow to end users should be efficient and
effective, as demanded by the construction industry
Corrective action and improvements can then be
instituted in a timely manner.
Conclusions and
Recommendations
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Several materials of construction, from different
sources are available on the Southern African market.
There is need for harmonization of standards in
Southern African
Standardization is a means by which we can boost
regional and international developmental initiatives
‘Green’ practices and innovation must be encouraged
through intelligent standards, codes of practice and
specifications, as well as advocacy.
Conclusions and
Recommendations (Cont’d)
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Topical issues such as Climate Change need be
incorporated in codes and specifications
development
Robust Specifications should not be looked upon as
‘policing’ mechanisms, but rather ‘opportunities’ for
innovation and sustainability.
Funding and strong partnerships between players is
absolutely essential
THE END