NEWSWORTHY
Above : PPC and Sinoma Overseas sign agreement for new R3 billion best-inclass cement plant . Left : Mr Linhe Zhu ( Chairman , Sinoma Overseas ) and , right , Mr Matias Cardarelli ( CEO , PPC )
NEW CEMENT PLANT FOR PPC
The leading Southern African supplier of cement and related products , PPC Ltd , has signed a memorandum of agreement with Sinoma Overseas Development Company Ltd for the construction of a new R3 billion state-of-the-art integrated cement plant in the Western Cape . PPC and Sinoma , the leading cement equipment and engineering company in the world , entered into a strategic co-operation agreement in July 2024 to collaborate with each other to identify new projects and opportunities to improve efficiencies at PPC ’ s operations . The 1,5 million tons of cement per annum plant , which will replace and increase existing capacity , is planned to be constructed at one of PPC ’ s current sites . The new plant will be equipped with the latest technology , including a fully dedicated solar generation system and will enable PPC to supply the lowest-carbon cement in the country . Overall , the technology will result in substantial improvements in energy efficiency , reduced coal consumption and lower emissions per ton of cement produced . Subject to PPC ’ s board approval , it is anticipated that the construction of the new plant will start in the second quarter of 2025 and will be commissioned by the end of calendar year 2026 .
A GLOBAL SYMPHONY : DELIVERING CHEVAL BLANC SEYCHELLES
95 stakeholders from five continents came together on a small island in the middle of the Indian Ocean , working in harmony to deliver the prestigious Cheval Blanc Seychelles resort . This project is a testament to international collaboration and resilience and stands as a beacon of ultra-luxury and architectural ingenuity .
Atvantage , the project managers , played a pivotal role in orchestrating this ambitious endeavour . Under their leadership , the project weathered the COVID-19 pandemic without interruption , showcasing their innovative project management methodologies and technology . The result is a world-class resort on the pristine shores of Anse Intendance , designed to redefine luxury .
Project Timeline & Scope The project began in January 2020 , with demolition commencing later that year and the main contractor appointed in February 2021 . Despite numerous challenges the resort officially opened its doors on December 1 , 2024 . Initially aimed at reusing the existing footprint of the former Banyan Tree Seychelles , the project underwent a significant transformation . Instead of partial renovation , it involved the complete reconstruction of all structural and civil infrastructure . From the original footprint , only approximately 1,000m ² were retained , which now stands dwarfed within the new expansive gross building area of 28,000m ².
The resort boasts 52 villas , each with a rim-flow pool . These include 24 Beach Villas , ranging from 175m ² one-bedroom layouts to a 341m ² three-bedroom design with direct beach access . The crown jewel of the resort is a sprawling 1,500m ² fivebedroom Beach Villa , offering unmatched luxury with features such as a private gym , spa , commercial kitchen , and two exquisite pools . Nestled against the mountainside , another 28 Hill Villas offer breathtaking ocean views . Ingeniously designed with bespoke foundation structures , these villas are suspended sometimes as high as 6 to 12m above the ground on columns , blending seamlessly with the tree canopies .
Challenges and Triumphs The construction journey was not without obstacles . Building on challenging contour profiles required custom-designed materials and tailored solutions for each villa ’ s foundation . Every element , from tiles to fixtures , was custom-made and imported , emphasising the bespoke nature of this project . Cheval Blanc Seychelles stands as a triumph of resilience , collaboration , and innovation , redefining island luxury . www . chevalblanc . com
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